Atlanta, Ga – Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is urging Georgia cotton producers to check their crop for the presence of the invasive Cotton Jassid, Amrasca biguttula, which was first detected in Seminole County in July 2025 and has been found to be spreading rapidly across Georgia’s cotton belt. The Cotton Jassid – which feeds on cotton leaves, disrupting photosynthesis and causing significant yield loss – posses a serious threat to Georgia’s top 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 coordinating closely with the University of Georgia Extension Service and the Georgia Cotton Commission. UGA Extension specialists are currently conducting on-farm trials to develop management strategies. Those recommendations are still evolving.