Seasonal phenology of the beet leafhopper, Neoaliturus tenellus (Baker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), in southern New Mexico

The beet leafhopper, Neoaliturus tenellus (Baker), a vector of plant diseases, including Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV), is the cause of significant economic damage to vegetable crops in southern New Mexico. Little is known about the seasonal development of this insect in the state. Our research assesses the seasonal phenology of the beet leafhopper on the weeds London rocket, Sisymbrium irio, kochia, Kochia scoparia, and Russian thistle, Salsola sp., in southern New Mexico that have been suggested as primary leafhopper hosts as well as BCTV reservoirs.