In an already stressful and trying growing season, researchers at Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension professionals have confirmed an invasive insect, the two-spot cotton leafhopper, in cotton fields in Alabama. The insect is also commonly known as the cotton jassid.
On Aug.12, Scott Graham, Alabama Extension cotton entomologist assistant professor at Auburn University, received a notification from a retail field advisor that cotton jassid was on a commercial cotton field in Henry County, Ala.
“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. Our primary goal is to provide our cotton producers with more answers before our next growing season.”
Alabama cotton growers are encouraged to look out for signs and symptoms of the presence of cotton jassid as we move into harvest over the next few weeks. Highly damaging to plants, cotton jassids typically attack the underside of the leaf. The petiole —or center stem connecting the leaf to the stalk— is the common striking point for cotton jassid. With pressure mounting, early detection is key to protecting cotton production for the future.
Identification can be tricky, but some distinctive characteristics show it’s the cotton jassid. Being smaller than other leafhoppers, the two-spotted cotton leafhoppers are similar in size to a dime in adulthood. In addition, the most identifying sign of a cotton jassid is the presence of two black dots on each wing with no orange-colored lines on the back.
With that in mind, there are a few telling symptoms that a cotton plant has been visibly damaged by cotton jassids. “Hopperburn” is the term used for the discoloration of plant leaves that is caused by many species of plant leafhoppers. Hopperburn-stressed leaves turn yellow, red or brown and often curl or pucker at the ends. While leaf discoloration like this mimics potassium deficiency, growers should be aware it is also a possible indicator of cotton jassid’s presence.
“We are pretty concerned about the potential yield losses caused by this highly invasive pest,” Graham said. “Since the report, our Alabama Extension row crops team, field specialists and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station outlying units have begun testing management strategies.”
Graham and the teams within Auburn University utilize these trials to evaluate the efficacy of pesticides currently labeled for use in cotton. The current threshold for treatment is finding 1 to 2 immature nymphs per leaf. While results are not yet conclusive for every trial, Graham recommends that producers follow sound application practices with any pesticide use.
“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. By guiding proper application, we aim help producers avoid the pitfalls of overusing insecticides.”
Native to Asia, the cotton jassid is moving quickly through the southeastern United States. In 2024, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported detection of the pest only a few months after detections from Puerto Rice and the Virgin Islands. As of now, findings show the cotton jassid is present in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.
Now confirmed in several Alabama counties, the concern of this pest’s rapid movement is not limited to only row crop systems. Cotton jassid is known to be a plant hitchhiker, meaning it disperses through many avenues and establishes populations in new areas. Whether blown by wind or transported on plant material, cargo or vehicles, the cotton jassid has the potential to spread far and wide.
With that in mind, reporting the cotton jassid is imperative to help not only Alabama cotton farmers, but also Alabama Extension specialists and Auburn University researchers. Never insignificant to slowing the spread of hitchhikers, anyone can do their part by checking nursery stock before purchase. Sightings should be reported to Alabama Extension or the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries plant protection coordinator Brittaney Allen said the department has developed an action plan as fall approaches.
“In response to this pest, we are going to survey cotton fields all over the state starting next week,” Allen said. “This will continue through defoliation and cover hundreds of acres. Working cohesively with our industry partners allows us to be more effective and better protect Alabama cotton production.”
Focusing on today and the future, Auburn entomologists and Extension specialists are hopeful that control is possible with the right tools.
“I am learning side by side with the Extension regional agents and Experiment Station teams. We rely on each other to provide timely updates to our stakeholders even if it means we are working early mornings, nights or weekends,” Graham said. “We are here to help our industry to answer the tough questions and provide an outlook for an unpredictable future.”
Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension are providing continuous updates as developments occur about the invasive species. Read updates at https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/alabama-cotton-jassid-update/
