Leafhoppers & planthoppers

Caused by: Nephotettix spp.
Problem Category: Insect
Symptoms: Adults and nymphs both suck sap from leaf; results in leaves turning yellow and growth would be stunted. They transmit viral disease - ‘Rice tungro’.
Comments: Green wedge shaped insects with black spot in centre of the wing and black patches on the ends, walk diagonally. Adult inserts eggs under epidermis in rows. Young ones are called nymphs small green insects with wings in developing stage.
Management: 1. Intermittent drainage (Sri method of paddy cultivation is ideal) makes the environment less congenial for hoppers to live, which prefer high humidity. 2. Leaving alley ways for every 2 metres at the time of sowing, would facilitate good air movement and reduce the humidity, helping in reducing the population of this insect. 3. Resistant varieties: GLH resistant -Vikramarya, IR-20; RTV resistant -Vedagiri, Bharani.
Control: 1. Application of Neem cake @ 100 Kg / acre to the soil followed by Jeevamruth application @ 200 litre/ acre. 4. Using sand / urea coated with neem oil in ratio of 5:1, keeping it over night and applying next day morning would reduce the pest population besides slowly releasing urea in to water. 5. By keeping a light trap per acre pest incidence can be reduced. An electric bulb (150-250 W) hanged over a tub with water and shampoo will attract and kill leaf hoppers.