Beet Leafhopper

Symptoms by part

Causes

• Warm and dry weather conditions that favor the migration of adult leafhoppers from wild host plants.
• The presence of nearby weeds like Russian thistle or mustard that serve as breeding grounds for the insects.
• Lack of physical barriers that allow the insects to land and feed on young, vulnerable seedlings.

Could be confused with

• Aphids · Aphids are usually found in clusters and move very slowly, whereas leafhoppers are highly mobile and jump quickly when disturbed.
• Nutrient deficiency · Nutrient issues typically show uniform discoloration across the plant, while virus symptoms from leafhoppers often include distorted, twisted leaf shapes.

Treatment

1. 1. Install fine mesh row covers over young seedlings immediately after planting to create a physical barrier against the insects.
2. 2. Spray the foliage with fatty acids to knock down existing populations on the leaves, follow the label.
3. 3. Apply pyrethrins to the undersides of leaves if the infestation is heavy, follow the label.

Without chemicals

• Use floating row covers to exclude the insects from the start.
• Remove and destroy weeds in the surrounding area to eliminate breeding sites.
• Pull up and discard any plants that show severe signs of curly top virus to prevent further spread.

Chemical options

• Fatty acids, apply directly to the insects on the leaves, follow the label.
• Pyrethrins, apply to the foliage when insects are present, follow the label.

Preventing it

• Keep the area surrounding your garden free of weeds that host the leafhopper.
• Use reflective mulches to deter the insects from landing on your plants.
• Time your plantings to avoid the peak migration periods of the leafhoppers.

When to act

Act as soon as you spot the insects or see the first signs of leaf curling. If a plant is severely stunted and shows classic curly top symptoms, remove it immediately to protect the rest of your garden.

Questions people ask

Can I save a plant once it has curly top virus?

No, there is no cure for the virus once the plant is infected. It is best to remove the plant to prevent the leafhoppers from spreading the virus to healthy neighbors.

Do these insects only attack beets?

No, they feed on a wide range of plants including tomatoes, peppers, beans, and squash.

Plants it affects

• Beetroot