Leafhopper Research Articles

Phylogeny, biogeography and morphological evolution of the treehopper‐like leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Megophthalminae and Ulopinae

AbstractRecent phylogenetic analyses of anchored‐hybrid, transcriptomic and morphological data have consistently recovered a clade comprising the three previously recognized families of treehoppers (Hemiptera), Aetalionidae, Melizoderidae and Membracidae, as well as two groups traditionally included in the leafhopper family Cicadellidae as subfamilies Megophthalminae and Ulopinae. To reconstruct the phylogeny of these two groups of treehopper‐like leafhoppers, maximum likelihood and multi‐species coalescent analyses were performed on a molecular DNA dataset consisting of ~700 anchored hybrid loci representing 84 terminal taxa. Analyses based on different dataset subsets and approaches yielded largely congruent topologies, although the relationships among Megophthalminae, Ulopinae and treehoppers are still unstable. The monophyly of both subfamilies is strongly supported, but several tribes, including Agalliini, Cephalelini, Megophthalmini and Ulopini, are recovered as non‐monophyletic. The origin of Megophthalminae and Ulopinae was estimated as early Cretaceous (~140 million years ago), and the divergence within each subfamily began in the mid‐Cretaceous. Continental‐scale biogeographic structure is evident in these two groups, with genera occurring on the same continent tending to group together regardless of tribal placement, suggesting that extensive morphological convergence occurred among faunas inhabiting different regions. Ancestral microhabitat reconstruction suggested that megophthalmine and ulopine leafhoppers originally lived on trees or shrubs and later several groups evolved independently to inhabit leaf litter and soil. Convergent modifications of the ocelli, forewings and hindwings accompanied changes in microhabitat preference.

Revealing pest patterns: A comparative spatial distribution analysis of insect threats in Kharif rice across the key agricultural regions in the Eastern India.

This study investigates the spatial distribution and aggregation patterns of major insect pests in Kharif rice fields during the 2023 growing season in Eastern India. The analysis focuses on key pests such as yellow stem borer (YSB), gall midge, green leaf hopper (GLH), and brown planthopper (BPH), as well as rice thrips, caseworm, whorl maggot, Gundhi bug, grasshopper, and leaf folder. Using statistical indices, this study aims to understand pest behavior across Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs) to better inform pest control strategies. The study reveals significant clustering and aggregation patterns among the pests. YSB exhibited variance-mean ratio (VMR) values between 1.14 (40th SMW) and 1.96 (31st SMW), with dispersion parameter (K) values ranging from 0.57 to 21.65, and a peak index of dispersion of 132.66 (43rd SMW). Similarly, gall midge showed VMR values from 6.19 to 10.48, whereas GLH and BPH recorded VMR ranges of 1.19 to 132.10 and 1.01 to 1.50, respectively. These spatial distribution trends were confirmed through values for Iwao's patchiness index and Taylor's power law, indicating strong pest aggregation in specific areas. The results underscore the need for region-specific integrated pest management strategies that take into account pest clustering and environmental factors influencing pest distribution. Although an S-curve pattern of infestation-showing gradual population increases, rapid peaks, and eventual decline-was observed, the primary focus remains spatial patterns, which are critical for optimizing pest management and improving rice crop sustainability in the region. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Field Efficacy of Botanicals against Sucking Pests in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under Organic Cultivation

Investigations were carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif, 2022-23 and 2023-24 for evaluation of various botanicals on the incidence of sucking pests viz., aphid, thrips, leaf hopper and pod bug in pigeonpea. Among the botanicals treatment, NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent recorded significantly minimum 1.91 aphid per 10 cm shoot, 3.54 thrips per flower, 2.27 leaf hopper per 3 leaves and 1.93 pod bug per plant. The highest yield was obtained in the treatment of NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent (1300 kg/ha) and it was at par with NSKE @ 5 per cent (1282 kg/ha) and dashparniark @ 10 per cent (1258 kg/ha). The maximum increase in yield over control (76.07%) was obtained in NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent. The minimum avoidable losses (1.41%) and highest PCBR (1:16.12) was observed in the plot treated with NSKE @ 5 per cent.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests on Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] in Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

