Leafhoppers

Description: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects belonging to the Cicadellidae family. They vary in color from green, yellow, brown, to black and are typically 3-12 mm in length. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts used to feed on plant sap.

Life Cycle:

  • Adults: Agile, wedge-shaped insects with wings that fold over the body at rest.
  • Eggs: Laid in plant tissues, usually in stems or leaf veins.
  • Nymphs (Larvae): Resemble smaller versions of adults, pass through several molts before reaching adulthood.

Egg Laying and Hatch Time:

  • Eggs: Laid inside plant tissues, often protected within plant stems or veins.
  • Hatch: Eggs typically hatch within 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.

Damage to Plants: Leafhoppers damage plants by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out sap. This feeding action weakens plants, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves (known as "hopperburn"), and potentially transmitting diseases like aster yellows.

Plants Commonly Attacked: Leafhoppers are known to attack a wide range of plants, including vegetables (beans, potatoes), fruits (grapes), ornamentals (roses, azaleas), and trees (maples).

Prevention and Treatment:

  • Cultural Controls:
    • Weed Management: Remove weeds that serve as alternate hosts for leafhoppers.
    • Crop Rotation: Rotate susceptible plants to reduce pest buildup.
    • Cleanliness: Remove and destroy affected plant parts to reduce overwintering sites.
  • Physical Controls:
    • Row Covers: Use floating row covers to prevent adult leafhoppers from reaching plants.
    • Pruning: Remove heavily infested plant parts to reduce populations.
  • Biological Controls:
    • Predators: Encourage natural enemies like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
    • Microbial Insecticides: Apply products containing Beauveria bassiana or insecticidal soap.
  • Chemical Controls:
    • Insecticides: Use insecticides labeled for leafhoppers, targeting nymphs and adults. Pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are commonly used.
    • Application: Apply insecticides early in the season when leafhopper populations are low to prevent damage.

Affected Plants: Leafhoppers are particularly damaging to crops such as beans, potatoes, grapes, and ornamental plants like roses and azaleas. They can also affect trees such as maples.

By implementing these preventive measures and timely treatments, gardeners can effectively manage leafhopper populations and protect their plants from damage and disease transmission. Regular monitoring is key to detecting and addressing infestations early.