Manna cicada

The Manna cicada (scientific name Tettigia orni, often categorized as Tettigia) belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. These insects are well-known for their acoustic signals and distinct morphology, playing a role in various ecosystems across their geographical range.

From an agricultural perspective, Tettigia is recognized as a pest affecting various fruit trees and woody shrubs. While it is rarely the primary cause of total crop failure, it can cause significant stress to individual trees, especially in orchards where populations are concentrated.

The biological cycle of this insect is remarkably long. The larval stage develops underground over several years, feeding on xylem sap from the roots of host plants. This subterranean existence makes early detection of an infestation quite challenging for growers.

The primary damage occurs during the adult stage. Besides feeding on the sap of twigs and leaves, the females inflict physical damage on plant tissue by using their ovipositors to cut slits in branches for egg-laying. This mechanical wounding often leads to the dieback of shoots.

Strategies for managing and protecting crops against Tettigia include:

• Monitoring adult flight periods to time interventions correctly.
• Pruning and removing branches showing signs of oviposition damage.
• Promoting tree vigor through proper irrigation and fertilization.
• Applying selective insecticides if the pest population reaches economic injury levels.