Leafhoppers: symptoms and treatments

Leafhoppers like warm, humid atmospheres. They are most active in spring and summer.

In France, the parasite is very present in the south and south-west. It primarily targets vines and rose bushes. But sage, lavender True lavender, Lavender aspic, Butterfly lavender, etc.), asters, maples, chrysanthemums and azaleas also fall victim. Shrubs, grasses or vegetables, no crop is immune!

Leafhoppers feed on plant sap. Using their rostrum, they sting the plant and suck out the sap. In the process, they introduce a salivary toxin.

From May to September, the females lay their eggs. They cover them with honeydew to protect them from predators. As soon as the embryos have reached the larval stage, they sting the plantations to pump out the sap.

Affected plants have slowed growth. Leaves become discolored and eventually wither. If the attack is massive and the gardener doesn't react, crops dry out and die.

There are several signs that leafhoppers are present. The sting leaves light yellow dots on the leaf blades. Another unmistakable detail: cuckoo spittle. This white foam indicates the location of the eggs. It's the honeydew secreted by adults to defend their offspring.

A leafhopper bite encourages the development of fumagine. It can also transmit viruses and fungi.

You can easily get rid of cuckoo spit. Moss and larvae can't resist a vigorous spray.

To chase away the adults, spray a black soap solution or a decoction of garlic purine on your plans.

Pyrethrum-based insecticides used to control aphids are also effective.

Finally, birds are the natural predators of leafhoppers. Give them a shelter in your garden and they'll thank you for getting rid of the unwanted ones.