Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper (Cotton Jassid)
DR. SEBE BROWN
JACKSON, TENNESSEE
The Two-spotted cotton leafhopper or cotton jassid, has been making its way across the Southeastern cotton production areas with confirmed catches in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Cotton jassids are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing “hopperburn” – a rapid yellowing, reddening, and browning that can quickly weaken plants. Native to Asia and first reported in Puerto Rico in 2023, this pest was confirmed in Florida in 2024 and has NOT been found in Tennessee fields in 2025. insecticide efficacy trials are underway, in affected states, to determine what insecticides are most efficacious and what the jassid’s impacts are on cotton yields.
The threshold at which treatment is recommended for the cotton jassid is one to two nymphs per leaf. To scout, we recommend looking on the underside of the main stem leaf on the third, fourth, or fifth node from the top of the plant. Again, the threshold is one to two nymphs per leaf with injury present anywhere in the field. This helps to confirm the correct insect ID, as other leaf hoppers will not cause these symptoms. Populations and symptoms usually begin on field edges before moving into the field.
For the 2025 Tennessee crop, I’m not overly concerned with cotton jassids. The vast majority of our fields have reached the finish line and are awaiting defoliation. We don’t need to add another insecticide expense to a crop that has struggled to be profitable since it was planted. That being said, if you suspect jassids are in your cotton please reach out to your county agent. ∆
DR. SEBE BROWN
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE