FOCUS on Entomology: Cotton Jassid Detected in Texas Cotton: Keep Scouting

The two-spot cotton leafhopper, also known as the cotton jassid, is a serious pest of cotton. Its introduction into the southeastern cotton-producing states in 2025 caused significant crop losses. The insect was also detected at multiple locations in Texas in 2025, mainly on nursery plants.

We have been actively monitoring for this pest across Texas, and until recently, we had not detected any activity in cotton in 2026. However, on August 5, both adults and nymphs of cotton jassid were detected in cotton in Grimes County. This is the first confirmed detection of cotton jassid in Texas cotton this year and warrants increased vigilance in other cotton-producing regions.

Cotton jassid causes yield losses primarily through premature defoliation. The crop needs healthy leaves to continue producing carbohydrates for boll filling and fiber maturation. Therefore, the crop needs to be protected from jassid feeding as long as green leaves are needed to finish the crop.

Much of the cotton in South Texas is now at a stage where cotton jassid-induced defoliation is unlikely to cause significant yield loss. However, as we move into other cotton-producing regions, mainly the Rolling Plains, and the southern and northern High Plains, the risk remains. Cotton in these regions still has several weeks to go before premature defoliation would no longer be a major concern.

Although the insect has remained relatively quiet so far, the recent detection in Grimes County is a reminder that we need to stay alert. We have not detected cotton jassid in cotton in the Rolling Plains or High Plains to date. However, given the large acreage of cotton in these regions and the ability of this insect to spread rapidly and cause significant damage in a short period of time, growers and consultants need to be on the lookout.

Keep scouting for cotton jassid

The threshold for cotton jassid is very low—an average of one nymph per leaf. Do not wait until significant leaf yellowing or reddening is visible before starting to look for the insect.

When scouting for cotton jassid, pay particular attention to the upper main-stem leaves and inspect the undersides of leaves for adults and nymphs. Also keep an eye on isolated plants, particularly plants along field edges, as these may have a higher probability of being infested when populations are just beginning to establish.

If you see leaves beginning to yellow or redden, take a closer look at those plants for cotton jassid. The symptoms caused by cotton jassid feeding look similar to potassium deficiency or Verticillium wilt, so it is important to confirm the cause before making a management decision.

There are multiple insecticide options (e.g. Venom, Vertento, Carbine, Bidrin) that showed promising results based on efficacy data generated in the southeastern U.S. last year. However, scouting remains the key to timely management. If cotton jassids are detected and populations reach the treatment threshold, be prepared to make an insecticide application before significant defoliation occurs.

Below are pictures of cotton jassid adults, nymphs, and associated feeding symptoms in cotton.