Eggplant Insect Pests
 

Leafhoppers
Amrasca biguttula biguttula, Amrasca devastans,
and Hishimonus phycitis


Found in India, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan

Damage Symptoms

Infested leaves curl upwards along the margins. Outer leaf areas appear yellowish or burned. Leaves are extremely small and show a mosaic pattern of yellowing. Fruit-set may be very low.

Insect Characteristics

Piercing-sucking mouthparts. These pests infest the lower surface of the leaves. Commonly, if disturbed, they move very rapidly sideways and often hop. They are usually less than 13 mm long, with slender, tapered bodies of various colors and legs with rows of sharp spines. 

Where to Look

Adults and immatures are readily found on the undersides of leaves. Their nervous behavior makes them difficult to catch.


Technical Information

In warm climates, multiple generations occur. Heavy infestations can cause yield reductions and total loss of crops. Some species transmit little-leaf disease and mosaic virus. Leafhoppers occur on most types of plants and different species attack a variety of vegetable crops.


Control

Chemical insecticides are widely used to combat leafhoppers. In most countries, however, the pesticide use is aimed at the Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes). Pesticide use is excessive and not sustainable. Contact your local extension service for local recommendations on chemicals and timing.

Host-plant resistance shows promise. Cultivars with hairier leaves, such as Manjari Gota, Vaishali, Mukta Kesi, Round Green and Kalyanipur T3 are reported to be less susceptible to damage.

The use of trap crops, specifically okra, is an emerging strategy. Farmers can grow okra along borders, "trap" the leafhoppers there, and focus sprays on those plants.

There is limited evidence on the benefits of using natural enemies against this leafhopper. Parasitoids Anagrus flaveolus and Stethynium tridavatum have been used to kill leafhopper eggs on other crops.