How do potato leafhoppers cause hopper burn?

Potato leafhoppers (Empoasca fabae) cause hopper burn through their salivary secretions, which induce hypertrophy (enlargement) of the leaf cells. This physiological change impairs the plant's ability to transport sugars, leading to an accumulation of sugar within the leaves. This buildup subsequently destroys the chlorophyll, causing the foliage to turn brown, shrivel, and eventually die. If left uncontrolled, this damage can result in the complete loss of a potato crop.123