A new National Diagnostic Protocol (NDP) has been developed for the exotic meadow spittlebug, Philaenus sprumarius. The meadow spittlebug is one of the most significant exotic insect vectors for the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which is ranked as number 1 among our National Priority Plant Pests, along with the exotic vectors (insects) that carry it, such as the meadow spittlebug.
This new diagnostic protocol will enhance our ability to detect the exotic meadow spittlebug, which is critical in minimising the threat of this exotic insect, and the diseases it carries such as Xylella, from entering Australia and becoming established.
The meadow spittlebug has a wide host range of over 1000 plant species, which makes it a significant disease vector. The meadow spittlebug gets its name from the spittle-like froth produced by the nymphs which helps protect them from predators and drying out. The feeding damage caused by this sap sucking insect alone is generally minor, but it can cause plant stunting if there are severe infestations in certain crops such as strawberries and lucerne. However, it is the ability of the meadow spittlebug to carry and spread Xylella, which causes significant plant health impacts. Xylella causes devastating impacts such as scorched leaves, browning and loss of leaves, stunted shoots, reduced fruit size, dieback and death of many types of agricultural and ornamental plants.
National endorsement of the new meadow spittlebug NDP was obtained in May 2025 through the Plant Health Committee’s Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics. This subcommittee aims to sustain and improve the quality and reliability of plant pest and disease diagnostics in Australia and is progressing several NDPs for Xylella and its vectors.
NDPs are an integral component of Australia’s plant biosecurity system and are developed for use in Australia. NDPs contain detailed information about exotic pests and diseases to enable consistent identification and increased confidence in diagnostic outcomes nationally.
The new NDP was written by Melinda Moir from the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, while peer review and verification were conducted by Birgit Loecker and Roslyn Mirrington from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The development and endorsement of this NDP were coordinated by Plant Health Australia with funding support from the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
For more information about NDPs please contact NDPCoordinator@aff.gov.au.
