Increasing global trade and climate change make it easier for harmful pests to spread, putting agriculture at risk. One such threat in Washington State is the re-emergence of X-disease, which is particularly dangerous to the Pacific Northwest’s tree fruit industry. This disease, carried by tiny insects called leafhoppers, causes cherry trees to produce small, bitter, and misshapen fruit, making them unsellable. Farmers currently rely on controlling these leafhoppers with pesticides and removing infected trees, but these methods come at a huge economic and environmental cost. The heavy use of pesticides, especially after the fruit is harvested, harms the environment and could weaken the health of farming ecosystems in the long run. This has created an urgent need for more sustainable pest management approaches. Our research focuses on finding a better way to control these pests by using nature itself. However, very little is known about the natural enemies of these leafhoppers in Washington State. That’s where our study comes in. We’ve developed a new tool that can quickly identify the presence of the leafhoppers, the X-disease pathogen, and two potential pest-fighting insects—a big-headed fly and a pincer wasp—all in one test. This innovative approach combines modern molecular technology with traditional pest control methods, offering a more effective and eco-friendly solution. While our strategy is aimed at helping the Pacific Northwest’s tree fruit industry right now, it could also be adapted to tackle similar pest threats in other regions.

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