the cotton jassid. Also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper (or, in science, the Amrasca biguttula) this tiny green bug has spread quickly across much of the state’s okra and cotton-growing regions.

The cotton jassid, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper has spread quickly across much of Georgia’s okra and cotton-growing regions.

Credit: Justin Odom/University of Georgia Extension Service

Georgia’s okra and cotton productions are two of the state’s top-tier agricultural commodities. In 2024, the state’s cotton output in 2024 reached approximately 2 million bales and typical commercial okra yield averages 250 bushels per acre.

However, this year farmers are dealing with a new and unique challenge: the cotton jassid. Also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper (or, in science, the Amrasca biguttula) this tiny green bug has spread quickly across much of the state’s okra and cotton-growing regions.

 

What is a cotton jassid?

First photographed July 9, 2025 by an Agricultural and Natural Resources agent for UGA Extension, this destructive pest has been spotted in locations in Southern Georgia and parts of South Carolina.

According to Dr. Stormy Sparks, UGA Vegetable Entomologist, the jassid feeds on cotton leaves, injecting a toxin that leads to “hopperburn,” which causes leaves to yellow, curl, and die.

 

Look for the following characteristics:

  • Small, slender, and pale green 
  • Yellowish-green wings
  • Distinctive black spot on each side of the head and one near the tip the wing
  • Often move sideways on leaves
  • Feed and cluster on the underside of leaves
  • Polyphagous: attacks cotton, okra, peanuts, cowpea, eggplant, soybean, and more

 

Impact on Georgia farmers

UGA Extension expert Jeremy Kichler says many growers were caught off guard by how fast this pest arrived. He warns, “Losing leaf area means less cotton fiber and seeds.”

Farmers could experience several negative impacts:

  • Yield reduction
  • Lower fiber quality, lowering market value
  • Increased management costs for additional insecticide treatments 
  • Economic strain
  • Emerging pest management challenges
  • Risk to wider crop production
  • Rapid geographic spread

 

Possible effects for Georgia consumers

Although the jassid is unlikely to directly affect residents outside the farming industry, it is expected to have a few important indirect effects.

Consumers could see possible price increases for cotton and higher production costs for affected and related crops, causing an economic ripple effect. Additionally, with more pesticide use comes the potential risk for chemical exposure to residents living in affected areas.

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper is urging farmers to inspect their fields closely, stay updated at UGAcotton.com and report sightings promptly.

Do you have experience with Georgia’s cotton jassid? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

Tags: pest control  invasive species  cotton  Agriculture  Georgia  economy