Purple Top — Transmitted by Beet Leafhopper


Purple Top Causal Agent

  • Name: Columbia Basin Purple Top Phytoplasma (a.k.a. BLTVA)
     
  • Transmitted by: Beet leafhopper
     
  • Hosts: Beet leafhopper, various weeds, potatoes, tomatoes, various vegetables
     
  • Other info: Disease is transmitted mostly in early season.
     

 

Leafhopper Identification on Yellow Sticky Traps

Beet Leafhopper

  • Technical name: Circulifer tenellus
     
  • Comes in two color forms
     
  • No dark spots on head
     
  • Head rounded in front
     
  • Total length about 1/8"
     
  • Beet leafhoppers on sticky traps may be damaged or missing wings.

 

Other Leafhoppers that Do Not Transmit Purple Top

 
 

Trapping Suggestions

  1. Use 3x5" or 4x6" yellow sticky card traps.
     
  2. Place traps near potato fields, among weeds, away from dusty roads.
     
  3. Mount cards about 3-4" above ground.
     
  4. Check traps regularly, replace at least weekly.
     
  5. May and June are the most important months.

 

Foliar Symptoms