Green leafhopper

Systematic position. Amrasca punctata belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadellidae. It is recognized as a significant sap-sucking pest that impacts global agricultural production through direct feeding damage and the potential transmission of various plant pathogens.

Host crops. This species is highly polyphagous, attacking a wide range of botanical families. Primary hosts include vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and okra, as well as industrial crops like cotton and various legumes. Weeds often serve as alternative hosts during the off-season, facilitating the survival of the pest population.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle comprises egg, five nymphal instars, and the adult stage. The development rate is highly dependent on ambient temperatures, with warmer conditions leading to faster generation cycles. Adults and nymphs are highly active and exhibit jumping behavior, making them difficult to target without systematic scouting.

Damage patterns and economic impact. The feeding activity of Amrasca punctata causes characteristic symptoms known as «hopperburn». Leaves become chlorotic, curl upwards, and eventually turn necrotic. This loss of functional leaf area severely impacts the plant's photosynthetic capacity, leading to stunted growth, reduced flowering, and substantial economic losses in yield.

Control measures. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for effective control. This includes deep plowing to destroy overwintering sites, the use of yellow sticky traps for monitoring, and the application of systemic insecticides at the early nymphal stage. Biological control agents, such as predatory bugs and parasitic wasps, can also play a role in suppressing population growth in low-intensity infestations.