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Maize leafhopper
- Wallaby ear symptoms in maize. Photo: State of Queensland
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- Maize leafhoppers. Photo: State of Queensland
| Scientific name | Cicadulina bimaculata |
|---|---|
| Description | Adults are 3 mm long, yellow or green-bright green, elongated, wedge shaped and jump readily or move sideways when disturbed. Nymphs are similar, but smaller, paler and wingless. |
| Similar species | |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales, Europe. |
| Crops attacked | Maize, sorghum and millet. |
| Life cycle | Multiple generations can occur on a crop but usually in low numbers. |
| Risk period | The maize leafhopper is common on maize, particularly in coastal districts, during late summer. |
| Damage | The maize leafhopper feeds by sucking sap. It also transmits wallaby ear mycoplasma. In coastal ares, heavy infestations (more than 15 per plant) produce wallaby ear symptoms in susceptible maize hybrids. Affected plants can be recognised by their dark green colour and thickening of the veins on the underside of the leaves. |
| Monitoring and action level | Inspect crops weekly during the vegetative stage. Spray if more than 10 leafhoppers per plant (average) are found and wallaby ear symptoms are present. |
| Chemical control: | Chemical control options are available, but crops can be rapidly re-infested after spraying. For current chemical control options see Pest Genie or APVMA. Host-plant resistance: Hybrid varieties offer some resistance to wallaby ear. |
Further information
- Crop insects: the ute guide northern grain belt
- Pests of field crops and pastures: identification and control. Editor: P.T. Bailey
Author: D.A.H. Murray
Page maintained by Sue O'Brien
Last updated 15 June 2010