Tiny Leafhopper Threatens Key Southern Crops
Farmers and gardeners across Florida have a new pest to watch for. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or UF/IFAS, is raising the alarm about the two-spot cotton leafhopper. It’s tiny, only about 3 millimeters long, but it can do serious damage. These insects feed on plant sap and cause what’s known as hopperburn. That shows up as yellowing, browning, curling, and wilting leaves, often before you even notice the bug itself.
According to UF/IFAS experts, the pest threatens crops like cotton, okra, eggplant, hibiscus, peanuts, sunflowers, and soybeans. That’s especially troubling for South Florida, where okra and tropical hibiscus are important for both farms and nurseries. First spotted in late 2024, the leafhopper has already turned up in several counties and is now listed as a regulated pest by state agriculture officials.
UF/IFAS has prepared a factsheet with tips on how to scout for the insect, along with management options. Their message is clear: growers and residents alike should stay alert and report anything that looks suspicious.
To see the fact sheet, visit https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/media/trecifasufledu/faculty-pages/revynthi/Two-spot-cotton-leafhopper-Factsheet.pdf