The study investigated the prevalence of major insect pests and their natural enemies in Blackgram crops, focusing on leaf hoppers, whiteflies, Bihar hairy caterpillars, spotted pod borers, stem flies, coccinellids and spiders. Throughout the crop period, the population dynamics of these pests were monitored, revealing varying levels of infestation. The high population of 5.60 leafhoppers per plant and 3.50 larvae per plant of Bihar hairy caterpillar were recorded during 35th week of the crop cycle. The high population of 6.90 whiteflies per plant, 2.60 spotted pod borer larvae per plant and 60 per cent of pod fly infestation were observed during 36th, 37th and 38th week of the crop cycle, respectively. The highest populations of coccinellids 2.40 beetles per plant in 35th week and 2.00 spiders per plant in 36th week recorded duringthe crop cycle. The maximum temperature and relative humidity showed significant positive correlation and minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative non-significant correlation with the population of leaf hopper, Bihar hairy caterpillar, whitefly, stem fly, spotted pod borer and coccinellids. Relative humidity showed positive significant correlation and maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative non-significant correlation with population of spider.

Mitochondrial genomes of Macropsini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Eurymelinae): Structural features, codon usage patterns, and phylogenetic implications.

Macropsini is a tribe of Eurymelinae in the family Cicadellidae that is widely distributed worldwide. Still, its taxonomic status has been unstable, and the classification of certain clades at the genus level has been controversial. The aim of this study is to address the patterns and processes that explain the structure and the evolution of the mitogenomes of Macropsini, while contributing to the resolution of systematic issues involving five of their genera. To this task, the mitogenomes of 26 species of the tribe were sequenced and characterized, and their phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed. The results revealed that the nucleotide composition of mitochondrial genes in these 26 species was significantly skewed toward A and T. Codons ending with T or A in relative synonymous codon usage were significantly more prevalent than those ending with C or G. The parity plot, neutrality plot, and correspondence analysis revealed that mutation and selective pressure affect codon usage patterns. In the phylogenetic relationships of the Macropsini, the monophyly of Pedionis and Macropsis was well-supported. Meanwhile, Oncopsis revealed paraphyletic regarding Pediopsoides. In conclusion, this research not only contributes the valuable data to the understanding of the mitogenome of the Macropsini but also provides a reference for future investigations on codon usage patterns, potential adaptive evolution, and the phylogeny of the mitogenome within the subfamily Eurymelinae.

Comparative proteomic analysis of resistant and susceptible cotton genotypes in response to leaf hopper infestation

The cotton leaf hopper is a major pest in cotton, causing a hopper burn in leaves. In this study, a comparative proteomic analysis of NDLH2010 (Resistant) and LRA5166 (Susceptible), infected with leaf hopper, was employed using a nano LC-MS/MS approach. A total of 1402 proteins varied significantly between leaf hopper-infected and control plants. The resistant and susceptible genotypes had differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of 743 and 659, respectively. Functional annotation of DEPs revealed that the DEPs were primarily associated with stress response, hormone synthesis, photosynthesis, cell wall, and secondary metabolites. Notably, DEPs such as polyphenol oxidase, carboxypeptidase, heat shock proteins, protein BTR1-like isoform X2, chaperone protein ClpB1, and β glucosidase factors associated with environmental stress response were also detected. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed a positive correlation between protein abundances and transcripts for all genes. Collectively, this study provides the molecular mechanisms associated with cotton defense responses against leaf hopper. Significance statementCotton, a natural fiber, assumes a pivotal role as a raw material for textile industries, thereby bearing significant importance in the global economy. The cotton production sector is considerably affected by both biotic and abiotic stresses. The cotton leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida)) stands as a polyphagous insect, emerging as a dominant sap-feeding pest of the cotton crop. The continuous onslaught of sap-feeding insects on cotton plants has a detrimental impact, with leaf hoppers potentially causing yield reductions of up to 50%. Therefore, comprehending the molecular interplay between cotton and leaf hopper, elucidated at the proteome level, holds promise for more effective pest management strategies. This approach holds the potential to offer insights that contribute to the development of leaf hopper-resistant cotton varieties.

