Texas Cotton Farmers Brace for Invasive Pest Threatening Future

A new threat is looming for cotton farmers in Texas as the invasive pest known as the cotton jassid, or two-spotted leafhopper, has been detected in the state. This insect, which arrived on a hibiscus plant shipped from South Florida, was officially announced by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller earlier this month. Farmers like Jon Whatley, a fourth-generation farmer from Odem, are now preparing for potential challenges in the upcoming growing season.

Jon Whatley has seen a range of conditions in his years of farming. “The cotton crop was excellent. Actually, one of our better cotton crops I’ve had in the last five years,” he said. Despite this success, he is now facing uncertainty. The cotton jassid feeds on cotton plants and can have toxic effects, threatening the quality and yield of future crops. “When you’re dealing with Mother Nature, you get curveballs thrown at you all the time. This is just another one,” Whatley added.

The cotton jassid has its origins in the eastern hemisphere, with a range extending from Iran to Japan. After making its way to the Caribbean and Puerto Rico in 2022, it spread to Florida, and subsequently to states such as Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The recent discovery in Fort Bend County, located south of Houston, marks a significant point in its spread.

According to David Kerns, an entomologist at Texas A&M University and an expert on the cotton jassid, the immediate concern may not be this year’s crop. “I think we’ll just outrun them this year,” Kerns explained. However, if these pests establish themselves and begin to reproduce, they could pose a serious threat next year.

The impact of the cotton jassid extends beyond Texas. As Kerns noted, the insect feeds on various crops, including cotton, okra, and peanuts. “I’ve got friends at a farm in Georgia. They’re actually dealing with this insect,” Whatley shared. While some farmers have managed to control the pest this year, the uncertainty of its future impact remains a crucial concern.

The cotton jassid’s ability to inject saliva into plants while feeding creates toxic effects similar to a mosquito bite. This further complicates the situation for farmers who may find their crops suffering from decreased health and productivity. As the winter approaches, the pest’s survival will largely depend on whether it can find suitable plants to host it. Kerns is optimistic that infestations in North and Central Texas may not survive the winter freeze, but those in South Texas could endure.

As Whatley prepares his fields, he understands the importance of proactive measures. His team is actively clearing excess plants to limit potential nesting sites for the cotton jassid and other invasive species. “Rural America and the AG community is really, really in a tough position. In my career, the worst I’ve ever seen,” he stated, emphasizing the challenges facing farmers today.

Kerns urges farmers to report any sightings of the cotton jassid to Texas A&M Agrilife and the Department of Agriculture. Tracking the movements of this pest is vital for preventing its spread in the next growing season. The situation is precarious, and as Whatley noted, “You’re looking at a very tight situation, and you’re throwing in more negatives. That’s the scary part. That’s the stuff that gets me up early in the morning worried.”

With the threat of the cotton jassid looming, Texas cotton farmers must navigate uncertain waters as they prepare for the future of their crops.