Aspects of the Field Biology of the Blackfaced Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) in Corn and Pastures in Kentucky

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Aspects of field biology of the blackfaced leafhopper, Graminella nigrifrons (Forbes), were examined in conventional and no-tillage corn and pastures. Peak G. nigrifrons density was significantly higher in no-tillage than conventional tillage corn in early June 1981. In 1982, peak density in conventional tillage corn occurred in late May. A significantly higher peak density occurred in the no-tillage corn in early June. The corn was in growth stage 1 during peak densities in 1981 and 1982. Peak densities in the pastures occurred in early July and mid-September in 1981, and in early and late September in 1982. Background color of simulated no-tillage plots was not more attractive to G. nigrifrons than that of conventional tillage plots. Higher densities of the leafhopper were in conventional tillage plots than simulated no-tillage plots. Differences in G. nigrifrons densities were observed between early and late-planted corn plots. Peak densities in both plot types occurred when the corn was in growth stage 1. Densities in both plot types declined as the corn matured beyond this growth stage.