Efficacy evaluation of some bio-insecticides against green leaf hopper (<em>Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida</em>) infesting brinjal

In Bangladesh, brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop due to its year-round cultivation, high demand for consumption, and nutritional value. The main obstacle to the successful cultivation and production of brinjal is insect pests. The current study was carried out in the winter, when green leafhoppers (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), one type of sucking insect pest, are most prevalent. Early in the vegetative stage, an infestation of green leaf hoppers (GLH) was noted; as the canopy size increased, so did their numbers. The consumption of brinjal with its peel poses a health risk due to possible contamination with toxic chemical insecticides. We assess a few non-toxic or minimally toxic bio-insecticides against GLH in order to tackle this crucial problem. Fizimite, one of the bio-insecticides, was found to be effective against GLH in a sodium lauryl ether sulfate preparation. Fizimite decreased the amount of GLH in the plant by 85.8%, the amount of leaf infestation by 77.84%, and the amount of GLH-infected brinjal leaf abundance by 54.34%. But Voliam Flexi, a chemical control, was also discovered to be successful against GLH. Fizimite may therefore be a non-toxic, bio-rational substitute for Voliam Flexi, a synthetic, toxic medication used to control GLH.

Field evaluation of UASD Bt-cotton Event-78 based early segregating generations for cotton leaf hopper

UASD Bt cotton Event-78 based early segregating generations (F2 & F3) derived from three diverse crosses were evaluated for field incidence of cotton leaf hopper during kharif-2021 & 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad. A total 600 F2 plants from the crosses viz., UASD Bt-78 х DHS-29, UASDBt-78 х Suvin and Suvin х UASD Bt-78 were screened of which 103,100 and 102 plants respective to the three crosses were found to be resistant. The segregation of F2 population for the jassid tolerance deciphered the implicit “Inhibitory epistasis” mechanism of host plant resistance. Further evaluation of F3 families of these crosses leads to identification of 103 resistant lines from all the three crosses, the mean leafhopper population ranges from 0.67- 2.67 leafhoppers / 3 leaves with the LHRI score of 1.

Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Module against Pests of Ground Nut and Productivity, Profitability Analysis under Open Field Conditions

Background: Groundnut is an annual oilseed crop that is cultivated in many tropical and sub-tropical countries for its seed purpose. The productivity of groundnut has drastically reduced since 2015 due to an array of insect pests especially sucking pests have emerged as a prominent factor contributing to decreased yields in groundnut by direct damage as well as vectors of virus diseases. Methods: The integrated package of practices including seed treatment with fungicide (mancozeb @ 3 g/kg seed) followed by insecticide (imidacloprid @ 2 mL/kg seed) and new generation insecticides (imidacloprid, chlorpyriphos and flubendiamide) were evaluated against sucking pests (aphid, leaf hopper and thrips) and leaf feeders (Spodoptera litura) under open field conditions in scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh, India during 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. The parameters regarding incidence of pests, population reduction after treatment imposition, safety to natural enemies, phytotoxicity effects, extension gap, technology gap and technology index, were worked out in farmer’s field and demonstration field. Result: In this present study imidacloprid 17.8 SL was performed well in controlling aphids, leaf hoppers and thrips in all the three seasons and flubendiamide 39.35 SC was concluded as best treatment against Spodoptera litura in all seasons. During all the study years, the benefic cost ratio of demo practice indicates (1.26, 1.01 and 1.04) when compared to farmers practice (0.71, 0.69 and 0.76), respectively for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Similarly, the average extension gap, technology gap and yield gap were worked out and ranged from (3.4, 3.1 and 5.3), (1.82, 4.23 and 1.82), (12.72, 11.36 and 19.46) for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Comparative bio-efficacy of different insecticides on major sucking pests of Bt-cotton

The field evaluation of various insecticides on major sucking pests of Bt-cotton during the 2022-23 season demonstrated significant reductions in pest occurrence across all treatments compared to the control. However, the efficacy varied depending on the insecticide used. Among all the treatments, Flonicamid 50 WG proved highly effective in managing all the sucking pests by recording lowest incidence of thrips (8.44/ 3 leaves), leaf hopper (5.43/ 3 leaves), aphid (3.64/ 3 leaves) and whitefly (3.29/ 3 leaves) with highest cotton yield (19.41 q/ha), net returns (53,540 `/ha) and B: C ratio (1.85) as compared to all other treatments. In addition, other promising alternatives such as Dinotefuran 20 SG, Spinetoram 11.7 SC, and Diafenthiuron 50 WP for combating thrips, Dinotefuran 20 SG and Spinetoram 11.7 SC for addressing leaf hoppers, and Pyriproxyfen 10 EC, Diafenthiuron 50 WP, and Dinotefuran 20 SG can be utilized for managing aphids and whiteflies in Bt- cotton. Utilizing these findings to optimize the selection and application of insecticides can enable growers to more effectively control pest pressures, thereby enhancing both the productivity and quality of Bt-cotton crops. Overall, Flonicamid 50 WG emerged as the most cost-effective option, underscoring its potential as a key solution for managing sucking pests in Bt-cotton cultivation.

