5/16/24, 11:53 AM
Aphids and Grasshoppers – IPM Pest Advisories
Aphids and Grasshoppers pestadvisories.usu.edu/2024/05/16/aphids-and-grasshoppers
In this Issue Grasshopper Nymph Monitoring and Management Aphids Finding Host Crops
GRASSHOPPER NYMPHS AND OUTLOOK After the severity of plant damage caused by grasshoppers last season, many vegetable growers are rightfully cautious going into the 2024 season. Last year, we primarily saw residential and urban areas (especially those adjacent to undisturbed open lands) most affected by the high grasshopper numbers. The outbreak was attributed to the ideal climatic conditions, population sizes of the prior year, and unmanaged breeding areas from which grasshoppers migrated into our gardens. Grasshoppers overwinter in the egg stage in the soil and are unaffected by cold air temperatures. High snowpack in the winter months can provide insulation, keeping soils consistently moist and cool, and creating ideal conditions for grasshopper eggs to survive. Spring conditions are favorable when temperatures are warm and there is minimal precipitation. This allows for successful egg hatching and nymph growth. However, if temperatures are cool and there is a lot of moisture in spring, this can promote infections of newly hatched nymphs by fungi and other pathogens. Utah is home to three major groups of grasshoppers: the slant-faced grasshoppers, the band-winged grasshoppers, and the spur-throated grasshoppers. All three use their large back legs to launch themselves when disturbed. The slant-faced variant’s face is more angular faces and long, thin bodies which help them blend into grassy vegetation. The bandwinged variety uses hindwings to fly short distances. They make a snap and crackle noise as they fly. The spur-throat name is derived from the tubercle projecting between their front legs. They tend to cause the most damage. Most of these species in Utah produce one generation per year. After hatching, grasshopper nymphs go through five stages before reaching adulthood. Because various species have different development timelines, a mix of nymphs and adults may be present throughout the
https://pestadvisories.usu.edu/2024/05/16/aphids-and-grasshoppers/
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