עפרוניתיים

Planthoppers and leafhoppers are serious pests to rice and have worldwide distribution. Leafhoppers feed on rice leaves and other parts of plants, which causes significant direct and indirect damage. Adult planthoppers develop various distinct wings that affect their ability to migrate. The initial stages of infestations usually occur at night during periods of hot and humid weather conditions. A low number of migrated adult females insert their eggs into leave tissues. Nymphs develop quickly and large populations can grow fast.

SymptomsAt low infestation levels: Yellow patches appear sporadically along leaves and sooty mold is formed at the base of infested plants, where planthoppers are usually found.

At medium infestation levels: Whole plants turn yellow and begin to dry. As time progresses, the plants turn brown and dry up. Small brown zones of completely dried plants will be noticeable in several regions throughout the field. This is known as “hopper burn”.

At high infestation levels: Newly formed brown patches of dry plants connect which results in loss of large parts of the field.