Jun 11, 2025
Cold Temperatures Aid Control of Corn Leafhoppers in Argentina
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
The latest report from the National Monitoring for Dalbulus Maidis (corn leafhopper) confirmed that damage from the insect was minimal for the 2024/2025 corn crop in Argentina. This came as a big relief for farmers after the devastation the insect caused during the 2023/2024 growing season.
Recent monitoring indicated that insect numbers were on the rise once again, leading to concerns for the 2025/2026 corn crop. Fortunately, a mass of polar air swept into Argentina at the end of May, resulting in multiple nights of hard freezes.
The cold temperatures came as a great relief for the farming sector since leafhopper numbers had recently been on the increase in volunteer corn. The low temperatures are expected to reduce the insect numbers at least for now. Farmers are strongly encouraged to eliminate all volunteer corn on their property since they serve as the primary means of leafhoppers surviving the winter.