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[Colorado Potato Beetle] [ European Corn borer] [False Chinch Bug] [Cutworms] [Grasshoppers] GRASSHOPPERS Grasshoppers comprise many species. They are not considered major pests in potato fields but when seasonal conditions are favorable, they may migrate into potato and can defoliate sections of a field. Description Grasshoppers have large, strong, biting jaws. Their hind legs are strong and adapted to jumping. Their body is elongated and slightly cylindrical. It is partially sheathed by long, slender membranous wings topped with outer leathery wings. Their antenae are relatively short. There are five species that are responsible for most of the damage in North America: migratory, differential, two-striped, red-legged, and clear-winged grasshoppers.
Damage Grasshoppers are migratory, able to move across a large distance. Their damage in potato is most severe in the central region of the continent, the Plains States and in the mountainous areas of the West. Their greatest damage is by chewing holes in foliage. Damage usually occurs for a short time toward the end of the growing season and there is only one life cycle per year. The outbreaks need to be very severe to cause economic damage in a field but damage can be severe enough along the field edge to cause yield reduction. Management Young grasshoppers
are controlled by soil-applied systemic insecticides used for other
pests. Mid and late season treatment can be limited to the edges of
field where grasshoppers are seen. Treatment is seldom required.
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