Leafhoppers

July 2, 2015

Sucking pests

Leafhopper feeding causes stippling of plant leaves that is similar to damage caused by two-spotted spider mite. Leafhopper feeding can result in leaf distortion, chlorosis, plant stunting, leaf curling, leaf yellowing and necrosis. Extensive feeding damage gives plants a scorched appearance. Both the adults and nymphs are active, typically moving sideways when disturbed.

Leafhopper Adult
Leafhoppers are 3 mm long, slender and wedge-shaped. They are usually yellow to light green, depending on the species. They hold their wings roof-like over their body.

Leafhoppers feed on a wide variety of herbaceous perennials. The aster leafhopper transmits aster yellows disease.

Management

Remove weeds from adjacent areas – many weeds serve as a reservoir for leafhoppers. Contact insecticides may be used against leafhoppers, but control can be difficult because leafhoppers are very mobile.

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Back to IPM scouting to herbaceous perennials.

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