Mulberry leafhopper

Systematic position: The mulberry leafhopper (Zygina mori) belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadellidae. It is a highly specialized insect species, focusing its life cycle and nutritional needs exclusively on members of the Morus genus.

Host plants and economic impact: The primary host is the mulberry tree (both white and black varieties). This insect is considered a significant pest in sericulture-related areas, as the damage it inflicts reduces the quality and quantity of leaves required for rearing silkworms.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. These insects typically overwinter as adults or eggs in sheltered spots such as bark crevices or leaf litter. They undergo multiple generations per year, with activity peaking during warm, dry summer months, allowing populations to multiply rapidly.

Nature of damage: Leafhoppers use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the underside of leaves. This feeding process drains plant sap, causing the development of chlorotic spots, mottled leaves, and in severe infestations, premature leaf senescence and abscission.

Protection measures: Effective management requires a combination of strategies:

• Sanitation practices, such as removing fallen leaves where adults might hibernate.
• Regular monitoring using sticky traps to determine the optimal timing for interventions.
• Application of selective insecticides that minimize harm to beneficial predators.
• Promotion of natural enemies like parasitoid wasps in the orchard environment.