Kudzaishe Precious Mavende

Ms. Kudzaishe Precious Mavende


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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3 June 2026 in Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DJDuncan Douglas Jaroslow
Duncan Douglas Jaroslow
NNNarelle Nancarrow
Narelle Nancarrow
MBMark Blacket
Mark Blacket
CSCait Selleck
Cait Selleck
KMKudzaishe Precious Mavende
Kudzaishe Precious Mavende
TPTrębicki Piotr
Trębicki Piotr
The xylem feeder Bathyllus albicinctus (Aphrophoridae: Cercopoidea: Hemiptera) has been identified as one of the most abundant and widely distributed cercopoid insects in Australia. This native Australian species might potentially vector Xylella fastidiosa, an exotic and deadly plant pathogen, if it were to arrive in Australia. Previous surveys indicated that B. albicinctus is associated with a wide range of plants, further elevating its impact as a potential disease vector. However, it is unknown if all the associated plants are equally viable hosts. Due to the variety of plant records and distribution across the southern half of Australia, it was expected that B. albicinctus would successfully feed and survive on a taxonomically diverse range of plants. In the present study, a small-scale no-choice feeding-controlled glasshouse experiment was completed where insect nymphs were supplied with plants that are economically significant and susceptible to X. fastidiosa. In this experiment, we monitored the maturation and longevity of B. albicinctus, specifically by comparing insect cohorts distinguished by nymph size, host species, or feeding season. This study documented important interactions of life-history factors for B. albicinctus, including suitability of host plant species among insect sex and season. This could indicate that the ability for B. albicinctus to spread X. fastidiosa may vary with host plant species and time of year. These findings provide a vital knowledge framework for future research and surveys to consider when implementing control efforts or tracking plant pathogens that may be spread by B. albicinctus.