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Potato Leafhopper
The potato leafhopper invades North Dakota fields by June following migration of the leafhoppers from southern states where they overwinter. Leafhoppers can be found in dry beans, alfalfa, soybeans, and others. The adults, which are quite mobile and move from field to field, may migrate from alfalfa fields being cut.
The small (1/8 in.), pale green, wedge-shaped winged adults move rapidly by jumping. Sweep nets are useful for confirming their presence in a field. The nymphs are paler green, lack wings, and characteristically walk sideways when disturbed on the leaf surface. The nymphs can be found on the undersides of the leaves. The nymphs are generally more damaging than the adults since they feed for several weeks on the leaves where they hatch. Adults move around much more.
Feeding injury by potato leafhoppers results in a symptom called "hopperburn". The visual symptoms include leaves changing from green to yellow to brown as they deteriorate. When leaf injury is present, plant growth is impaired. Control of potentially damaging populations should not be delayed to the point where damage symptoms are visible. Dry growing conditions may further increase the potential for injury from leafhoppers.
The threshold for basing spray decisions is when an average of one leafhopper nymph per trifoliate leaf is found. The nymphs are sampled by selecting leaves, and counting the number present. Sample for the presence of adult leafhoppers by using a sweep net. Do not let infestations and damage progress to the point that yellowing of foliage is easily detected.
Insecticides approved for use to control leafhoppers in dry beans include: Asana XL, Dimethoate EC (Cygon, De-Fend), Malathion 57 EC, Orthene 75S, Penncap-M.
For more information see the Field Crop Insect Management Guide at http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/pests/e1143w1.htm
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