Seasonal abundance, dispersal and control of the cotton fleahopper on certain host plants

Abstract

The host plants of the cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter), infested first during the growing season were the ones in the immediate proximity to the previous year's croton (Croton capitatus Michx.) stalks, the primary overwintering host plant in the study area. Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.), cutleaf eveningprimrose (Oenothera laciniata Hill var. laciniata) and croton for the current season were found in such situations. Cudweed served as a host for nymphs hatching from overwintering eggs and for subsequent generations, until plant senescence in late June. Cutleaf eveningprimrose, not adjacent to the previous year's croton, was not infested until first generation adults were present. Initial cotton fleahopper flight activity coincided with when the first adults were detected on the host plants. Aerial movement of cotton fleahoppers was determined using sticky traps and a truck mounted aerial net. Fluctuations in numbers of adult cotton fleahoppers on cutleaf eveningprimrose corresponded to the flowering patter of the plant; decreased flowering and fewer adults present. Cutleaf eveningprimrose was infested ca. 20 days longer than cudweed. ...