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Grasshopper

Overview

Grasshoppers are a significant pest that can cause extensive damage to various crops across the United States and Canada. These insects are highly mobile and can rapidly infest large areas, feeding on a wide range of crops including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and forage crops. Grasshoppers have strong mandibles that allow them to chew through plant tissues, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and ultimately lower crop yields.

In cereal crops like wheat and barley, grasshoppers can strip leaves and damage grain heads, severely impacting production. In legumes such as soybeans and alfalfa, they can defoliate plants, reducing both yield and quality. Vegetable crops are also at risk, as grasshoppers can consume leaves, stems, and fruits, leading to significant economic losses.

Effective management of grasshoppers typically involves monitoring populations, using cultural practices to reduce habitat, and applying insecticides.

Photo Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

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How to Identify Grasshoppers

Identifying grasshoppers is crucial for effective management. Here are specific and detailed characteristics to help farmers recognize these pests:

General Characteristics:

  • Body Shape: Grasshoppers have a robust, elongated body with a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen.

  • Size: Adult grasshoppers typically range from 1 to 3 inches in length, depending on the species.

  • Color: They can vary in color from green to brown, yellow, or even reddish, often with patterns or stripes that provide camouflage.

Head:

  • Antennae: Grasshoppers have long, slender antennae that can be as long as or longer than their body.

  • Eyes: They possess large, compound eyes that provide a wide field of vision.

  • Mouthparts: Grasshoppers have strong, chewing mouthparts designed for biting and grinding plant material.

Thorax:

  • Pronotum: The pronotum is a shield-like structure that covers the thorax and often has a distinct ridge or keel running down the middle.

  • Legs: Grasshoppers have three pairs of legs. The hind legs are significantly larger and adapted for jumping, with strong muscles and spines.

  • Wings: Most adult grasshoppers have two pairs of wings. The front pair (tegmina) is narrow and leathery, while the hind pair is broad and membranous, often used for flight.

Abdomen:

  • Segments: The abdomen is segmented and may have visible spiracles (breathing holes) along the sides.

  • Ovipositor: Female grasshoppers have a pointed ovipositor at the end of the abdomen, used for laying eggs in the soil.

Nymphs (Immature Grasshoppers):

  • Appearance: Nymphs resemble miniature adults but lack fully developed wings. They go through several molts, gradually developing adult features.

  • Color: Nymphs are often similar in color to adults but may be more uniformly green or brown.

Behavior:

  • Feeding: Grasshoppers are primarily herbivorous and feed on a wide variety of plants, including crops, grasses, and weeds.

  • Movement: They are highly mobile, capable of jumping long distances and flying, which allows them to spread rapidly.

Habitat:

  • Preferred Areas: Grasshoppers thrive in open, sunny areas such as fields, pastures, and roadsides. They are particularly abundant in regions with dry, warm climates.

Key Identifying Features:

  • Long Hind Legs: Adapted for jumping, with strong muscles and spines.

  • Pronotum: Shield-like structure with a distinct ridge or keel.

  • Antennae: Long and slender, often as long as or longer than the body.

  • Wings: Two pairs, with the front pair being narrow and leathery, and the hind pair broad and membranous.

By closely examining these characteristics, farmers can accurately identify grasshoppers and implement appropriate control measures.

Timing of Grasshopper Impact

United States

Grasshoppers typically emerge and begin to impact fields across the United States in the late spring to early summer, depending on the region and local climate conditions. Here’s a detailed timeline of their emergence and impact:

Emergence:

  • Egg Hatch: Grasshopper eggs usually hatch when soil temperatures reach around 70°F, which can occur from late April to early June, depending on the region.

  • Nymph Stage: After hatching, grasshopper nymphs (immature grasshoppers) go through several molts over a period of 40-60 days, gradually developing into adults. During this time, they start feeding on available vegetation.

Key Impact Periods:

  • Late Spring to Early Summer: Grasshopper nymphs begin feeding on young crops, causing initial damage. This period typically spans from late April to early June.

