Jassids

Amrasca beguttula beguttula

Jassids

Amrasca beguttula beguttula

Leafhoppers, also known as jassids, are destructive sucking pests that significantly affect crops. Thriving in warm and moderately dry conditions, they pose a serious threat by feeding on plant sap, causing damage to leaves and overall plant health. Their ability to multiply rapidly and adapt to adverse conditions makes them a persistent pest.

Key Information About Leafhoppers

1. Symptoms of Damage

• Initial yellowing of leaves.
• Curling and crinkling of leaf edges.
• Drying and death of leaf tips and margins.
• Leaves may take on a bronze appearance with severe infestation.

2. Behavior and Lifecycle

• Behavior:
  • Leafhoppers jump or hop to avoid disturbance, especially in cooler temperatures.
  • Ants may tend some species due to honeydew production.
• Egg-Laying:
  • Females lay 2–3 eggs per day for 30–50 days in plant stems.
  • Eggs hatch in 6–9 days.
• Nymph Development:
  • Nymphs undergo five molts before becoming adults in about two weeks.
  • They primarily feed on the underside of leaves.
• Adult Longevity:
  • Adults live 5–8 weeks, and 10–12 overlapping generations can occur annually.
  • Mating begins 2–16 days after emergence, with oviposition starting 2–7 days post-copulation.
• Adaptability:
  • No true hibernation; adults can survive adverse weather conditions.

3. Ideal Conditions for Development

• Temperature Range:
  • Optimal: 27–36°C.
  • Development ceases below 12–15°C and above 29°C.
• Humidity:
  • Relative humidity below 75% favors multiplication.
• Weather Impact:
  • Cloudy weather promotes pest appearance.
  • Heavy monsoon rains reduce populations.

Management Strategies

• Cultural Controls:
  • Maintain proper plant spacing and weed control to reduce pest habitats.
  • Use resistant cucumber varieties if available.
• Biological Controls:
  • Promote natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings.
• Chemical Controls:
  • Apply recommended insecticides during early pest stages to manage populations.
• Monitoring:
  • Regular scouting for symptoms on leaves and pest presence under leaves can aid in timely intervention.

Conclusion

Leafhoppers are a persistent pest in cucumber crops, particularly under warm and dry conditions. Effective management involves a combination of cultural practices, biological controls, and targeted chemical treatments to minimize their impact and protect yields.