ABSTRACT
Metcalfa pruninoss (Say), an American Flatid planthopper recently found in Venetia, is becoming quickly widespread in North-Ease Italy, as a new best of vine. M. pruinosa has only one generation per year; the egg laid under the bark, overwinters and the first nymphs are found on the leaves in May, Population density peaks in mid June in the leaves; in July a large amount of nymphs migrate inside bunches. Adults first appear in July and can be observed as late as October. Dense population of nymphs cause a stunted growth of shoots; nymphs and adults cause a large amount of honeydew and consequently of mould on leaves and inside bunches. The biological control of the species in Italy is unsatisfactorily carried out by unspecific predators. The chemical control of nymphs is difficult due to their mobility and progressive batching; however adults can migrate from weeds and bushes to vineyards after treatment.
