Shillong leafhopper

The Shillong leafhopper (Idioscopus shillongensis) is a member of the Hemiptera order and the Cicadellidae family. It is recognized as a significant agricultural pest that primarily targets fruit-bearing trees, specifically those in the Anacardiaceae family, causing economic losses in tropical fruit production.

The primary host plant for this species is the mango tree (Mangifera indica). Both nymphs and adult insects feed on the sap of inflorescences, young leaves, and developing fruitlets. This feeding process directly interferes with the plant's reproductive cycle, leading to "blossom blight" symptoms.

The biological cycle of this leafhopper is highly dependent on ambient temperature and host plant phenology. It undergoes a process of incomplete metamorphosis, transitioning through egg, nymph, and adult stages. The rapid turnover of generations allows the population to explode during the peak blooming period of mango trees.

The damage caused by Idioscopus shillongensis is multifaceted. Beyond the loss of sap, the accumulation of honeydew secreted by the leafhoppers facilitates the growth of sooty mold (Capnodium spp.). This fungal growth covers the foliage and inflorescences, significantly hindering the tree's photosynthetic activity.

To mitigate the impact of this pest, farmers should implement a robust Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy:

• monitoring insect density using sticky traps during the pre-flowering stage;
• judicious pruning of infested branches to reduce population reservoirs;
• application of appropriate systemic or contact insecticides when necessary;
• encourage the presence of biological control agents such as predatory spiders and hymenopteran parasitoids.