Relative Abundance of the Greenhouse Leafhopper, Empoasca decipiens Paoli (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) in Alfalfa Fields in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Studies were carried out to investigate the population dynamics of greenhouse leafhopper (GLH), Empoasca decipiens Paoli, during 1990-1992 in alfalfa fields at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A survey using a sweep net was conducted. In first year, September had significantly higher number of GLH compared to other months. However, in the second year the months of November and December had significantly higher numbers of GLH than the rest of the year. When data of both years were pooled, two distinct peaks were recorded, one in September and the other in November and December where the highest population peak was observed in November. Correlation calculated for greenhouse leafhopper relative abundance with temperature and relative humidity showed no considerable significant relationship. Cutting of alfalfa fields more frequent in fall is a suggested tactic for the management of this pest.