First Evaluation of Selected Insecticide Efficacy Against the Invasive Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula [Hemiptera: Cicadellidae]) on Ornamental Hibiscus in the United States

The two spot cotton leafhopper (TSCL), Amrasca biguttula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an emerging invasive pest in the southeastern United States. Although TSCL is historically associated with cotton and vegetable crops, recent detections on ornamental hibiscus have raised regulatory concern, including “Stop Sale and Hold” orders and an emergency quarantine in Texas. Despite increasing pressure on hibiscus, no insecticide efficacy data exist for ornamental systems. We evaluated the acute (0–24 h) and residual (24–96 h) toxicity of bifenthrin, flupyradifurone, and tolfenpyrad against adult and immature TSCL using a sequential cohort leaf disc bioassay. New insects were introduced at 24 h and 72 h to isolate residue based mortality from prolonged exposure effects. Bifenthrin caused the highest acute mortality at 24 h, whereas flupyradifurone and tolfenpyrad exhibited slower initial activity but strong residual performance. Immatures were more susceptible than adults across doses. By 72 h, all three insecticides produced near complete mortality, with significant treatment and dose effects confirmed by ANOVA and binomial GLM analyses. Dose–response curves showed steep concentration dependent mortality for bifenthrin and tolfenpyrad and a time dependent response for flupyradifurone. These results provide the first insecticide efficacy data for TSCL on ornamental hibiscus and offer immediate guidance for nursery producers and regulatory agencies. The findings establish a foundation for whole plant and greenhouse evaluations to support integrated management and interstate plant movement compliance.