The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) has confirmed the presence of cotton jassids (Amrasca biguttula), also known as two-spotted cotton leafhoppers, in hibiscus plants at several retail locations across the state. Although no detections have been made in cotton or other field crops in Louisiana so far, both LDAF and the LSU AgCenter are intensifying monitoring efforts. Cotton jassids infesting cotton have already been reported in Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, raising concerns about their spread across the southeastern U.S.

Figure 1. (A) Cotton jassid adult (photo by Isaac Esquivel,UF) and (B) cotton jassid nymph feeding on underside of cotton leaf (photo by Phillip Roberts, UGA)

Cotton jassids are small (2 mm), pale green insects with translucent wings and two distinct black spots, one on each wing tip. Adults are easily distinguished from other similar species than nymphs. They feed on the undersides of leaves, injecting toxins that cause a condition known as “hopperburn,” which is characterized by yellowing, curling, and browning of leaves. Visible signs of infestation typically first appear on field edges and may be misidentified as potassium deficiency. Severe infestations can lead to leaf drop, stunted growth, and reduced yields. The pest is native to the Indian subcontinent and was first detected in the U.S. mainland in Florida in 2024.

Figure 2. Severe hopperburn in cotton caused by cotton jassids (photos by Phillip Robers, UGA)

While cotton is the primary crop of concern, cotton jassids are known to feed on a variety of other plants including okra, eggplant, hibiscus, and other ornamental and solanaceous species. In regions where the pest is endemic, such as India, uncontrolled infestations have resulted in yield losses of up to 50% in cotton. Early field observations in the U.S. suggest similar potential impacts if the pest is not managed promptly. Its ability to reproduce rapidly and survive on multiple host plants makes it particularly difficult to control once established, and damage is often first noticed through symptoms rather than direct sightings.

Preliminary field trials were conducted by the University of Georgia. Researchers recommend scouting fields for nymphs or the presence of hopperburn symptoms. Among the insecticides tested, Bidrin has shown the most cost-effective control. Bifenthrin is not recommended due to poor efficacy. Late-planted cotton is especially vulnerable, and untreated fields can suffer significant damage within just two weeks. More research is needed on the management of cotton jassids.

Although cotton jassids have not yet been found in Louisiana cotton fields, growers are urged to remain vigilant particularly in the next crop season. Anyone who suspects the presence of cotton jassids in their crops or garden plants should contact their local extension agent or reach out directly to LSU AgCenter Field Crop Entomologists James Villegas (jvillegas@agcenter.lsu.edu, 225-266-3805) or Dawson Kerns (ddkerns@agcenter.lsu.edu, 806-474-7220).