Beet Leafhopper
HOSTS
- Beans
- Beets
- Cucurbits
- Leafy Greens
- Tomato
DESCRIPTION
Adults and nymphs have wedge-shaped bodies varying in color from pale green, gray, or tan. Adults are winged and about 3 mm long. Nymphs are smaller than adults and their wings are not fully developed. Both adults and nymphs will jump when disturbed.
Beet leafhoppers are difficult to differentiate from other leafhopper species.
BIOLOGY
Egg | Nymph | Adult
Beet leafhoppers have multiple generations per year. They overwinter as adults on weeds and volunteer plants in southern Utah. Adults migrate north on spring wind currents. The leafhoppers will live on weeds, until the weeds begin to dry up. The leafhoppers will then move to suitable vegetable hosts to feed and reproduce.
SYMPTOMS
Adults and nymphs feed with piercing sucking mouthparts which can cause shriveled and "burned" (browned) leaves under severe infestations.
The beet leafhopper can also transmit curly top virus to beans, beets, cucurbits, flax, pepper, potato, spinach, squash, Swiss chard, and tomato. Curly top virus symptoms include small twisted leaves with purple veins, thickened crisp leaves, yellowing and death of mature leaves, small fruits that ripen prematurely, reduced fruit quality and yield, and stunted growth. Symptoms of curly top virus may occur in susceptible hosts before nymphs or adults are seen.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
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Direct feeding damage is not economically important, but beet leafhoppers can infect plants with curly top virus for which there is no cure; remove infected plants to slow virus spread.
- Exclude leafhoppers with floating row covers
- Shade tomato and pepper plants
- Destroy and remove plant debris.
- ‘Hide’ susceptible plants among resistant plants.
INSECTICIDES
Insecticide applications directed at leafhoppers are ineffective due to their wide host range, ability to migrate long distances, and rapid virus transmission.