Green leafhopper

Systematic position: Empoasca kerri belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Cicadellidae. This species is a specialized pest that poses a significant threat to legume crops, particularly in regions with warm climates.

Host crops: This leafhopper species primarily damages soybean, bean, peanut, and certain clover crops. The damage manifests as plant weakening due to the insects feeding on the foliage, which leads to stunted growth and impaired physiological development.

Biology and life cycle: Both adults and nymphs are highly mobile and prefer feeding on the undersides of leaves. The life cycle consists of the egg, nymph (instar), and adult stages. In warm climates, the insect is capable of producing multiple generations per year, allowing for rapid population growth under favorable environmental conditions.

Damage and severity: Empoasca kerri feeds by sucking cell sap from plant tissues. Feeding sites develop chlorotic spots, while leaf margins begin to yellow, curl, and eventually undergo necrosis. Severe infestation leads to premature leaf drop and a significant reduction in the yield of grain legumes.

Protection measures: Controlling this pest requires an integrated approach. Key management strategies include:

• Field monitoring using yellow sticky traps to track population spikes.
• Timely application of systemic insecticides when populations exceed economic thresholds.
• Removal of weeds that serve as alternative hosts for the pest.
• Implementation of crop rotation and planting resistant varieties.