Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Widespread distribution. Central and North America, Oceania. On crops in the potato family, and weeds. An important although only occasional pest.
• Eggs laid in double row of slits in stems; nymphs reddish-brown with black spines; adults with high ridge and triangular extensions. Suck sap, causing wilts, and death of seedlings and young plants. They make honeydew that attracts ants.
• Cultural control: handpick hoppers when first seen; weed; remove ants (kill nests with hot water).
• Chemical control: PDPs: derris, pyrethrum, or chilli; try white or horticultural oils or soap; use synthetic pyrethroids to kill ants.