Germany’s potato sector is taking decisive action against a new agricultural threat: the reed leafhopper (Hyalesthes obsoletus). This native insect, once considered a minor presence, has surged in numbers due to milder winters and extended growing seasons—clear signs of climate change impacting pest dynamics. As of April 2025, the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) has granted a 120-day emergency authorization for the use of select pesticides in potato fields to combat this expanding pest.
The leafhopper isn’t dangerous by itself—it’s the vector of two serious bacterial pathogens: Candidatus Phytoplasma solani, which causes Stolbur disease, and another that triggers the Syndrome Basses Richesses (SBR). These pathogens lead to substantial yield losses, particularly in sugar beet and potato cultivation. Since there is no direct method to treat the bacteria, controlling the insect vector is currently the only viable solution.
According to Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, this emergency measure is part of a broader strategy to address the evolving challenges of pest management under climate stress. “The reed leafhopper is becoming a serious threat for many farmers,” said Özdemir. “We are committed to evaluating all scientifically sound options to support agriculture in this crisis.”
The pesticide authorization was made under Article 53 of the EU Plant Protection Products Regulation, which allows for limited use of unapproved substances in emergency situations. The BVL’s decision was based on rigorous monitoring data and coordinated closely with Germany’s federal states. Applications are restricted to areas with confirmed pest activity and require strict adherence to public warnings and safety protocols.
Emergency authorizations like this are rare and reflect the seriousness of the situation. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, potatoes remain a cornerstone crop, with over 10 million tons produced annually and more than 250,000 hectares under cultivation. Even a 10% reduction in yield due to pests like the leafhopper could have major economic consequences, especially for small and medium-sized farms.
Beyond immediate pesticide use, the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) is also funding research on sustainable pest control, including monitoring systems, biological control agents, and landscape management approaches. One proposed method involves targeted fallow land (Schwarzbrache) to break the lifecycle of the insect vector, a practice currently under review for wider integration into agri-environmental guidelines.
The emergency pesticide approval in Germany highlights the complex intersection of agriculture, climate change, and pest management. As native species like the reed leafhopper shift from benign to threatening, proactive policies, adaptive research, and farmer collaboration are critical. The potato sector, deeply rooted in European food systems, now stands at the front line of this evolving biosecurity battle.
