Influence of Climatic Temperature Variability on the Development of Biology of Scaphoideus titanus in Kosovo

¹Department of Plant Protection, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania

²Laboratory of Plant Protection, Kosovo Institute of Agriculture, Pejë, Kosovo

³ Faculty of Agribusiness, University Haxhi Zeka, Pejë, Kosovo

⁴ Department of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary

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Abstract

Scaphoideus titanus Ball is the primary vector of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp), one of the most destructive grapevine diseases in Europe. The population dynamics and transmission potential of S. titanus are strongly influenced by climatic factors, particularly temperature. In Kosovo, where viticulture represents a key agricultural sector, rising temperature variability linked to climate change is expected to alter the biology and ecology of this vector. This study investigated the effects of temperature fluctuations on S. titanus, focused on egg hatching, nymphal development and adult emergence. Throughout the three years of monitoring, field observations combined with climate data revealed that warmer winter and spring temperatures accelerate egg hatching and shorten nymphal development stage, leading to earlier adult emergence. These findings suggested that temperature variability will be a key determinant in shaping the life cycle of S. titanus under the climatic conditions of Kosovo. Understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing future risks of potential spread of FDp and for designing sustainable, climate-adapted integrated pest management strategies. .

Keywords: Temperature variability; Scaphoideus titanus; life cycle; Kosovo.