  • Mid to Late Summer: As grasshoppers mature into adults, their feeding activity intensifies. This is the peak period of impact, usually from June to August. During this time, grasshoppers can cause significant damage to crops by defoliating plants, damaging grain heads, and consuming fruits and vegetables.

  • Late Summer to Early Fall: Grasshopper populations may continue to impact fields until the first frost, which can occur from September to October, depending on the region.

Canada

The timing of grasshoppers in Canada can vary depending on the region and the specific species of grasshoppers present.

Emergence:

  • Egg Hatch: In Canada, grasshopper eggs are typically laid in the late summer or early fall, usually in the soil or plant debris. These eggs overwinter and hatch in the spring when temperatures warm up. The timing of egg hatch can vary depending on local climate conditions, but it often occurs in May or June.

  • Nymph Stage: After hatching, grasshoppers go through several nymph stages, during which they molt and grow. The nymphs resemble smaller versions of the adult grasshoppers but lack fully developed wings. The duration of the nymph stage can vary depending on species and environmental conditions, but it generally lasts several weeks to a few months.

Key Impact Periods:

  • Summer: As the nymphs mature, they eventually reach the adult stage. Most adult grasshoppers have fully developed wings and are capable of flight. They continue to feed and reproduce during the summer months. The lifespan of adult grasshoppers can vary, but it is typically several weeks to a few months.

Geographic Impact of Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers have a significant geographic impact across various regions in the United States and Canada. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse climates, from the dry, warm areas of the Great Plains to the more temperate regions of the Midwest and even parts of the Northeast. Grasshoppers are particularly problematic in areas with open, sunny fields, pastures, and roadsides.

In the United States, grasshoppers can cause extensive damage to crops such as cereals, legumes, vegetables, and forage crops. They are known to strip leaves, damage grain heads, and consume plant tissues, leading to reduced photosynthesis and lower crop yields.

Grasshoppers can be found in various regions of Canada, but their distribution can vary depending on factors such as climate, habitat, and agricultural practices. They are more commonly found in the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, where the climate and vegetation provide suitable conditions for their survival and reproduction. 

How to Manage Grasshoppers in the United States

Farmers can manage grasshoppers in their fields for various crops using specific chemical recommendations. Here are some effective insecticides and their application rates for different crops:

Corn:

  • Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC: This insecticide contains lambda-cyhalothrin and is effective against grasshoppers. The typical application rate for corn is 2.56 oz/acre, with a range of 1.92-3.84 oz/acre. You can find more details and purchase it here.

Soybeans:

  • Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC: For soybeans, the typical application rate is also 2.56 oz/acre, with a range of 1.92-3.84 oz/acre. More information is available here.

  • Willowood Imidacloprid 4SC: This insecticide contains imidacloprid and is another option for managing grasshoppers in soybeans. The typical application rate is 1.5 oz/acre. You can find more details and purchase it here.

Cotton:

  • Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC: For cotton, the typical application rate is 1.9 oz/acre, with a range of 1.9-5.1 oz/acre. More information is available here.

  • Willowood Imidacloprid 4SC: The typical application rate for cotton is 1 oz/acre, with a range of 1-2 oz/acre. You can find more details and purchase it here.

Rice:

  • Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC: This insecticide is also effective for rice, with a typical application rate of 2.56 oz/acre, ranging from 1.92-3.84 oz/acre. More information is available here.

These insecticides can help manage grasshopper populations when used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Always follow the label instructions and recommended application rates for the best results.

willowood-lambda-cy-1EC-250

How to Manage Grasshoppers in Canada

Understanding the local grasshopper species, their behavior, and their population dynamics is crucial for effective management and minimizing their impact on crops. Here are a few active ingredients commonly used for grasshopper management in Canada. Specific recommendations may vary depending on a farmer’s location and local regulations. It is crucial to read and follow the pesticide label instructions for proper use and safety guidelines.

Bifenthrin

This insecticide is effective against grasshoppers and is available in various formulations. It can be applied as a foliar spray or as a seed treatment, depending on the crop. 

Malathion

This insecticide is commonly used for grasshopper control in certain situations. It is available in various formulations and can be applied as a foliar spray. 

Integrated Pest Management 

It's essential to consider integrated pest management (IPM) practices when managing grasshoppers. 

