A Colladonus geminatus leafhopper. Researchers have found this species of leafhopper can carry Western X, a pathogen linked to little cherry disease. Photo courtesy of Tamara Feenstra The growing incidence of little cherry disease in Pacific Northwest orchards prompted researchers to begin a project last year to survey leafhoppers that might be transmitting Western X, one of three pathogens associated with the disease. Their goal: learn exactly which species of leafhopper, if any, might be transmitting the pathogen, as well as the leafhoppers’ seasonal patterns of movement between affected orchards and alternate host plants, to ultimately begin to develop management […]