By Susan Collins-Smith
Specialists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service are monitoring the spread of a newly detected invasive pest in the state that has the potential to severely impact future cotton yields.
The two-spotted leafhopper, also known as the cotton jassid, was first found in a Hinds County cotton field Sept. 8. It has since been confirmed in Noxubee, Neshoba, Oktibbeha and Forrest Counties.
Brian Pieralisi, MSU Extension cotton specialist, said he expects no yield impacts for this year’s crop that is nearing harvest.
“We are far enough along in the season that it shouldn’t be too much of a problem this year,” Pieralisi said. “Most, if not all, of our cotton acres are nearing the point of defoliation.
“But there is definitely concern for next year,” he said. “This pest is here, and it is important that producers are on the lookout for it now and especially next year. Since it’s been confirmed in two counties so far, it’s likely in other cotton producing counties.”
Plants with high numbers of the pest will exhibit severe hopper burn within just a few days, with leaves turning yellow, red and then brown. This injury resembles exaggerated nutrient deficiency and can result in premature leaf drop.
Adult two-spotted leafhoppers are about 2 millimeters in length and green in color with a black dot on the hind end of each wing. The nymphal stage of the pest has no easily identifiable key features. They feed on the underside of leaves.
In addition to cotton, the two-spotted leafhopper feeds on hibiscus, sunflowers, peanuts and a wide range of vegetables, including okra and eggplant.
Whitney Crow, MSU Extension entomologist, said it is key for Mississippians to learn what they look like.
Source : msstate.edu