What's eating my cascade hops?

Hops are heavily targeted by two-spotted spider mites, which cause bronzing and early defoliation in hot summers, and hop aphids (Phorodon humuli), which colonize shoot tips and transmit viruses. Downy mildew (a disease, not a pest) often partners with aphid damage. Japanese beetle skeletonizes leaves in the US. Mites are the worst seasonal threat.

Fine yellow stippling on leaves progressing to bronze or silver sheen; fine webbing on leaf undersides; early senescence reducing cone yield. Maintain overhead irrigation to raise humidity; apply predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis); use miticide (abamectin or bifenazate) if pressure is severe; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill predators.

Pale green aphids mass on shoot tips and cone bracts; sticky honeydew coats cones making them unusable; can transmit hop mosaic virus. Introduce parasitic wasps (Aphidius matricariae); apply insecticidal soap early; avoid high-nitrogen fertility that promotes succulent growth.

Adults skeletonize leaves from late June, leaving only veins; large populations can defoliate entire bines. Hand-pick into soapy water in early morning; apply neem oil or pyrethrin; do NOT use pheromone traps near the yard — they attract more beetles.

Tiny round shot-holes in young leaves at shoot emergence; severe infestations stunt early growth. Apply row cover at shoot emergence; use kaolin clay (Surround) as a deterrent; cultivate soil to disrupt overwintering adults.