Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper has called on cotton producers in the state to inspect their crops for the invasive Cotton Jassid, Amrasca biguttula. The pest was first detected in Seminole County in July 2025 and is spreading rapidly throughout Georgia’s cotton-producing areas. The Cotton Jassid feeds on cotton leaves, disrupting photosynthesis and leading to significant yield losses. This development poses a threat to Georgia’s most valuable row crop.
“We’re encouraging all Georgia cotton producers to check their crop to look for evidence of the cotton jassid, and if found, immediately contact your County Extension office,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “GDA’s Plant Protection Division is working closely with University of Georgia Extension Service and the Georgia Cotton Commission, and I’m hopeful Extension Entomologists will soon have effective treatment strategies for Georgia cotton producers to protect their crop.”
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is working with the University of Georgia Extension Service and the Georgia Cotton Commission as part of its response. UGA Extension specialists are currently running on-farm trials aimed at developing management strategies for affected growers. These recommendations are still being developed.
