Τζιτζικάκια (Hemiptera:Cicadellidae) αναδυόμενοι εντομολογικοί εχθροί γεωργικών καλλιεργειών

Abstract

Leafhoppers are insects that are classified in the Cicadellidae family, within the Hemiptera order. Today many of them constitute serious pests of cultivated crops, and are also vectors of plant viruses worldwide. In Cyprus many different species of these insects affect several important crops and cause significant production losses. The first part of this study describes the biology of leafhoppers, the damage they cause and their management. The second part of the study aims at identifying the leafhoppers gathered from various agricultural crops in Cyprus. The third and last part of the study describes the morphology, biology and management of five key species of leafhoppers present in Cyprus that constitute emerging crop pests: Empoasca decipiens, Asymmetrasca decedens, Jacobiasca lybica, Empoasca vitis and Zygina rhamni. For many species of leafhoppers, there is a lack of registered pesticide products for their control. Natural enemies seem to be important regulators of leafhopper populations in some crops, as is the case with Z. rhamni in vineyards. The significant qualitative and quantitative damage leafhoppers cause to citrus fruits, black eyed beans and vines highlight the need for further studies of their biology and management.