By Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist
As reported recently in SC Grower Weekly Updates, we have found our first adults of the two-spot cotton leafhoppers (TSCL)(Amrasca biggutula) in vegetables in SC for 2026. The first (below right) was found on a sticky card in a zucchini field at Coastal REC in Charleston on 7/23/26. The second (below left) was found in an okra field on John’s Island by Zack Snipes on 8/7/26.
Growers need to be prepared for these pest populations to increase. Last year, some okra growers saw significant damage and losses when increasing TSCL numbers were left unmanaged. Eggplant is also at risk but appears to be relatively less favored (compared to okra).
There is a lot of research currently underway at Clemson and throughout the southern US, but this guide will briefly highlight preliminary findings and insights on pest management.
Chemical Control: A preliminary list of insecticides approved for use in okra and eggplant to manage TSCL is published here. I based the efficacy ratings for each product on initial studies conducted in cotton, ornamentals, and/or vegetables. Ongoing trials will confirm efficacy in both eggplant and okra.
Currently, only 4 products have 2ee labels, which make their use legal for applications specifically targeting TSCL. Note that Transform WG is labeled only (2ee) in okra, not in eggplant. There are other products and modes of action with efficacy against TSCL, but these do not yet have 2ee labels.
As always, please read the label before using any insecticide. The table here is just to help guide you towards the options.
There are no spray thresholds calculated yet for okra or eggplant. These plants can likely tolerate mild infestations without yield loss, but TSCL populations should be managed before reaching high densities, which last year caused extreme foliar damage and plant death.
Biological Control: Initial trials at other universities found that increasing the abundance of natural enemies was associated with reductions in TSCL. So, as I always recommend, do whatever you can to conserve natural enemies. These natural enemies will help keep other pests in check (e.g., aphids and whiteflies).
A number of predators have been observed feeding on TSCL, and two native parasitoids have been collected from TSCL in Florida.
The most important first step in conserving natural enemies is judicious use of insecticides. Avoid or limit the use of broad-spectrum insecticides whenever possible. If used to manage stink bugs or leaffooted bugs, avoid applications to blooming crops and spray when bees are less active (very early morning or evenings), and be mindful of possible spray drift into surrounding areas.
(Blue) Diverse pollinators are common in okra fields and are attracted to the large flowers.
(Green) Natural enemies such as lady beetles (larvae and adults) are excellent aphid and whitefly predators and likely feed on TSCL as well.
The South Carolina Grower 