How to Get Rid of Leafhoppers on Beach Morning Glory Plant

Beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) is a vibrant, trailing vine that can brighten up any coastal garden with its large, purple blooms However, these plants are frequently plagued by leafhoppers – tiny, sap-sucking insects that damage foliage and stunt growth In this article, we’ll explore methods for safely and effectively eliminating leafhoppers from beach morning glory without harming the plant or environment.

Identifying Leafhoppers

Before treating an infestation, it’s important to confirm leafhoppers are the culprits. Around 1/8 to 1/2 inch long, these wedge-shaped bugs come in shades of green yellow, brown or black. They damage plants by piercing leaf tissue and extracting the sap leaving behind yellow stippling or speckles. You may also notice sticky honeydew and the small insects hopping when disturbed. Thoroughly checking the undersides of leaves allows you to spot leafhoppers or their eggs.

Trying Natural Remedies First

For mild or new infestations, an integrative pest management approach using natural remedies is ideal. Here are some effective, eco-friendly methods to try:

• Pruning – Removing heavily infested, unsightly growths can eliminate populations and prevent spreading.

• Beneficial Insects – Welcome ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps and other predators that feed on leafhoppers.

• Neem Oil – The neem tree’s insecticidal oil disrupts leafhopper life cycles when sprayed on plants.

• Garlic-Chili Spray – Blending garlic, onions or peppers with water makes an organic repellent spray.

• Reflective Mulch – Aluminum foil or reflective mulch deters leafhoppers by confusing their visual senses.

• Sticky Traps – Traps placed within foliage provide an appealing surface leafhoppers get stuck on.

• Row Covers – Fabric row covers act as a protective barrier to exclude leafhoppers.

• Crop Rotation – Rotating beach morning glory locations annually disrupts reinfestation.

Turning to Chemical Treatments

For heavy infestations, natural remedies alone may not eliminate leafhopper problems. In these cases, using chemical pesticides responsibly can be effective. Always carefully follow label directions and precautions when applying any pesticide. Here are some chemical options proven to control leafhoppers:

• Insecticidal Soaps – Derived from plant oils, insecticidal soaps kill soft-bodied insects like leafhoppers on contact while being low toxicity. Multiple applications are typically needed.

• Horticultural Oils – Like insecticidal soaps, lightweight horticultural oils smother and kill leafhoppers while coating and suffocating eggs. Oils are also low toxicity to mammals.

• Pyrethrin Insecticides – Extracted from chrysanthemums, pyrethrin chemicals attack the nervous systems of leafhoppers while having low environmental persistence. Reapplications may be needed.

• Neonicotinoid Systemics – Systemic insecticides like imidacloprid are taken up by plants and make their tissues toxic to leafhoppers for weeks or months, depending on product. Use with caution and only when necessary.

Implementing Preventative Care

Along with control measures, certain cultural practices can thwart future leafhopper issues:

• Keep plants healthy with optimal sunlight, water and fertilization as leafhoppers target stressed, vulnerable plants.

• Monitor for early signs of leafhoppers like stippling damage or honeydew. Take action at the first signs of infestation.

• Remove weeds leafhoppers can breed and spread from. Control their food sources.

• Introduce diversity by interplanting with flowers that attract leafhopper predators.

• Use reflective mulches early in the season to repel colonizing leafhoppers.

By staying vigilant and integrating a combination of natural remedies, selective insecticide use, and prevention techniques, you can safely eliminate leafhopper damage on beach morning glories. Focus on cultural practices that create an environment unfavorable to their colonization and act at the first signs of infestation. With prompt, thorough treatment, your beach morning glories will thrive leafhopper-free.