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A faunistic survey was conducted to identify the leafhoppers in the southwest of Iran (Khouzestan Province) in 2014. Among the collected materials, Aconurella nuristana Dlabola, 1957 is recorded for the first time for Iranian leafhoppers fauna. Diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of the newly recorded species is presented briefly.

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Silicon (Si) is a mineral known to enhance pest resistance in plants belonging to the Poaceae family. However, studies suggest potential benefits of Si in other botanical families such as Fabaceae. Thus, our hypothesis that Si applied in the form of 94.6% silicate would increase cowpea resistance to the stink bug Crinocerus sanctus (Fabricius), in addition to benefiting the physiological aspects of the plant. This study evaluated the vegetative development, total chlorophyll content, yield parameters, and resistance of two cowpea varieties against C. sanctus when sprayed with different doses of Si. Two different doses of Si were administered: the recommended manufacturer's dose (1 g L^-1) and a doubled dose (2 g L^-1), in addition to a control group (0 g L^-1). Plants treated with Si exhibited lower insect density and fewer pods with signs of injury. The peak insect population was observed at the onset of the cowpea's reproductive stage. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content increased from 42 mg m^-2 (in the control group) to 48 mg m^-2 in Si-treated plants. While the plant height and yield parameters of cowpea remained unaffected by Si application, there was a reduction in the dry mass of the aerial parts in Si-treated crops. This study demonstrated that cowpea can accumulate Si, and its application can enhance resistance against C. sanctus.