Potato leafhoppers

raindrops27 · June 3, 2013

I need to know what to do, I have no idea on how to proceed it seems like hundreds are hopping from my potato plants and now the plants seem to look a little less lush green with light yellow mottling..So, I know they must be causing damage. I really like to use organic measures.. However, I will go buy anything to stop this infestation. Recommendations, or insight please..TIA

wingnut · June 4, 2013

It causes 'hopper burn'. Hopper burn is noticable 4-5 days after feeding, and must be controlled BEFORE 'hopper burn' is visible. Some types also transmit 'purple top'. As for control....I just deal with the damage.I just can't justify putting something in my food chain that is bad for me and my family.Just accept a smaller yield of lower quality spuds. saying that, I would go after them with soapy water,sticky traps, and hot water spraying to help control their population.

**Tom Wagner** · June 7, 2013

Hopper Burn on potatoes....might help to understand how bad it could be. I think I have a better solution than spraying...I grow so many varieties that it seems that there are always a few that escape damage...and if they have berries for TPS...all the better.

Northcoast99 · June 29, 2013

powder them... as soon as possible

wingnut · July 1, 2013

What do you mean by 'powder them'?

**Tom Wagner** · July 1, 2013

Years ago I might have "powdered' with Sevin dust, large quantities of diatomaceous earth, or even Arsenic dust. However, as an organic plant breeder I refuse to use anything that would compromise my LAISSEZ-FAIRE attitude.
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June 3, 2013	#1
raindrops27 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: long island Posts: 327	Potato leafhoppers I need to know what to do, I have no idea on how to proceed it seems like hundreds are hopping from my potato plants and now the plants seem to look a little less lush green with light yellow mottling..So, I know they must be causing damage. I really like to use organic measures.. However, I will go buy anything to stop this infestation. Recommendations, or insight please..TIA

June 4, 2013	#2
wingnut Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: bald hill area thurston county washington Posts: 312	It causes 'hopper burn'. Hopper burn is noticable 4-5 days after feeding, and must be controlled BEFORE 'hopper burn' is visible. Some types also transmit 'purple top'. As for control....I just deal with the damage.I just can't justify putting something in my food chain that is bad for me and my family.Just accept a smaller yield of lower quality spuds. saying that, I would go after them with soapy water,sticky traps, and hot water spraying to help control their population.

June 7, 2013	#3
Tom Wagner Crosstalk™ Forum Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: 8407 18th Ave West 7-203 Everett, Washington 98204 Posts: 1,157	Hopper Burn on potatoes....might help to understand how bad it could be. I think I have a better solution than spraying...I grow so many varieties that it seems that there are always a few that escape damage...and if they have berries for TPS...all the better.

June 29, 2013	#4
Northcoast99 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: erie pa Posts: 5	powder them... as soon as possible

July 1, 2013	#5
wingnut Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: bald hill area thurston county washington Posts: 312	What do you mean by 'powder them'?