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Glasshouse leafhopper (Hauptidia maroccana)
Plants affected
A wide range of glasshouse vegetables and ornamental plants, and some outdoor ornamentals.
Symptoms
A coarse pale mottling appears on the upper leaf surface of glasshouse and houseplants, including tomato (see picture), aubergine, peppers, cucumber, Fuchsia, Pelargonium, Streptocarpus, Primula obconica, and also some outdoor plants such as Primula, Nicotiana and foxgloves.
If the infestation is severe the leaves may appear chlorotic and resemble a mineral deficiency. Damaged leaves will remain discoloured but new growth develops normally once the pest has been controlled.
Cause
This mottling is caused by a sap-feeding insect which lives mainly on the lower leaf surface. This pest remains active throughout the year on indoor plants. Adults are 3mm long and pale yellow with grey markings. They are broadest at the head end and taper to a point behind. Adults jump off leaves and fly short distances when disturbed.
The creamy white, wingless, immature nymphs are less active and easier to spot. White cast skins shed by the immature nymphs can often be found attached to the underside of damaged leaves.
Control
Apply bifenthrin (Bayer Sprayday Greenfly Killer Plus, Scotts Bug Clear Gun or Doff All-In-One Garden Pest Killer), thiacloprid (Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Ready To Use), or pyrethrum (Py Spray Garden Insect Killer, Scotts Bug Clear Gun for Fruit & Veg or Gem Stop Bugs) when leaf spotting is first seen. These insecticides can be used on glasshouse tomatoes but check the label instructions if other edible plants need treatment.