Common field grasshopper

The common field grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) is a member of the Acrididae family within the order Orthoptera. It is a non-migratory species that is widespread across temperate regions. While it does not form large, destructive swarms like migratory locusts, its populations can reach high levels in agricultural landscapes, causing significant damage to crops.

This pest primarily attacks members of the Poaceae family. The host range includes cereal crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye, as well as maize. Additionally, it causes considerable damage to permanent pastures and cultivated grasslands, impacting the yield of forage crops and reducing the economic value of grazing land for livestock.

The life cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis, comprising the egg, nymph, and adult stages. Overwintering occurs in the egg stage, with eggs deposited in the soil within protective pods. Nymphs emerge in the spring and undergo several molting stages, growing progressively throughout the warmer months, with adult insects being most prevalent from July through late summer.

Damage is caused by the voracious feeding of both nymphs and adults on the foliage of host plants. The insects chew irregular holes in leaf blades and can eventually strip leaves down to the midribs. This feeding behavior reduces the plant's photosynthetic capacity, stunts growth, and can result in severe yield losses if the infestation density is high during critical developmental stages.

Effective management requires an integrated approach. Recommended strategies include:

• Cultural control: deep autumn plowing to destroy egg pods in the soil.
• Habitat management: mowing field margins to reduce favorable breeding conditions.
• Chemical control: applying contact or systemic insecticides if population thresholds are exceeded to minimize crop damage.