Georgia’s cotton and okra farmers are facing a new threat from an invasive insect, the cotton jassid. The pest, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper or Amrasca biguttula, was first photographed in Georgia on July 9, 2025 by an agent with UGA Extension. Since then, it has spread across much of southern Georgia and into parts of South Carolina.
The state’s cotton industry produced about 2 million bales in 2024, while commercial okra yields typically reach around 250 bushels per acre. This year, growers are contending with damage caused by the small green jassid bug.
Dr. Stormy Sparks, a vegetable entomologist at the University of Georgia (UGA), described how the pest harms crops: “The jassid feeds on cotton leaves, injecting a toxin that leads to ‘hopperburn,’ which causes leaves to yellow, curl, and die.”
Jeremy Kichler of UGA Extension noted that many producers were surprised by how quickly the pest arrived. He said, “Losing leaf area means less cotton fiber and seeds.”
While direct effects are mostly limited to farms, indirect impacts may extend further. Consumers could face higher prices for cotton products and increased costs for related crops if production expenses rise. More pesticide use could also raise concerns about chemical exposure among residents living near affected areas.
Tyler Harper, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, advised farmers to inspect their fields carefully and report any sightings: “Georgia Department of Agriculture CommissionerTyler Harper is urging farmers to inspect their fields closely, stay updated at UGAcotton.com and report sightings promptly.”
