Emily Cabrera
Takeaways
- New pest threat: The cotton jassid, first detected in Seminole County in July 2025, has quickly spread across Georgia’s cotton belt, damaging leaves and reducing photosynthesis critical for boll development.
- Economic strain: With cotton growers already facing tight margins from low prices and lingering hurricane damage, potential yield losses and added insecticide costs could make the season even tougher.
- Research response: UGA Extension specialists and county agents are rapidly conducting on-farm trials to develop management strategies, but because the pest is new to Georgia, recommendations are still evolving.