Farmers in Canada can consider implementing crop rotation as a management strategy for grasshoppers. By alternating the types of crops grown in a field, farmers can disrupt the grasshoppers' food source and breeding cycle, reducing their numbers over time.

Physical barriers, such as nets, can be used to protect crops from grasshopper feeding. These barriers can prevent grasshoppers from accessing the plants and causing damage.

Encouraging natural predators of grasshoppers, such as birds and certain insects, can also help keep grasshopper populations in check. Providing habitat and food sources for these predators can contribute to the overall management of grasshoppers in crops.

How Grasshoppers Impact Cereals

Grasshoppers can have a significant impact on cereal crops. They feed on the leaves and stems of cereal plants, which can result in reduced plant growth, lower yields, and even complete crop loss in severe infestations. 

How to Manage Grasshoppers in Cereals

There are many insecticides labeled for grasshopper control in Canadian cereal crops. Common active ingredients include deltamethrin, malathion, chlorantraniliprole, and lambda-cyhalothrin. 

Wheat, Barley, Oats, and Flax

  • Product: Poleci 2.5 EC Western Insecticide (deltamethrin)

  • Rate: 200-300 mL/ha in 100-200 L of water per ha

  • Timing: Apply via ground application when grasshoppers are in the 2-4 nymphal stage, as the best control will be achieved when the application is made prior to wing development, or apply when signs of damage are evident. Under severe pest pressure, an application should also be made to a 15-metre strip along fence rows around the field. The higher rate should be used when the proportion of late nymphal stages in the population is high and the canopy is dense, inhibiting penetration.

  • Product: FBN Deltamethrin 5 EC Insecticide VP (deltamethrin)

  • Rate: 100-150 mL/ha in 100-200 L of water per ha

  • Timing: Apply via ground application when the grasshoppers are in the 2-4 nymphal stage. The best control will be achieved when the application is made prior to wing development. Under severe insect pressure, an application should also be made to a 15-metre strip along fence rows around the field. The higher rate should be used when the proportion of late nymphal stages in the population is high and the canopy is dense, inhibiting penetration.

Wheat, Barley, and Oats

  • Product: Silencer® 120 EC (lambda-cyhalothrin)

  • Rate: 63-83 mL/ha

  • Timing: Apply the low rate when grasshoppers are up to the third nymphal stage (up to 1 cm in length) or when insect numbers are low. Apply the high rate when grasshoppers are larger, up to but not including winged adults (up to 2.5 cm in length) or when insect numbers are high. If insect pressure is high, apply a spray to a 15 m strip around the field. Avoid environmentally sensitive areas and unregistered crops. The pre-harvest interval should be 28 days.

How Grasshoppers Impact Legumes

Grasshoppers can have a significant impact on legume crops. They feed on the leaves, stems, and reproductive parts of legume plants, which can result in reduced plant growth, lower yields, and even complete crop loss in severe infestations. 

How to Manage Grasshoppers in Legumes

To manage grasshopper populations in legume crops, insecticides that contain lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, malathion, and deltamethrin can be effective. Be sure to check the label, as not all of these active ingredients may be labeled for every legume crop.  

Soybean, Chickpeas, Lentils, and Dry Peas

  • Product name: Silencer® 120 EC (lambda-cyhalothrin)

  • Rate: 83 mL/ha

  • Timing: The need and timing of application should be based on the presence of vulnerable pest developmental stages and significant populations as determined by local monitoring.

Lentils 

  • Product name: FBN Deltamethrin 5 EC Insecticide VP (deltamethrin)

  • Rate: 100-150 mL/ha in 100-200 L of water per ha

  • Timing: Follow the provincial forecast. Apply via ground application when signs of insect damage are evident or when the grasshoppers are in the 2-4 nymphal stage because the best control will be achieved when an application is made prior to wing development. Under severe insect pressure, an application should also be made to a 15-metre strip along fence rows around the field. The higher rate should be used when the proportion of mature and late nymphal stages in the population are high and spray penetration is inhibited by dense crop canopy.

