HPIPM:Leafhoppers

Author: Whitney S. Cranshaw and Michael J. Brewer

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Superorder	Paraneoptera
Order	Hemiptera
Suborder	Auchenorrhyncha
Infraorder	Cicadomorpha
Superfamily	Membracoidea
Family	Cicadellidae
Subfamily	Deltocephalinae
Tribe	Chiasmini
Genus	Nephotettix

Scientific Name

Nephotettix nigropictus

Common Name

rice leafhopper

Identification (and life cycle/seasonal history)

Several leafhoppers, primarily aster leafhopper, transmit aster yellow disease. Leafhoppers do not overwinter well in our region. When occasional late season damage and disease transmission occurs, it is the result of northerly migrations of adults into our region, and the generation that is produced from this migration. During heavy flights of infected leafhoppers, disease transmission can be high. Eggs are laid in stems. Both immatures and adults suck plantsap from leaves and stems. They are generally small (less than five millimeters (1/4 inch) in length. The wings are held arched over the back.

Plant Response and Damage

Leafhopper immatures and adults suck the sap from their host plants. During feeding, infected insects, principally aster leafhopper, can transmit aster yellows disease. Transmission of this disease to carrot results in hairy roots and leaves that are bunchy and miscolored. Infection typically occurs in late July through August.

Cultural Control

As a supplement to other control strategies, removing weed hosts along field edges can reduce the number of leafhoppers in the area. Also, carrot cultivars vary in their susceptibility to the disease.

Biological Control

Winter mortality is a principal mortality factor of leafhoppers in our region.

Chemical Control

Leafhopper control can reduce the incidence of aster yellows. During heavy flights of infective leafhoppers, repeat applications at short intervals may be needed. Insecticidal coverage can be terminated two weeks prior to harvest since symptoms of the disease require 10 to 14 days to develop on carrots.

Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the sponsors of this web site assume no liability for the suggested use of any chemicals noted in the management section. Contact your local pest management personnel for current information on labeled pesticides that can be used for the intended plant disease, insect pest or weed.