About Jassids

Jassids are also called as Leaf Hoppers Adults are small greenish colored insects (Fig.). Jassids fly from the plant canopy when the plant is disturbed. Large jassid populations are seen during August and September, and February and March in groundnut growing areas in India. High and well-distributed rainfall and low temperatures encourage jassid reproduction.

Crop Damage

Both adults and nymphs suck sap from young leaves, mostly from the lower surface.The first symptom of attack is a whitening of the veins. Yellow patches then appear, especially at the tips of leaflets. Under severe infestation, the leaf tips become necrotic in a typical 'v' shape, giving the crop a scorched appearance known as 'hopper burn'.

Management

In the initial crop growth i.e. up to 30 days after emergence, if more than 10% of all leaves have the characteristic 'hopper burn', apply Dimethoate at 200-250 mL a.i./ha. Any attack during the later stages of the crop may not significantly reduce the yields.