Leafhopper (incl. rhododendron bud blast link)
PEST
When it's active · UK
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Northern Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Central Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands
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How to recognise it
Small pale insects that jump when disturbed, causing fine pale mottling on leaves; on rhododendrons, egg-laying wounds let in a fungus causing bud blast (browned, bristly buds that fail to open).
Life cycle and conditions
Active through summer; the bud blast fungus develops over winter in buds damaged by egg-laying the previous summer.
Prevention
Remove and dispose of any blasted buds promptly to reduce fungal spore spread.
How to treat it
🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED
Remove and dispose of any blasted buds promptly — the main and recommended response, reducing spore spread for next year.
🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE
No practical chemical control for the leafhopper itself is recommended for amateur gardens — management focuses entirely on removing affected buds.
PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
Rhododendronornamental perennials