Industry Update – Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper Detected in Texas
Published on August 29, 2025
The two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) has recently been detected in Texas, traced to hibiscus shipments from out-of-state. This pest is already appearing in retail environments and poses a serious risk to ornamental plants and crops.
Why This Matters
What You Should Do
We are asking all industry professionals to share this alert with retailers, growers, suppliers and landscapers in your network. Early identification and coordinated action are essential to prevent this pest from becoming established in Texas.
Retailers:
TNLA is monitoring this situation closely and will share updates as they develop. Early identification and coordinated action are critical to preventing widespread establishment in Texas.
For additional background, you may also review the Florida pest alert issued late last year.
FREE Upcoming Webinar – Save the Date
Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper: What Texas Needs to Know
Friday, September 5, 2025 | 12:00 PM CST
Presenter: Dr. Rafia Khan, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Dr. Khan will cover identification, early warning signs, and management practices for protecting plants and operations
Register Here
Questions?
Curtis Smith, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
[email protected] | (409) 673-6048
Thank you for helping us spread the word and protect Texas’ green industry.
- Causes hopperburn: yellowing, curling, browning, and wilting of leaves.
- Hard to detect: insects are small and feed on the undersides of leaves.
- High risk of spread if not identified and reported quickly.
What You Should Do
We are asking all industry professionals to share this alert with retailers, growers, suppliers and landscapers in your network. Early identification and coordinated action are essential to prevent this pest from becoming established in Texas.
Retailers:
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Inspect hibiscus and related plants, especially those sourced from out-of-state suppliers.
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Look for signs: curled leaves, yellowing, and tiny green insects with two dark spots on their wings.
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Report immediately: Suspected cases should be reported to the Texas Department of Agriculture at (800) 835-5832. Prompt action helps contain the spread.
TNLA is monitoring this situation closely and will share updates as they develop. Early identification and coordinated action are critical to preventing widespread establishment in Texas.
For additional background, you may also review the Florida pest alert issued late last year.
FREE Upcoming Webinar – Save the Date
Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper: What Texas Needs to Know
Friday, September 5, 2025 | 12:00 PM CST
Presenter: Dr. Rafia Khan, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Dr. Khan will cover identification, early warning signs, and management practices for protecting plants and operations
Register Here
Questions?
Curtis Smith, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
[email protected] | (409) 673-6048
Thank you for helping us spread the word and protect Texas’ green industry.