Population dynamics of the beet leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the lower Columbia Basin

The beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus Baker, is responsible for transmitting the purple top disease to potatoes in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington. Purple top disease is caused by a phytoplasma, referred to as beet leafhopper-transmitted virescence agent (BLTVA). The following study was designed to predict the population dynamics of the beet leafhopper in the lower Columbia Basin based on temperature data. From 2006 through 2010, individual sticky card traps were placed at 35 sites in Oregon and monitored for beet leafhoppers weekly. According to the 2006 through 2010 survey data, beet leafhopper populations typically peak early June; a second peak occurs early to mid-October. The influence of weather and location on beet leafhopper populations will be discussed.