Empoasca kraemeri

Ross & Moore, 1957

bean leafhopper, potato leafhopper (Latin America)

Empoasca kraemeri is a in the , to the Americas and a significant agricultural pest of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Latin America. It is closely related to the North E. fabae, with which it shares similar feeding habits and damage . The species exhibits phloem-feeding that causes characteristic "" injury to plants, and shows differential preferences in bean . Peak occur approximately 42-49 days after host germination, with highest presence during pod filling to ripening stages.

Empoasca kraemeri by Evaldo Resende. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Empoasca kraemeri: /ɛmˈpəʊəskə ˈkreɪməri/

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Identification

Empoasca kraemeri can be distinguished from the closely related by geographic distribution and associations, though morphological differentiation requires expert examination. are small, typically lime-green less than 5 mm in length. Identification to level often requires examination of male or molecular markers; the two species can be differentiated through probing patterns and cellular response differences on host plants.

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Habitat

Agricultural environments, specifically common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) areas. The thrives in fields during warm growing seasons.

Distribution

to the Americas; recorded from Brazil (Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais), Peru (Loreto, Lima), and Florida (USA). Primary distribution centers in Latin America where common bean is cultivated.

Seasonality

Peak occur 42-49 days after germination. Greater presence observed during plant reproductive stages from pod filling through full ripening. Activity patterns correspond to warm growing seasons.

Diet

Phloem sap feeder; extracts fluids from vascular tissues using . Feeding injects salivary toxins that cause plant tissue damage.

Host Associations

  • Phaseolus vulgaris - primary common bean; most important agricultural in Latin America
  • Line #38 bean cultivar - preferred showed highest damage percentages in field studies, indicating strong preference

Life Cycle

Development includes , , and stages. Nymph peak at 42-49 days after germination. Specific details on egg laying, developmental duration, and biology not well documented in available sources.

Behavior

Exhibits probing on plants that differs between and susceptible bean . Shows cultivar preference with differential damage levels. Feeding behavior induces distinct cellular in host tissues.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest causing direct damage to common bean through feeding injury. Subject of research including (Zoophthora radicans).

Human Relevance

Major economic pest of common bean in Latin America, causing yield losses through injury. Subject of breeding programs; QTL mapping has identified linked to resistance. strategies include and for early-season .

Similar Taxa

  • Empoasca fabaeClosely related with similar , feeding habits, and damage ; differentiated by geographic distribution (E. fabae primarily North ) and subtle behavioral and physiological differences on plants

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