Alabama Cotton Jassid Situation – Thursday, September 4, 2025
The invasive two spot cotton leaf hopper (aka cotton jassid)
has been confirmed in cotton fields in 18 counties across Alabama. Thus far,
insecticide applications have been made in a timely manner, and fields have
been protected. This is and will continue to be an evolving situation, but we
have learned some things from our observations. The recent cold (or cool) front
that moved through the state has seemed to slow down population growth. Cotton
jassid numbers seem to be slower to build, which is a good thing.
Field Risks:
1. Fertility: In our observations, “weaker” fields seem to be at a greater risk of showing symptoms. There particularly appears to be a link between potassium levels and the crops ability to fight off jassids.
2. Planting Date: For now, cotton jassid infestations have been greatest in older cotton. That will likely change soon as defoliation begins, and these fields are no longer suitable hosts. This will likely put later planted fields at HIGH RISK of infestations.
Management Strategies:
1.Threshold: As we continue to learn about this insect, we are changing thresholds to avoid losses. Currently, our recommended threshold is 1-2 nymphs per leaf. Because there are several leafhopper species found in cotton, it is important to confirm adults in the field, or to see symptoms somewhere in the field before making an application.
2. Insecticide Strategy: We have done several insecticide efficacy studies as a group across the southeast. While several insecticides have been identified, Bidrin (6 oz/A) has been the most consistent and is generally widely available. Bidrin also has the added benefit of plant bug and stink bug control. Other materials that have provided good control include (alphabetical order): Centric (2 oz), Courier (12 oz), Sefina (10.5 oz), Sivanto (7 oz), Transform (1.5 oz). Note: Bifenthrin has NOT provided acceptable control.
3. Insecticide Termination: One of the most common questions we get is when to terminate applications for cotton jassids. The honest answer is, we don’t know. Based on our observations for how quickly cotton jassids can crash a field (as little as 2 weeks), we recommend protecting cotton up to 2 weeks prior to defoliation. This means that cotton should be protected through 20-25% open boll.
For the most update information on cotton jassid in your area, please reach out to your local Extension Agent.
As always, if we can ever be of any help, or if you would like to provide input on the situation in your area, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Extension Agent or myself (Scott Graham: 662-809-3368) and Ron Smith (334-332-9501). For more information on thresholds and insecticide recommendations, visit the Alabama Cotton IPM Guide (IPM-0415). To stay up-to-date on the Alabama cotton insect situation, subscribe to the Alabama Cotton Shorts Newsletter, Alabama Crops Report Newsletter and Podcast, and the Syngenta Pest Patrol Hotline.
Counties where cotton jassid has been detected in Alabama as of 9.4.25