  • Product name: Poleci 2.5 EC Western Insecticide (deltamethrin)

  • Rate: 200-300 mL/ha in 100-200 L of water per ha

  • Timing: Follow the provincial forecast. Apply via ground spray when grasshoppers are in the 2-4 nymphal stage or when signs of insect damage are evident. Under severe pest pressure, an application should also be made to a 15-metre strip along fence rows around the field. The higher rate should be used when the proportion of mature and late nymphal stages in the population are high and spray penetration is inhibited by dense crop canopy.

How Grasshoppers Impact Vegetables

Grasshoppers can feed on a variety of vegetables. While their preferences may vary, they are known to eat leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and kale. They can also damage crops like beans, peas, and cucumbers. 

They feed on the leaves, stems, and reproductive parts of vegetables, which can result in reduced plant growth, lower yields, and even complete crop loss in severe infestations. The damage caused by grasshoppers can vary depending on the crop type and the intensity of the infestation.

How to Manage Grasshoppers in Vegetables

There are some products containing imidacloprid that are labeled for use with stem vegetables for use on grasshoppers. Cultural methods, such as tillage and early seeding, can be used to help control the insects. 

How Grasshoppers Impact Forage Crops

Some common forage crops that grasshoppers may eat include alfalfa, clover, timothy grass, bermudagrass, and fescue. They can also damage other grasses and legumes that are commonly used for forage production. 

Grasshoppers feed on the leaves and stems of forage plants, which can result in:

  • Reduced plant growth

  • Lower yields

  • Decreased forage quality

How to Manage Grasshoppers in Forage Crops

Insecticides containing chlorantraniliprole, lambda-cyhalothrin, and malathion are labeled for use with forage crops for use on grasshoppers.

Alfalfa

  • Product name: Silencer® 120 EC (lambda-cyhalothrin)

  • Rate: 63-83 mL/ha

  • Timing: Apply the low rate via ground application when grasshoppers are up to the third nymphal stage (up to 1 cm in length) or when insect numbers are low. Apply the high rate when grasshoppers are larger, up to but not including winged adults (up to 2.5 cm in length) or when insect numbers are high. If insect pressure is high, apply a spray to a 15 m strip around the field. Avoid environmentally sensitive areas and unregistered crops. Do not apply within three days of livestock foraging. Do not use more than three applications per year; allow a seven day interval between treatments.

Timothy Grown for Seed or Hay

  • Product name: Silencer® 120 EC (lambda-cyhalothrin)

  • Rate: 63-83 mL/ha

  • Timing: Apply the low rate when grasshoppers are up to the third nymphal stage (up to 1 cm in length) or when insect numbers are low. Apply the high rate when grasshoppers are larger, up to but not including winged adults (up to 2.5 cm in length) or when insect numbers are high. If insect pressure is high, apply a spray to a 15 m strip around the field. Avoid environmentally sensitive areas and unregistered crops. Do not apply more than three applications per season; allow 7 days between applications. Do not apply within 14 days of harvest.

