Fighting the Kiwi Leafhopper: Symptoms, Prevention and Professional Solutions

The pruinose leafhopper ( Metcalfa pruinosa ), a piercing-sucking insect native to North America, has become a major concern for kiwifruit growers in France. By attacking leaves, twigs and fruit, it causes significant damage, directly impacting productivity and crop quality.

For producers facing this threat, Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, offers tailored solutions to protect your orchards and restart your production in the event of losses.

Identification of the Pruinose Leafhopper

Origin and spread

Introduced to Europe in the 1970s from Italy, the leafhopper quickly spread to southern France, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates. Its presence is particularly problematic in kiwifruit production areas.

Distinctive features

• Larvae: Covered with white waxy filaments, they measure a few millimeters and concentrate on the branches and leaves.
• Adults: Greyish with "roof" wings, they form visible groups thanks to a characteristic white felting.

Annual life cycle

• Winter: The eggs hide in the folds of the bark.
• April: The larvae hatch and feed on the sap of leaves and twigs.
• July: Adults emerge, increasing damage to crops.
• Autumn: The laying of eggs prepares the next generation.

Symptoms and Damage to Kiwi Crops

On the leaves

• Formation of sticky honeydew: Promotes sooty mold (black fungus) which reduces photosynthesis.
• Premature yellowing: Weakens the leaves, which impacts the overall growth of the plants.

On the twigs and branches

• Nutritional pitting: Causes cracks and drying out of young branches.
• Characteristic alignments: Adults gather in "Single file" on infested branches.

On fruits

• Honeydew and white wax deposits: Make the fruit unfit for consumption.
• Sooty mold: Covers fruits, reducing their commercial value.

In cases of severe infestation, these symptoms lead to a significant drop in yields and compromise the quality of production. To compensate for these losses, it is essential to buy resistant and quality kiwi plants , offered by Kiwiverse to revive your orchards.

Prevention Against the Pruinose Leafhopper

1. Regular monitoring

• Inspect the edges of plots, embankments and brambles, favorite places of the first colonies.
• Look for the white felt visible on the branches and leaves.

2. Improvement of cultural practices

• Regular pruning: Promote air circulation to limit areas favorable to larvae.
• Elimination of refuges: Remove dense hedges and brambles that serve as refuges for leafhoppers.

3. Use of insect nets

Install netting to prevent adults from entering your orchards. These physical barriers are particularly effective in protecting young plants.

Biological Control of the Pruinose Leafhopper

1. Introduction of natural parasitoids

Neodryinus typhlocybae , a natural predator, is very effective:

• The females lay their eggs on the larvae, causing their destruction.
• Adults actively prey on larvae, thus limiting their proliferation.

2. Biocontrol products

• Orange essential oils: Damage insect membranes and limit their progression.
• Kaolinite clay: Forms a physical barrier on the leaves, preventing the installation of larvae.
• Soft soap: Sprayed with water, it suffocates larvae and adults on contact.

3. Encourage biodiversity

• Wild areas: Plant honey-producing flowers to attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies.
• Insect hotels: Provide shelter for natural predators, thus enhancing biological control.

Conventional Control: A Targeted Option

1. Approved pesticides

• Pyriproxyfen-based products: Effective against larvae.
• Apply these treatments early in the larval cycle for optimal impact.

2. Localized sprays

Vegetable oils envelop the larvae and adults, causing them to suffocate. Apply these products in dry, windless weather to avoid losses.

Business Solutions for Impacted Producers

In the event of significant losses, Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, offers you suitable solutions to replenish your orchards.

Our competitive advantages

• Wide range of plants: Grafted plants, in pots or in cells, suitable for all growing conditions.
• Direct producer prices: Take advantage of competitive rates and discounts depending on the volume ordered.
• Fast and careful delivery: Delivery guaranteed within 15 days, directly to your farm.
• Dedicated technical support: Our experts advise you on choosing the most suitable varieties.

How to relaunch your orchard with Kiwiverse?

• Plant your orchard with certified and resistant plants.
• Buying kiwi plants from Kiwiverse guarantees efficient and sustainable production.
• Order today and receive a free quote within 48 hours.
• Access personalized advice to optimize the productivity of your plantations.

FAQs

What is the pruinose leafhopper?

The pruinose leafhopper ( Metcalfa pruinosa ) is a piercing-sucking insect that affects kiwifruit crops by sucking sap and leaving deposits of honeydew and white wax.

How to detect an infestation?

Watch for white felting on leaves and twigs, as well as the presence of sticky honeydew and sooty mold.

What are the natural predators effective against this pest?

The parasitoid Neodryinus typhlocybae is very effective in reducing leafhopper populations.

What types of kiwi plants do you offer?

We offer a wide range of grafted plants, in pots or in cells, as well as professional quality rootstocks.

What are your delivery times?

We guarantee fast delivery within 15 days anywhere in France.

How to get a personalized quote?

Contact our team via our online form and receive a quote within 48 hours.

Conclusion

The kiwifruit leafhopper is a serious pest for kiwi crops. However, with prevention strategies, organic and conventional solutions, and support from experts like Kiwiverse, it is possible to limit its impact.

Restart your production now with professional solutions from Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants. Buying quality kiwi plants guarantees sustainable yields and optimal protection against pests. Contact us today for a free quote and personalized advice!