Potato Plants with Black Leaf Tips

I'm growing several varieties of potatoes this year. Some varieties, but not others, have blackened leaf tips, and plants that look less robust.

Check for leafhoppers. These tiny green wedge shaped insects will hop sideways off the plants when disturbed. They suck plant juices and inject a toxic substance in their saliva into the plant causing brown tips on leaves known as hopper burn. We see more hopper damage in dry summers. Severe infestations can weaken plants and reduce productivity. Reduce their populations and damage using an eco-friendly product like insecticidal soap. Repeat as needed and as always read and follow label directions carefully. Fortunately these insects do not overwinter in cold areas. They migrate in from southern gulf states so monitor your garden each season for these and other pests.

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