Every product that labels GRASSHOPPER as a weed, pest, or disease the product can be applied against is shown below. Click any product for label and more information.
2% Sevin® BaitAcenthrin™Acephate 90 PrillAcephate 90 Prill Select™Acephate 90 WDGAcephate 90 WSPAcephate 97 WDGAcephate 97UP®Acronyx™ 2 FlowableAcronyx™ 4 FActara®Adage™Advise® FourAdvise® FourAgri-Flex® Miticide/InsecticideAlias® 4FAllectus® SCAloft® GC GAloft® GC SCArgyle™ ODArtistAsana® XLAthena™ Insecticide/MiticideAtrevia™ 3.0% SLAttendant® 480 FSAttendant® 600 FSAvenger™ Bold S3™Avenger™ S3™Axcess™ Insecticide Seed TreatmentAxxe®AzaGuard® Botanical Insecticide/NematicideAzatin® OAzatrol® EC InsecticideAzera® InsecticideBatallion™ 10 WSPBatallion™ 2 ECBatallion™ LFCBaythroid® XLBesiege® InsecticideBi-Dash 2EBidrin® 8 Water MiscibleBifen 2 AG GoldBifen 25% ECBifender® FC InsecticideBifenthrin 2EC InsecticideBifenture® 10DFBifenture® ECBifenture® LFCBioCeres® WPBisect® LBlackhawk® Naturalyte® Insect ControlBolton™BotaniGard® 22WPBotaniGard® 22WPBotaniGard® ESBotaniGard® ESBotaniGard® MaxxBoteGHA® ESBracket® 90 WDGBracket® 97Bracket® 97 (Soluble Insecticide)Bracket® 97 WDGBrigade® 2EC Insecticide/MiticideBrigade® WSB InsecticideBrigadier® InsecticideCapture® 2EC-CALCapture® LFR®Carbaryl 4LCarbaryl 4LCarbaryl 5% BaitCarbaryl Cutworm BaitCavalry™ IICedar Gard™Celite® 610Cheminova Malathion® 57%Chlorpyrifos 4E AGChlorpyrifos 4E-AGCobalt® AdvancedCobalt® InsecticideConsero®Consero® (Gamma-cyhalothrin)Coragen® eVo Insect ControlCoragen® Insect ControlCoragen® Insect ControlCormoran®Cortes™ Maxx InsecticideCrossoverCrossover® ProCruiser® 5FSCrusader 2MECrusader® 1ECCygon™ LVDanitol® 2.4 EC Spray Insecticide-MiticideDeadzone™Debug® ONDebug® ONDebug® OptimoDebug® OptimoDebug® TresDebug® TresDebug® TurboDebug® TurboDecathlon™ 20 WPDeclare® InsecticideDeclare® InsecticideDelta Gold®Demand® GDiamond®Dibrom® 8 Emulsive (RUP)Dicromax® 8DiflunateDimate 4EDimethoate 2.67Dimethoate 2.67 ECDimethoate 4 EDimethoate 400Dimethoate 400 ECDimethoate 4ECDimethoate LV-4Dimilin® 25WDimilin® 2LDimilin® 2LDiscipline® 2ECDiscipline® CADoubleTake™Durant 2LDurant™ 2 L IGRDursban® 50W-WSP Specialty InsecticideDyna-Shield® Imidacloprid 5Elevest™Elliptica™Endigo® ZCEndigo® ZCXEntrust® Naturalyte Insect ControlEntrust® SC Naturalyte Insect ControlEnvirepel 50™Ethos® XB Insecticide/FungicideEverGreen® Crop Protection EC 60-6EverGreen® Pro 60-6Exirel® Insect Control (With Cyazypyr®)Fanfare® 2ECFanfare® ECFanfare® ESFastac® CS insecticideFastac™ EC insecticideFirestone™First Choice® Carbaryl Cutworm BaitFrenzy AttackFrenzy VelozFyfanon®Fyfanon® 57% ECFyfanon® 8 lb. EmulsionFyfanon® Plus ULVFyfanon® ULV AGFyfanon® ULV AG (67760-35)Gaucho® 600 FlowableGCS Bifenthrin 2ECGCS Bifenthrin LFCGladiator® Insecticide/MiticideGovern® 4EGrizzly® TooGrizzly® Z InsecticideHatchet® InsecticideHero® EWHero® InsecticideHost ECIMAX PlusImidacloprid 4FImidan® 70-W (Water Soluble Bags)Kaiso® 24 WGKarate® InsecticideKarate® with Zeon™ TechnologyKendo® 22.8 CSKendo™ InsecticideKibosh™ SCKilter®L - C InsecticideLambda TLambda-Cy AGLambda-Cy™ EC