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IPM Scouting in Herbaceous Perennials

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Leafhoppers
IPM scouting in herbaceous perennials > leafhoppers
Leafhopper feeding causes stippling of plant leaves that is similar to damage caused by twospotted 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.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.

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.
This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Herbaceous Perennials by Jan Byrne and Raymond A. Cloyd. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2981).
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 8/07/07