Invasive Cotton Jassid Confirmed in Alabama

A new pest is challenging Alabama cotton farmers in an already-trying growing season. The invasive two-spot cotton leafhopper, also called the cotton jassid, has been detected in 18 counties as of Sept. 4.

Impacted fields are in Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Russell, Perry, Pike and Tallapoosa counties. The list will likely rapidly expand, said Alabama Extension cotton entomologist Scott Graham.

"Since the detection of cotton jassid, new counties with findings are added almost daily," Graham said. "With updated locations, we are collecting critical information to see how we can best get ahead of this issue."

As harvest approaches, Alabama cotton growers are encouraged to look for signs of the cotton jassid and immediately report suspected infestations to their local agronomic crops Extension agent.

The cotton jassid typically attacks the leaf's underside. The petiole - or center stem which connects the leaf to the stalk - is the common striking point. Hopperburn-stressed leaves turn yellow, red or brown, mimicking potassium deficiency. Leaves often curl or pucker.

To identify the leafhopper, look for an insect whose wing contains two black dots with no orange lines on its back. While smaller than most leafhoppers - cotton jassids are the size of a dime in adulthood - the pest's destruction is mighty.

The leafhopper primarily impacts cotton, with further pressure put on okra, eggplant and other crops, including ornamentals. Severe infestations can reduce yields by up to 50%.

The cotton jassid is a a plant hitchhiker native to Asia whose populations grow rapidly and can be spread by wind or transported on plant material, cargo or vehicles. It was first reported in Puerto Rico in 2023 and in Florida late last year. The jassid has moved through the Southeast, with sightings in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.

Graham said trials are evaluating the efficacy of pesticides labeled for use in cotton. The current threshold for treatment is finding one to two immature nymphs per leaf.

"For the moment, the insecticides dicrotophos, thiamethoxam and sulfloxaflor have consistently provided good control in our trials," Graham said. "That said, we strongly encourage Alabama producers to approach with clarity by following label recommendations and slow application to ensure maximum results."