New Zealand leafhopper

The New Zealand leafhopper (Anzygina zealandica) is a small but persistent pest belonging to the family Cicadellidae (order Hemiptera). Originally native to the Australasian region, it has become a significant concern for agricultural producers and gardeners globally due to its invasive nature and feeding habits.

This pest is primarily known for attacking grapevines, though it also infests various broad-leaved ornamental plants and fruit-bearing shrubs. Its ability to thrive on a variety of hosts makes it a versatile and difficult pest to eradicate once it establishes a foothold in a specific environment or vineyard.

The lifecycle of the New Zealand leafhopper consists of egg, nymphal stages, and adult. Females deposit eggs into plant tissue, and nymphs emerge to feed on the underside of leaves. Due to the rapid development cycle, the species can produce multiple overlapping generations during a single growing season, leading to massive infestations.

Feeding damage is characterized by chlorotic spotting on leaves, caused by the extraction of chlorophyll and cell sap by the nymphs and adults. In cases of high infestation, this stippling effect leads to leaf senescence and early defoliation. Furthermore, the insect acts as a potential vector for various plant pathogens, further compromising plant health.

Effective management requires a combination of strategies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs include:

• monitoring using sticky traps;
• maintaining good vineyard hygiene by removing weeds;
• applying selective insecticides when threshold levels are reached;
• encouraging natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.