# Hopperburn

> Yellowing and browning that starts at leaf tips and margins in a V shape, caused by potato leafhopper feeding blocking leaf veins.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hopperburn.html
- Also written: hopper burn, leafhopper burn
- Glossary category: Pests and diseases · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

Hopperburn is the injury caused by potato [leafhopper](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/leafhopper.md) (Empoasca fabae) feeding. The insect's saliva disrupts the leaf's vascular tissue, so the leaf yellows, then browns, starting at the tip and margins in a V-shaped pattern, and may curl. UConn Extension and Utah State [hemp](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hemp.md) notes describe it.

## In practice

Hopperburn is easily mistaken for nutrient [tip burn](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/nutrient-burn.md) or [heat stress](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/heat-stress.md). Check leaf undersides for small, wedge-shaped green leafhoppers that run sideways, and use yellow [sticky cards](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/sticky-trap.md) outdoors. On cannabis it is usually a minor, outdoor problem; beet leafhopper and [curly top virus](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/beet-curly-top-virus.md) matter far more.

## Don't confuse with

- **Nutrient burn**: tip burn from high [EC](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/ec.md), no insects present.
- **Curly top**: a [virus](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/plant-virus.md) spread by the beet leafhopper, with curling and stunting.

## Related terms

[Leafhopper](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/leafhopper.md), [Scouting](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/scouting.md)

## Read more

- [Leafhoppers on cannabis: beet leafhopper, curly top and hopperburn](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/pests/leafhoppers.md)

## Sources

1. Legrand, A., 2023. Beware of hopperburn. UConn Extension. https://extension.uconn.edu/publication/beware-of-hopperburn-2
2. Utah State University Extension. Potato leafhopper (hemp). https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_ag/hemp-potato-leafhopper