Tea green leafhopper

The tea green leafhopper (Empoasca onukii) is a prominent pest belonging to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadellidae. It is widely recognized as one of the most destructive insects affecting tea cultivation, causing severe yield losses in both organic and conventional tea production systems.

This pest specifically targets the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). It feeds predominantly on the sap of young leaves and tender shoots, which are the primary parts harvested for high-quality tea processing. Consequently, the presence of the insect directly impacts the final product's quality.

Regarding its biology, Empoasca onukii undergoes incomplete metamorphosis. Females lay eggs inside the plant tissue of young stems or leaves. After hatching, the nymphs pass through five instar stages while feeding on plant sap. Multiple generations can occur within a single growing season depending on local temperature and humidity levels.

Damage caused by this leafhopper is characterized by "hopper burn," where the edges of leaves curl, turn brown, and dry out. The physiological stress caused by the feeding disrupts photosynthesis and plant metabolism, leading to stunted shoot growth. This significantly reduces the harvest volume and alters the chemical composition of the leaf.

• Deployment of yellow sticky traps to monitor adult leafhopper populations.
• Implementation of frequent harvesting cycles to mechanically remove eggs and nymphs.
• Conservation of natural predators such as spiders, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
• Application of biorational pesticides when population thresholds are exceeded.
• Cultivation of leafhopper-resistant tea varieties to minimize long-term impact.