Studies on Insect Pest Succession and their Natural Enemies in Brinjal

The Present investigation was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vijayapura, Karnataka to study insect - pests succession and their natural enemies on brinjal during 2021-22. Studies revealed that, four species of insect pests and one coccinellid predatorwere observed at different crop growth stages. The first attack on the crop appeared at one week after transplantation and continued up to till crop reached fruiting and maturity stage. Pests that found attacking on the crop were leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttulabiguttula Ishida), aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) and coccinellid predator, Cheliomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius). Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (L. orbonalis) was identified as amajor pest among them.From the seedling stage to fruiting and maturity stage, the populations of Jassids, aphids, coccinellids were observed, white flies were observed from vegetative stage to fruiting and maturity stage, while the population of shoot and fruit borer were observed and recorded during the vegetative stage to fruiting and maturity stage of the crop. Leaf hoppers, aphids and whitefly were found to damage the crop moderatelyand extent of damage caused by L. orbonalis was created much economic loss.

Influence of Weather Factors on the Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Population dynamics of major pests viz., web worm, Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel), leaf hoppers Orosius albicinctus (Distant) and gallfly Asphondilia sesami (Felt) infesting sesame was studied in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India during Rabi and Kharif seasons of the year 2020. Correlation between the pest population, percent damage and weather parameters was analyzed and regression equations were developed. The incidence of leaf hoppers, web worm and gallfly on sesame crop during Rabi season started on 4th, 3rd and 7th Standard meteorological week (SMW) respectively. The peak attained on 8th,11th, and 11th SMW with population of leafhoppers and damage by web worm and gallfly (2.01/plant,60.04 percent and 49.68 percent) respectively during Rabi season. In case of leafhopper and web worm, minimum temperature (r=0.031r=0.373) had non-significant positive correlation whereas mean relative humidity (r=-0.02) registered non-significant negative correlation with leaf hopper and web worm significant negative correlation Gall fly incidence showed significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature. Whereas in Kharif season, incidence of leafhoppers, web worm and gallfly on sesame crop started on 33rd, 32nd and 37th SMW respectively. The peak activity and incidence was noticed during 37th, 39th and 40th SMW for leafhoppers, web worm and gallfly respectively. The correlation between weather parameters and incidence of major pests followed a similar pattern to kharif season. Regression analysis data revealed that the multiple non-linear regression equations are sufficient to predict the pest population with prevailing weather parameters.

Status of defender and offender arthropods in Bt transgenic cotton

The widescale cultivation Bt cottons in India has altered the landscape of pest management, particularly of sap feeders. To have updated understaning field surveys were carried out during kharif 2022-23 and arthropod defenders (spiders, coccinellids and chrysopids) and offenders (sucking pest) in Bt cotton at Dharwad and Haveri districts of Karnataka were noted. Their peak activity was found during flowering stage. In the defenders, spiders exhibit a higher abundance compared to chrysopids and coccinellids. Thrips, conversely emerged as predominant offender. In Dharwad district, seasonal mean of spider was 1.23/plant. Chrysopids displayed a seasonal mean of 0.96 individual 1.48 spiders/ plant were recorded, chrysopids exhibited a seasonal mean of 1.33 individuals/plant and coccinellids 1.36/plant. Offenders displayed specific seasonal incidences, with thrips recorded at 14.97/3 leaves, leaf hoppers at 2.67/3 leaves, aphids at 17.05/3leaves, and whiteflies at 1.27/3 leaves. Notably, offender defender ratios differed, with Dharwad district at 7.5 offender per defender and Haveri district at a slightly lower ratio of 6.5 offender per defender was recorded. Overall higher offender and defender population was observed at Haveri district. Thus it’s important to maintain wider ratio of defender: offenders through selective practices.

