Cotton-destroying invasive insect spotted in Georgia

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new invasive pest is quickly spreading across the Peach State, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The department has issued a warning to cotton producers for the cotton jassid insect.

The insect feeds on cotton leaves and can cause a significant loss in one of Georgia’s top crops.

University of Georgia researchers said the insect also targets other crops like okra, eggplant and sunflowers.

The cotton jassid is from the Indian subcontinent, according to UGA.

The insect was first detected in the U.S. in 2024 in Florida.

Currently, UGA believes the insect has been spotted in 27 south Georgia counties.

If spotted in the field, UGA officials ask that the university’s Extension office in the county where the insect was spotted be contacted.