Evaluation of the potential of the flea beetlePhyllotreta cruciferaeto transmitXanthomonas campestrispv.campestris, causal agent of black rot of crucifers

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Abstract
In greenhouse tests when flea beetles, Phyllotreta cruciferae, were allowed to feed for 24 h on broccoli plants infected with Xanthomonas capestris pv. campestris (Xcc) and then transferred to healthy plants, transmission of Xcc occurred in 5 of 32 plants (15.6%). When beetles were sprayed with a suspension of Scc (ca. 1.25 .times. 108 colony-forming units per mL) prior to being transferred to healthy brocccoli plants, transmission occured in every case. Black rot did not develop when immigrating flea beetles were collected in cabbage fields and transferred to healthy broccoli plants in the greenhouse. These data are the first to provide evidence of insect transmission of Xcc. However we conclude that there is only a limited potential for P. cruciferae to act as an efficient vector for this pathogen in northern New York State [USA].