Relative toxicity of some newer insecticide molecules against vector and sucking pest complex of okra

Sucking pest like leaf hoppers or jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida)) and vectors i.e., whitefly (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)) are regarded as one of the major biotic stresses in okra cultivation in India. Apart from direct sucking the plant sap and thereby devitalizing the crop through their specially adapted mouthparts, many of them also act as vectors for important plant diseases like okra yellow vein mosaic and okra enation leaf curl disease. To control these sucking pests and vectors, several newer insecticide molecules were tested under open field conditions during Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022. Based up on the two years of pooled data, among the tested insecticides, Tolfenpyrad 15% EC @ 2 ml/L was the best molecule in reducing leaf hopper population in okra (5.40 per leaf) with 63.49% reduction over control (PROC). The next best molecule was flupyradifurone 17.09% SL (5.70 jassids per leaf with 61.46 PROC). In the case of whitefly, flupyradifurone 17.09% SL was the most promising during both years with percent population reductions of 69.90 over control. The next best molecule in the list was tolfenpyrad 15% EC with 67.08 PROC. Interestingly, Imidacloprid-treated plots had the highest leaf hopper (10.39 per leaf) and whitefly (9.55 per leaf) population among all treatments indicating its low activity against these sucking pests of okra. The highest healthy green fruit yields (152 q/ha) were obtained from the plots treated with tolfenpyrad 15% EC with a maximum cost-benefit ratio of 1:2.19 followed by dinotefuran 20% SG (1:2.16) and acetamiprid 20% SP (1:2.15).

Management of Sesame Phyllody: A Destructive Disease of East- Central Rajasthan, India

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the important annual oldest oil seed crop grown in tropical to temperate zones in India. It belongs to family Pedaliaceae is native of India and plays an important role in the oilseed economy throughout the world. The sesame crop suffers from phyllody disease caused by phytoplasma. The effect of different treatments on “percent” disease incidence. The results obtained revealed that all the treatments reduced the disease significantly compared to unsprayed control. Seed treatment with imidachlorprid 70 % WG + spraying of imidachlorprid 17.8% SL+ spraying of tetracycline hydrochloride recorded the least disease incidence (7.27 %), minimum leaf hopper population and maximum “percent” disease control (65.59 %) and while seed treatment with imidachlorprid 70 % WG was least effective in which disease incidence of 15.46 “percent” and maximum leaf hopper population was recorded. The disease incidence in untreated check was 21.13 “percent” was recorded. Out of 22 germplasms/varieties screened against sesame phyllody 1 genotype was susceptible, 10 were moderately susceptible, 7 were moderately resistant and 4 genotypes were found resistant against phyllody of sesame.

Bio - chemical and Bio - physical basis of resistance toleafhopper and thrips in castor

Among the 8 genotypes screened, RG 1068, ICI-RG2661-7-5-1-7, ICI-RG2661-16-2-2 was found to be resistant to leafhopper with lowest leaf hopper population of 0.0 numbers/ 3 leaves/plant with hopper burn grade of 0. Among the accessions, thrips population was lowest in RG 22 (3.2 No/spike), RG 3198 (7.30 No. / spike). The remaining entries and the check entries recorded moderate thrips population which ranged from 12.30 to 24.60 numbers/spike

Identification of resistance germplasm in sesame (Sesamum indicum)against phyllody disease

Sesame phyllody is an important disease caused by a phytoplasma and is transmitted by a leaf hopper called Orosius albinctus. The affected plants become stunted and floral parts are modified in to leafy structures bearing no fruits and seeds causing yield loss up to 33.9 per cent. 3700 accessions of sesame germplasm were screened for resistance against phyllody disease during kharif 2021 under natural field condition. Results showed that most of the accessions were susceptible to phyllody and only 61 showed some resistance and disease reaction was below 10%.

