The Department of Agriculture, through its Plant Quarantine Unit (NPPO), is urging farmers, nursery operators, and home gardeners across St. Kitts and Nevis to remain vigilant for the Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula).
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
🍃 Tiny, pale-green insects beneath leaves
✅ Protect your crops!
Inspect plants regularly, avoid sharing infested plant material, and seek professional advice before applying pesticides.
⚠️ Early detection and timely action are essential to protecting our agricultural production and food security.
📩 Suspect a cotton leafhopper infestation? Contact the Plant Quarantine Unit for guidance.
📧 plantquarantine@gov.kn
📞 467-1826 Ext. 1825
