What is Hooperburn associated with when there are large populations of leafhoppers?

Hooperburn is a phenomenon that is directly linked to the feeding behavior of leafhoppers on plants. When leafhoppers are present in large populations, they can cause physical damage to the plant by feeding on the sap. This feeding can lead to a characteristic curling of leaves at the tips of branches, which is a distinctive symptom associated with this issue. The mechanical damage and the plant’s response to the stress caused by the leafhoppers result in this curling effect.

In contrast, leaf discoloration is not a direct result of leafhopper feeding but may occur due to other stress factors, and is not specifically linked to Hooperburn. While molds can sometimes grow on plants under certain conditions, the presence of leafhoppers does not create a growth medium for molds. Additionally, leafhoppers do not contribute to increased plant vigor; rather, their feeding tends to weaken plants and can negatively impact their overall health. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the specific symptom that connects Hooperburn with leafhopper damage.