Evaluating Field Pea Genotypes for Resistance against Key Insect Pests

In the rabi season of 2020-21, a field trial was executed at the Breeder Seed Production Farm, JNKVV, Jabalpur, M.P., aimed at assessing the resistance of 71 field pea genotypes against Aphid, Leaf hopper, and Gram pod Borer. Through weekly observations and subsequent statistical analysis, genotypes were categorized into distinct resistance groups. Prominent findings revealed that JP-180, Matar Rangpur, and Aman 1-206 exhibited high resistance to aphids and pod borers. Additionally, Kashi Samriddhi, JP-180, and Matar Rangpur demonstrated resistance to leafhoppers. Conversely, B-22, DDR-39, and KPMR-485 displayed high susceptibility to Aphids, while Batri patiram, VL-3, and VL-3 were highly susceptible to Gram pod borer. KPMR-485, VL-3, and VL-1 were found to be susceptible to both Aphid and Gram pod borer. The study further revealed that the genotype KPMR-485 achieved the highest pea yield, closely followed by Jayanti and IPF-99-25. In contrast, Safed Batra Gudda, Matar Rangpur, and Aman 1-206 exhibited the minimum yield. These findings provide valuable insights into the resistance patterns of field pea genotypes, aiding in the selection of cultivars with enhanced resistance and productivity for sustainable agricultural practices.

Seasonal Incidence Of Mango, Guava And Sapota Pests In Tiruvannamalai District Of Tamil Nadu, India

The roving survey was conducted to document the seasonal incidence of insect pests of mango, guava and sapota in the Thandrampattu block of Tiruvannamalai District. During the survey on mango, it was observed pests like mango leaf hopper (Idioscopus niveoparsus), mango gall midge (Procontarinia pustulate) and mango leaf twisting weevil (Apoderus tranquebaricus). In sapota, leaf webber (Nephopteryx eugraphella), bud worm (Anarsia epotias) were seen. In Guava, tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis antonii) and mealy bug (Ferrisia virgata) were seen. The incidence of mango leaf hopper was seen higher during the 14th Standard Mean Week (SMW) with 48 percent while the minimum during the 28th SMW with 22 percent. The incidence of leaf gall was maximum during the 28th SMW with 44 percent while the minimum was seen during the 14th SMW with 28.0 percent. The incidence of mango leaf twisting weevil was seen high during the 20th SMW at 65 percent while the minimum incidence was recorded during 14th the SMW at 37 percent with 7 numbers. Considering the natural enemies, the incidence of lady bird beetle per tree was found high during the 20th SMW per plant while the minimum was seen during the 22nd SMW with 4 numbers per tree. Leaf gall and leaf twisting weevil incidence were positively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and negatively correlated with rainfall while the hoppers were negatively correlated with minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. In sapota, the incidence of sapota leafwebber damage was seen high during the 14th SMW with 26 percent while the minimum was recorded during 18th SMW at 18 per cent. The incidence of sapota budworm was high during 24th SMW with 42 percent while the minimum was recorded during the 22nd SMW with 8 percent. Incidence of ladybird beetle was found high during the 16th and 28th week with 7 numbers each per plant respectively while the minimum was seen during the 22th week with 4 number per plant. The incidence of spiders was seen high during 26th and 30th MSW with 9 numbers per plant respectively while the minimum was recorded during the 14th and 18th SMW with 4 numbers per plant respectively. In sapota, leaf webber was positively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and negatively correlated with rain fall while the budworm was negatively correlated with minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. In guava, the incidence of tea mosquito bug was high during the 14th MSW at 40 per cent while the minimum was recorded during 16th MSW at 23 percent. The incidence of mealybug was high during 28th MSW with 30 per cent while the minimum was recorded during the 14th and 16th MSW with 14 percent. The mean incidence of lady bird beetle was high during 20th MSW with 9 numbers per plant while the minimum was recorded during the 22nd and 30th SMW with 2 numbers per plant respectively. The mean incidence of spiders was seen higher during 16th SMW with 9 while the minimum was recorded during the 22nd and 26th SMW with 3 per plant. Guava tea mosquito bug was positively correlated only with wind speed and negatively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall whereas the mealybug incidence was positively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature and relative humidity and negative correlation with wind speed and rainfall.

First leafhopper from the earliest Eocene Fur Formation (Denmark) representing a new genus of Cicadellinae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha)

The Fur Formation, located in the western Limfjord region of northern Jutland, Denmark, is famous for its numerous and often exceptionally well-preserved marine and terrestrial fossils (e.g., Bonde et al., 2008). The geological background of the Konservat-Lagerstätte was described by Pedersen & Surlyk (1983). The formation preserves a rich record of earliest Ypresian (Eocene, ca. 55 Ma) fossil insects (e.g., Madsen & Rasmussen, 2021). The fauna includes many hemipterans mostly representing Heteroptera and Sternorrhyncha but the diverse modern family Cicadellidae (leafhoppers) is represented by a single specimen among the >20,000 available insect fossils discovered so far.