There is an article circulating indicating that Lavender is under threat of devastation due to a cicada called Hyalesthes obsoletus, which is a primary vector of the bacteria known as Stolbur phyto-plasma, which attacks grape vines, tomatoes, tobacco, figs, plums, and Lavender as well as other plants.
Hyalesthes obsoletus is particularly fond of hot dry weather, and the insect throve in 2010-2011, spreading Stolbur phyto-plasma, contributing to a reduction in French Lavender yields by approximately 30%. Farmers responded by planting Lavender strains that are resistant to Stolbur phyto-plasma infection. The 2012 yield was still small, but the 2013 harvest is expected to be much bigger. In addition to fields being planted with Stolbur phyto-plasma resistant Lavender, this year the weather in France has been wetter and milder, with temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s, which is bad news for the heat loving Hyalesthes obsoletus and good news for Lavender. This season’s French Lavender flowers should be having more commerce with pollinating honey bees than with the disease carrying cicada.
Essential Wholesale & Labs purchases Lavender from one of the oldest and most expert of Lavender Oil producers in France and the information we are getting from them is that the Stolbur phyto-plasma threat has been addressed and the worst of it is passed. The 2013 Lavender crop should be the biggest in years. So, while it is always a good idea to plan ahead and purchase your oils while there is still ample availability, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to panic. One can never know for absolute certainty until the harvest is done, but Lavender Oil inventories are expected to be plenteous this coming season.
Photo – Bee and Lavander, by Ante Perkovic. 10 June 2007. Courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org.
