Rose Leaf Hoppers: Understanding And Managing This Devastating Pest  

Rose leafhoppers, also known as “hoppers,” are a type of insect that feed on the leaves and stems of roses. In order to effectively manage rose leafhoppers, it is important to understand their biology and behaviour, as well as the most effective control measures.  

The feeding damage caused by hoppers results in a reduction in the quality and yield of roses, as well as an increase in the susceptibility of the plants to disease. Rose leafhoppers are small, yellowish-green insects that are approximately 2-3mm in length. They have a distinctive triangular shape and a large head. 

The life cycle of rose leafhoppers typically lasts about 4-6 weeks, during which the insects go through several stages of development, including eggs, nymphs, and adults. The females lay their eggs on the underside of rose leaves, and the nymphs emerge and begin feeding on the plants. As they feed, the nymphs moult and grow, eventually reaching adulthood and reproducing.  

Type of Infestation

Rose leafhoppers are considered to be defoliators, as they feed on the leaves and stems of roses, causing damage to the plants.  

Scientific Name: Edwardsiana rosae 

Most Affected States Due to Rose Leafhoppers

Rose leafhoppers are widely distributed across India, and they are known to cause damage to rose crops in several states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.  

Symptoms of Rose Leafhoppers

• Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from the underside of the leaves and on tender stems causing leaves to become yellow or spotted. 
• White or yellow stippling of the leaves is the common symptoms caused by leafhoppers on roses.  
• Additionally, hopper feeding damage can cause leaves to become distorted and cupped, and the leaves and stems may become sticky due to the excretion of honeydew by the insects.  
• Reduction in plant growth. 

Rose Leafhoppers Control Measures

Pest management for Rose Leaf Hopper requires a comprehensive approach, integrating various cultural, physical, mechanical, biological, and chemical measures.  

Cultural Measures

• Proper irrigation and soil management can help prevent the spread of Rose Leaf Hopper.  

Physical Measures

Physical methods such as removing affected leaves, stems and flowers, and burning them can help control the spread of the pest. 

Rose Leafhoppers Mechanical Measures

• Using screens or fine meshes to protect the roses from the leaf hoppers can be effective in preventing infestation. 
• Light-coloured sticky traps can be used to monitor the population of Rose Leaf Hoppers. 
• Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap at 6-8 traps per acre can be used for the effective control of leafhoppers in rose plants. 

Biological Measures

• The use of natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps can help control the population of Rose Leaf Hoppers. 
• Amruth Alestra Liquid (Bio Insecticide) contains strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii which comes in contact with the cuticle of the leafhoppers and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2ml per liter of water. 
• Anand Dr. Bacto’s Brave is an eco-friendly bio insecticide containing Beauveria bassiana which acts on the cuticle of susceptible insects and kills them by producing toxins. The recommended dosage is 2.5ml per liter of water. 
• Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide contains neem-based products azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 1-2ml per liter of water with 15days interval between each spray can effectively control leafhoppers in rose fields. 

Rose Leafhoppers Chemical Measures

In case of severe infestations, chemical measures can be taken using commercial insecticides. The following are some of the commercial chemicals that are commonly used to control leafhoppers in rose plants, 

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