Potato leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) ecology and integrated pest management focused on alfalfa

Abstract

This article summarizes the knowledge to date on biology of the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), including its distribution, development, migration, agricultural host plants, and mechanics of injury to host plants. Damage to alfalfa, potatoes, soybeans, and snap beans, and treatment guidelines, are summarized. Particular attention is given to integrated pest management options in alfalfa, the host plant most frequently incurring economically damaging populations of potato leafhopper. Alfalfa scouting and economic thresholds are discussed along with cultural controls and host plant resistance.