Potato leafhopper biology & life cycle
Does not overwinter in Canada. Migrates north every spring. The adults arrive in late spring. Females will lay their eggs in the main stems and the petioles of the plant. The development of the eggs will take 4 weeks. Adults begin by feeding on the plants by sucking on plant juices. When feeding they also excrete a toxic protein that blocks the plant's veins. This causes the plants to yellow and pucker. Typically, new seedlings and plant re-growth see the most damage. Potato leaf hopper can cause a reduction in protein as well as a reduction in height and yeild. Due to the characteristic yellowing "v" on the leaf surface, damage is often confused with herbicide injury.
