Tettigometrid planthoppers

They affect various agricultural crops, including cereals, legumes, and several horticultural species. By feeding on the phloem of plants, they extract vital nutrients, causing stress to the plant. In cases of high infestation, they can cause significant reductions in crop vigor and overall yield, especially during periods of water stress.

The life cycle consists of the egg, nymphal stages, and the adult phase. Many species overwinter as eggs or nymphs in soil debris or at the base of host plants. Their development is often synchronized with the vegetation period of the host crops, allowing them to rapidly colonize fields as temperatures rise during the spring and summer months.

Damage symptoms typically include stunted growth, leaf chlorosis, and wilting. Because these pests secrete honeydew, secondary colonization by sooty mold fungi is a frequent problem. The mold covers the leaf surface, blocking sunlight and severely inhibiting the plant's photosynthetic capacity, which further complicates the health of the crop.

Effective management strategies require an integrated approach. Cultural practices such as weed management are essential, as these pests often utilize weeds as alternative hosts between crop cycles. If population thresholds are exceeded, targeted applications of systemic insecticides can be effective. It is also recommended to monitor the base of the plants and subterranean zones, as these are primary feeding and nesting areas for many species within this family.