Measures to Control Jassids (Planthopper) in Sunflower Crop

Jassids, also commonly known as leafhoppers, are tiny, sap-sucking insects. Jassids are typically green, yellow, or brown in color and range in size from a few millimeters to about 1 centimeter long. They have two pairs of wings, but the hind wings are often transparent and membranous. Jassids are known for their jumping ability, which they use to escape predators.

• Type of Infestation: Pest
• Common Name: jassids (Planthopper)
• Causal Organism: Amrasca biguttula biguttula
• Affected Parts Of the plant: Leaves, Flowers and Fruit

Identification:

• Feeding habits: Jassids use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the sap of plants. They inject saliva into the plant tissue, which can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
• Life cycle: Jassids complete metamorphosis, which means they go through four distinct stages in their life cycle: egg, nymph, pupa, and adult. The nymphs resemble the adults but lack wings and are smaller.
• Economic impact: Jassids can be serious agricultural pests. They can cause stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves, and they can also transmit plant diseases. Some of the common crops affected by Jassids include cotton, rice, maize, and sugarcane.

Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:

• Temperature: Jassids are generally more active and reproduce faster in warm weather. Studies have shown that jassid populations tend to be higher during the summer months when temperatures are warmer. 
• Humidity: Jassids prefer moderately humid conditions for optimal survival and development. However, excessively high humidity can also be detrimental to jassid populations by promoting the growth of fungal diseases that can infect them.

Symptoms of Pest/Disease:

• Yellowing and Curling of leaves
• Bronzing
• Stippling on Leaves
• Wilting of Leaves
• Stunting of Growth

Measures to control Pests/Diseases: