Apple tumor, commonly known as apple leafhopper or "tired insects," is a species of Homoptera belonging to the family Amaranthidae. It is widely distributed across various regions in China, Japan, and North Korea. This pest primarily affects host plants such as apple trees, sand fruit (a type of wild fruit), jellyfish (likely referring to a plant with similar characteristics), and mountain vine.
**Damage Symptoms**: When these pests feed on the stems and buds, they cause the edges of the leaves to curl into a tube-like structure. Normally, they only affect local shoots. The damaged leaves are often split lengthwise from both sides toward the back, sometimes rolled like ropes. As a result, the leaves become shriveled and dehydrated. The damage inside the leaves is not immediately visible from the outside, but over time, the affected leaves dry up and fall off.
**Morphological Features**:
- **Wingless female**: Body length ranges from 1.4 to 1.6 mm, nearly spindle-shaped, with a dark green or brown body, black head, and dark red compound eyes. A prominent frontal tumor is present.
- **Winged female**: Slightly larger, about 1.5 mm in length, with an oval shape. The head and thorax are dark brown, featuring a noticeable frontal tumor and 2–3 black hairs.
- **Nymphs**: Small, wingless, light green in color. Some individuals may have two dark wing buds on their dorsal side, referred to as "fin base" stages, which later develop into winged adults.
- **Eggs**: Long and oval, dark green with a shiny surface, measuring approximately 0.5 mm in length.
**Life Cycle and Occurrence**: This insect can complete more than 10 generations per year. Overwintering occurs in the buds of annual shoots and other protected areas. In early April of the following year, the overwintering eggs hatch. From spring to autumn, they reproduce through parthenogenesis. The most significant period of damage occurs between mid-June and late June. From October to November, sexual reproduction takes place, and after mating, females lay eggs that will overwinter in the buds.
**Prevention and Control Methods**: The key to managing apple tumor infestations lies in thorough spraying during the overwintering period.
1. In western Henan Province, the hatching of apple eggs begins at the start of April, peaks in mid-April, and ends by late April.
2. Application methods: Use a fine spray to ensure full coverage of branches, leaves, and buds. The goal is to thoroughly wet all surfaces, ensuring maximum effectiveness of the pesticide. Regular monitoring and timely treatment are essential for controlling this pest effectively.
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