First record of the zig-zag leaf hopper, Maiestas dorsalis (Motschulsky) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) infesting Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Abstract

The zig-zag leaf hoppers were observed on the aerial parts of Ashwagandha during two distinct periods: mid-October to mid-December 2021 and mid-January to mid-March 2022. Both the nymphs and adult hoppers were found feeding on the upper side of the leaves throughout the vegetative and maturity stages of the Ashwagandha plants. The identification of the pest as Maiestas dorsalis (Motschulsky) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) was conducted by the Zoological Survey of India, Jabalpur. This report highlights a new pest infestation on Ashwagandha in the Jabalpur region, and it is significant for agricultural researchers and practitioners to be aware of this pest and its potential impact on Withania somnifera cultivation. It is important to monitor the situation closely and develop appropriate strategies for pest control and management to minimize the damage caused by the zig-zag leaf hoppers. It appears to be the first reported case of this particular pest infesting Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and possibly worldwide, as per the knowledge up to April, 2022.