Potato Leafhopper, Empoasca
fabae (Harris)
Description and Life Cycle
The potato leafhopper, a sucking insect, feeds sporadically on grape foliage. The adult leafhopper is pale to bright green, wedge-shaped and about 1/8 inch long. The adults are very active, jumping, flying or running when disturbed. The immature forms, or nymphs, are pale green and wingless. They run forward, backward or sideways rapidly when threatened. The potato leafhopper feeds on more than 200 plant species.
The potato leafhopper does not overwinter in areas north of the Gulf States. Each year large numbers of potato leafhoppers are carried to northern areas by warm spring air currents. Injury to grapes occurs when the adults fly into vineyards and feed on the leaves. Toxins injected while feeding cause leaves to cup and be misshapen. These leaves are often in the top of the vine and are quite obvious, especially at the end of the growing season.
Current pesticide recommendations may be found Here