“Hopping Into Action: Clemson Scientists Tackle the Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper”
What happens when a tiny, five-millimeter insect from the Old World shows up uninvited across the American Southeast — and starts hammering everything from cotton fields to backyard hibiscus? In this urgent and information-packed episode, Dr. Ping Yu sits down with two Clemson University entomologists — Dr. Zee Ahmed and Dr. Tom Bilbo — to break down one of the most pressing pest threats facing the green industry, vegetable growers, and cotton producers right now: the two-spotted cotton leafhopper.
From Zee’s globe-spanning journey through Pakistan, China, South Africa, and beyond to Tom’s transformation from a spider-fearing kid to an insect-loving scientist, you’ll hear the personal stories behind the expertise. Then, the conversation dives deep into what growers need to know: how to spot this pest, why hibiscus may be driving its spread, and what early research is revealing about control strategies. The message? The sky is not falling — but scouting, scouting, and scouting is essential.
Whether you’re a commercial nursery grower worried about quarantine, an okra farmer watching your plants wilt, or just someone curious about how scientists respond to an emerging invasive pest in real time, this episode delivers the practical wisdom and collaborative spirit that makes plant science so powerful.
Listen Time: ~55 minutes
Read the Transcript for this Episode
“So yes, I was a nerdy nature guy.” — Dr. Zee Ahmed, on collecting dragonflies as a child in Pakistan
“I was afraid of spiders and I had my parents do a spider check in my room, you know, every night. But now I love spiders.” — Dr. Tom Bilbo
“Sky is not falling. We can control this pest based on our trial.” — Dr. Zee Ahmed
“Scouting, scouting, and scouting.” — Dr. Zee Ahmed, on the most important thing growers can do right now
“A lot of people didn’t realize what the problem was until one of our agents would get out there and be like, you have the new invasive. It’s here.” — Dr. Tom Bilbo
What Is the Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper? An invasive pest (less than 5 mm) originally from the Old World, identified by two distinctive black spots on its posterior wings. It attacks plants in the Malvaceae family (cotton, hibiscus, okra), Solanaceae (eggplant), and has been found on cucurbits. First reported in the U.S. in 2024, it has spread across most Southeastern states.
What Is “Hopper Burn”? The characteristic damage caused by leafhoppers feeding on plant tissue — symptoms include yellowing, browning, curling, and wilting of leaves. On hibiscus, the burn may be less severe than on cotton but still renders plants unsaleable.
Why Can’t You See the Eggs? Unlike many pests, this leafhopper lays its eggs inside the leaf tissue, making them invisible from the outside. This means a plant can look clean but still harbor the next generation — which is why regular scouting (at least weekly) is critical.
IRAC Groups and Mode of Action IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) classifies insecticides by how they work. Zee’s trial tested contact, translaminar (penetrates leaf tissue), and systemic (moves through the plant) products. Rotating between different IRAC groups helps prevent the pest from developing resistance.
What Are Sticky Cards? Yellow adhesive cards placed in fields or nurseries to trap flying insects. Tom’s research suggests they could be a practical early-detection tool for two-spotted cotton leafhoppers, especially because the pest is so small and hard to spot visually.
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Blooms and Beyond explores plant history, culture, and management through the lens of science. Whether you’re a commercial grower seeking practical solutions, a student exploring careers in horticulture, or simply someone who loves plants and their stories, there’s something here for you. Hosted by Dr. Ping Yu of the University of Georgia, each episode features interviews with experts who share enchanting stories, cutting-edge research, and practical wisdom from the world of horticulture.
Your benefit: After each episode, commercial growers will have at least one useful tip for their operation, and plant enthusiasts will have an interesting fact to share. That’s how we spread plant power to more people and make our environment a little better.
Host: Dr. Ping Yu Producer: Rich Braman Guests: Dr. Zee Ahmed (Clemson University) and Dr. Tom Bilbo (Clemson University)
Episode Release Date: March 1st, 2026 Episode Length: 55:18
“Till next time, stay healthy and go plants!” 🌱
