Natasha Witczak

Ms. Natasha Witczak


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
1 September 2025 in Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NWNatasha Witczak
Natasha Witczak
SBSalma Hessen-Pfalz GmbH Salma Benaouda Benaouda
Salma Hessen-Pfalz GmbH Salma Benaouda Benaouda
FWFriederike Wahl
Friederike Wahl
HGHendrik Göbbels
Hendrik Göbbels
CLChristian Lang
Christian Lang
MMMichael Maixner
Michael Maixner
Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) is considered the main vector of three phloem-restricted pathogens, γ-proteobacteria ‘Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus’, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (Stolbur phytoplasma), and 16SrXII-P phytoplasma, which infect two economically important crops, sugar beet and potato. In this study, four pop-up tents (1 m2) were set up in a carrot (Daucus carota L.) field located in Bingen on the Rhine to determine whether egg laying, development of nymphs, and infection is possible on this vegetable. We further show that the planthopper P. leporinus can complete significant parts of its life cycle on carrots in the field, suggesting that it has expanded its host range to this crop in addition to sugar beet and potato. In addition, this study shows that P. leporinus is able to transmit phloem-restricted pathogens to carrots.