Plum, Prune (Fresh): Leafhoppers

Biology

Leafhoppers are typically found on the underside of leaves. Immature leafhoppers (nymphs) are usually less than 1⁄10″ long and white to greenish or yellowish in color. Adults are white and about 1⁄8″ long. Leafhoppers resemble aphids but are larger and more active. They feed by sucking plant juices, often causing damaged leaves to develop a white to yellow speckling or mottling. Severely damaged leaves may turn brown and shoots may curl and die back. Feeding leafhoppers produce honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which may attract ants or become covered with a dark growth of sooty mold. Leafhoppers rarely cause serious damage to plants, although very heavy infestations may result in premature leaf drop and small fruit.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Several insects feed on leafhoppers including damsel bugs, assassin bugs, and parasitic wasps. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficials.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.

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