An Unwelcome Guest in Texas
An unwelcome guest has arrived in Texas and, if left unchecked, could pose challenges to the state’s agricultural industry. The cotton jassid, better known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, is an invasive pest that was recently detected in some regions in Texas.
The leafhopper has been found on hibiscus plants in nurseries in Waco, San Antonio, El Paso and Corpus Christi, among other places, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Integrated Pest Management Program.
What is the Cotton Jassid?
The cotton jassid is a tiny, pale green bug with yellow-green wings that can find its home in a wide range of hosts, including cotton, okra, peanuts, soybeans, sunflowers, eggplant, potato, and many ornamental plants. According to Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, “It’s mostly in cities in the southern half of Texas because it’s on the tropical plant hibiscus.”
“We haven’t found any in Dallas area yet,” he said. The bug is so small that it’s hard to spot, and by the time a farmer notices it, the damage may have already been done.
Invasive Species: A Threat to the Environment and Economy
Invasive species are organisms that are not native to an ecosystem and can cause harm to the existing environment, economy, or to the health of people, animals, and plants. These organisms usually spread through many different channels, often accidentally by people. The invasive insects can be transported through wooden shipping palettes and crates shipped across the globe.
Invasive species are different from nonnative species, even though both terms are often used interchangeably. For a plant or animal to be invasive, it must do harm, according to the National Park Service. Unlike invasive species, nonnative species do not hinder or restrict the survival of native species in an ecosystem.
The Cotton Jassid: A Serious Economic Pest
The cotton jassid is native to Asian countries such as Japan, Indonesia, and India, where it is a serious economic pest in the cotton industry. In August, several regions in northern India were threatened by an infestation of leafhoppers, as farmers sought to protect crops.
The pest has been extremely difficult to control in India and can destroy as much as half of cotton crops, according to the Texas A&M fact sheet. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the state agriculture department are working to help identify the insects, and a course of action is to spray infected crops with insecticides.
Can the Cotton Jassid Establish Itself in Texas?
The cotton jassid has not yet established itself in the region, according to David Kerns from the department of entomology at Texas A&M University. He said that once there is a larger population with multiple generations of the pest living in the region, it would be safe to assume that it has become established.
For now, Kerns said, “I don’t necessarily think we’ll find large populations.” It remains to be seen how widespread the bugs could reemerge in the spring. Texas is the largest producer of cotton in the country and has contributed approximately 40% of U.S. cotton production in recent years.
Conclusion
The cotton jassid is a serious invasive pest that can pose significant challenges to the agricultural industry in Texas. It is essential to take action to prevent the spread of this pest and to protect the state’s cotton crops. By understanding the life cycle and habits of the cotton jassid, farmers and agricultural experts can work together to develop effective strategies for controlling its population and minimizing its impact on the environment and economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cotton jassid, and where is it found?
A: The cotton jassid is a tiny, pale green bug with yellow-green wings that is native to Asian countries such as Japan, Indonesia, and India. It has been found in Texas, particularly in the southern half of the state, on hibiscus plants in nurseries.
Q: What is the life cycle of the cotton jassid?
A: Female cotton jassids lay multiple eggs, which hatch in approximately one week. Adults can live up to five weeks, but the life cycle can vary depending on temperature and humidity.
Q: Can the cotton jassid establish itself in Texas?
A: The cotton jassid has not yet established itself in the region, but it is possible that it could become established if it finds a living host year-round. The winter freeze should eliminate the bugs, but a mild winter could lead to less mortality of the insect in South Texas.
