“Remain vigilant for the Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula)”

That’s the word from the Ministry of Agriculture et.al St. Kitts. Through its Plant Quarantine Unit (NPPO), the Ministry is urging farmers, nursery operators, and home gardeners across St. Kitts and Nevis to be on the alert for the Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula).

A health alert from the Ministry states “this small, pale-green insect can cause significant damage to crops such as okra, sorrel, eggplant, and hibiscus.”

Know the signs: Yellowing or curling leaves, brown, scorched leaf edges (hopper burn), wilting, poor growth, and premature leaf drop and tiny, pale-green insects beneath leaves.

To protect your plants: inspect plants regularly, avoid sharing infested plant material and seek professional advice before applying pesticides. For more information, email plantquarantine@gov.kn call 469-5521 or 465-2521.