There has been excitement in the world of okra in the last 10 days. This insect is the two spotted cotton leaf hopper or the cotton jassid. Okra is a preferred host plant. Several of the first detections were on okra and later seen on cotton. Below is an example cotton jassid nymphs from a local orka patch.
According to Dr. Stormy Sparks, UGA Vegetable Entomologist, the cotton jassid, Amrasca biguttula, (a.k.a. two spotted cotton leafhopper) has been found in multiple locations in southern Georgia and in South Carolina. This small green leafhopper has a wide host range including cotton and a variety of vegetables. The only damaging populations reported to date have been on okra, with 100+ per leaf. They cause what is generally referred to as hopperburn: yellowing, reddening then browning of leaves followed by wilting and curling. In okra, the jassid was found both on the top and bottom of leaves, but primarily along the main leaf veins on the bottom. The cotton jassid adults are readily separated from other small green leafhoppers by distinct dark spots near the wing tips. In vegetables, the greatest potential for damage is reported for okra and eggplant.
Below is an example of leaf curling caused by this pest.
Leaf injury caused by the cotton jassid.
What can I do about this? Dr. Sparks suggested that malathion is effective on this pest. Malathion has a 1-day pre harvest interval according to the UGA Homeowner Pest Management handbook and the rate for the 50% malathion formulation is 2 tsp per gallon of water.
If you have any questions, please contact your local county Extension agent.
