Sugarcane plant hoppers

Planthopper. Image National History Museum, London

In exceptional circumstances high populations can reduce yield and sugar content.
Perkinsiella vastatrix and P. vitiensis can act as vectors of Fiji leaf gall.

Description and symptoms

Similar to the sugarcane planthopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida) in size and appearance, being a 4-6 mm long, brown coloured, leafhopper.
Copious excretion of honeydew may cause development of sooty mould.

Spread

Insects can fly many kilometres.
Insects and eggs can be carried on sugar-cane stalks and leaves.

High priority pest of: Sugarcane

Scientific name: Perkinsiella bicoloris, P. diagoras, P. lalokensis, P. papuensis, P. rattlei, P. saccharivora, P. vastatrix, P. vitiensis
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Stink bugs, aphids, mealybugs, scale, whiteflies & hoppers (HEMIPTERA)