Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers  Leafhoppers are one of the largest families of plant-feeding insects. There are more leafhopper species worldwide than all species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined. Leafhoppers feed by sucking the sap of vascular plants, and are found almost anywhere such plants occur, from tropical rainforests, to arctic tundra. Several leafhopper species are important agricultural pests. Adults are green or brown, wedged shaped and have a forward point on the head. Some have brightly colored bands on the wings. All leafhopper species jump rapidly into flight when disturbed.
Life Cycle- Overwintering leaf hopper adult females start laying eggs in spring when leaves begin to appear on trees. Some species cannot survive cold climates and migrate to warmer regions in the winter. The eggs are laid on leaves and stems and hatch within 10-14 days. The pale wingless nymph leafhoppers resemble adults and hop rapidly when disturbed. Most species have 2-5 generations per year, as overwintering adults or eggs. Leafhoppers can transmit microorganisms that can cause diseases such as yellows.
Susceptible Plants- Most fruit and vegetable crops, also flowers and weeds
Symptoms- Adults and nymph leafhoppers suck juices from the underside of leaves and stems. There toxic saliva distorts and stunts plants and causes tip burn and yellowed curled leaves with white spots on the undersides. Fruits may be spotted with drops of excrement and honeydew. Leafhoppers may spread viral diseases as they feed. Prevention and Control - Wash nymph leafhoppers from plants with stiff sprays of water. Young leafhoppers are easier to control than adults. The first brood is a better target than the second brood because the hatch is relatively synchronous, making a greater proportion of the more susceptible nymphs present at one time. Natural enemies, which include parasitic wasps attack leafhopper eggs, Predators such as spiders, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs; and a fungus are effective biological controls. Introduce or attract natural enemies. Keep gardens well weeded, removing plant debris from the ground. Biological Control- Praying Mantis-Tenodera sinensis, Pesticide Control- SucraShield Sugar-Based Insecticide / Miticide is a sugar-based insecticide/miticide that gives fast-acting control for hundreds of soft-bodied insects like aphids, caterpillars, glassy-winged sharp-shooters, mealy bugs,leafhopper. mites, soft scale, thrips and whitefly. The active ingredient, a sugar ester, attacks the target pests and causes rapid dehydration. SucraShield™ biodegrades into sugar and water in the environment. There is no documented resistance. OMRI LISTED!
|
|