Insecticide-RUPLambdafos™ InsecticideLamcap® IILamcap™Lamdec™ InsecticideLancer® 2ECLancer® FCLegend™ 5L STLeverage® 360Livid® 90 PrillLivid® 97 PrillLorsban® 75 WGLorsban® Advanced InsecticideLorsban®-4E InsecticideLunge™ InsecticideMacho® 4.0 FlowableMacho® 480 STMacho® 600 STMalathion 5Malathion 57 ECMalathion 5ECMalathion 8Malathion 8 AquamulMalathion 8 FlowableMalathion 8-E InsecticideMalathion ULV® ConcentrateMalice® 75 WSPMatch-Up™ InsecticideMenace® 7.9% FlowableMenace® GC 7.9% FlowableMicromite® 2LMicromite® 2LMicromite® 80WGSMicromite® 80WGSMidash 2SC Ag InsecticideMidash Forte InsecticideMinecto® ProMontana® 2FMontana® 4FMustang® InsecticideMustang® MaxxMycotrol® ESOMycotrol® ESOMycotrol® WPOMycotrol® WPONeemix® 4.5 Insect Growth RegulatorNitro Shield®Nitro Shield® IVNofly® WP Wettable Powder MycoinsecticideNufarm Chlorpyrifos SPC 2Nufarm Chlorpyrifos SPC 2.32% GNufarm Chlorpyrifos SPC 4Nufarm Lambda-Cyhalothrin 1EC InsecticideNufos® 4E (RUP)Nuprid® 2SC Soil/Foliar InsecticideNuprid® 4F Max InsecticideObelisk™Orthene® 97Orthene® Turf, Tree & Ornamental 97 SprayOrthene® Turf,Tree & Ornamental WSPParadigm®Paradigm® VCPhoenix Firebird® ProPoncho® 600 Seed TreatmentPoncho® XC Seed TreatmentPrevathon® (Dupont)Prevathon® (FMC)Pro-Mate® BifenthrinProaxis® InsecticideProaxis® InsecticideProaxis™PROKIL Cryolite 50 DustPROKIL Cryolite 96Provaunt®Province® IIProvince™Provoke™Pycana™Pyganic® Crop Protection EC 1.4 IIPyganic® Crop Protection EC 5.0 IIPyganic® SpecialtyRadiant® SC InsecticideRancona® CrestRango™Ravage®Renestra™ InsecticideResonate™ 480 STResonate™ 600 STRespect® EC insecticideRespect® insecticideReveal®Reveal® CAReveal® Endurx™Revere® 2.0Revize® Imida STRidgeback™Ruckus™ LFR® InsecticideS-FenvaloStarScimitar® CSScimitar® GCScorpion® 35SL InsecticideSedaire™ ECSeeker™ Insecticide with Isoclast™ ActiveSeguroSenator® 600 FSSerpent™ 1 ECSever™ 35 WSBSevin® 4FSevin® 5 BaitSevin® SLSevin® XLR PlusSharda Imidacloprid 5SCSherpa® InsecticideSilencer®Silencer® VXN™Skyraider®SlugbugSniper®Sniper® Helios®Sniper® LFR®SpinTor® 2SC Naturalyte® Insect ControlStallion® BrandSTartUP™ IMIDA Seed TreatmentSteed® InsecticideSteward® ECSteward® ECSuccess® Naturalyte® Insect ControlSultrus™Surround® CF Crop ProtectantSurround® WP Crop ProtectantSuspend® SCSuspend® SCSwagger®Tailgunner™Talstar® S Select InsecticideTempest™ Dual-Action InsecticideTempo® SC UltraTempo® SC UltraTempo® Ultra WPTenkoz® Acephate 97Tepera® PlusTepera® Plus HDTepera® Plus HDTersus® InsecticideTide Acephate 90 WDGTide Diflubenzuron 2SCTide Imidacloprid 4FTombstone™Tombstone™ Helios®Tracer® Naturalyte® Insect ControlTriple Crown™ Golf InsecticideTriple Crown™ InsecticideTundra® EC (1381-196)Tundra® LFCTundra® SupremeUnforgivenUp-Star® GoldUp-Star® SC Lawn and NurseryVantacor®Venom® InsecticideVoliam Flexi®Voliam Xpress®Voltage Endurx®Vulcan®Warden® Cereals HRWarhawk®Warhawk® ClearForm®Warrior II with Zeon Technology®Whirlwind®Willowood Bifenthrin 2ECWillowood Imidacloprid 4SCWillowood Imidacloprid 4STWillowood Lambda 1ECWillowood Lambda-Cy 1ECWisdom® FlowableWisdom® TC FlowableWrangler® InsecticideYuma® 4EZyrate®