LEAFHOPPER - there are several different species of leafhopper
in the family Cicadellidae, but none have been reported
as significant pests of daylilies. They are seen on
daylilies from time to time, however, so are included
here for identification purposes. Leafhoppers are usually
less than a half inch in length and mostly cream, yellow,
green or brown in color. Typical feeding damage on
other plants involves piercing leaf tissues and sucking
out the juices, resulting in whitish or yellowish stippling,
and sometimes stunting and distortion with curled brown
leaf tips and edges. Leafhoppers are important vectors
of a number of serious plant diseases. They often run
sideways when disturbed, or hop away. There may be
two to five generations a year. If control is considered
necessary, a forceful spray of water from a hose may
remove young leafhoppers which cannot yet fly. Insecticidal
soap should also be effective. |
