Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
As Georgia cotton growers prepare for a new season, a pest that caused major problems in 2025 is still top of mind — the cotton jassid.
In this report from Tifton, University of Georgia Extension Entomologist Phillip Roberts explains how this small leafhopper can have a big impact on cotton by injecting toxins into the plant, leading to leaf damage, reduced photosynthesis, and ultimately lower yields.
After spreading rapidly across nearly every cotton-producing county in Georgia last year, researchers are now closely monitoring fields to better understand how winter conditions may have affected jassid populations ahead of planting season.
But with already tight profit margins, even small increases in pest management costs are a serious concern for producers. Industry leaders say added expenses, extra field passes, and the risk of resistance could make this growing season even more challenging.
Watch the full story to learn what Georgia cotton growers are up against — and how experts are preparing for the season ahead.
As Georgia cotton growers prepare for a new season, a pest that caused major problems in 2025 is still top of mind — the cotton jassid.
In this report from Tifton, University of Georgia Extension Entomologist Phillip Roberts explains how this small leafhopper can have a big impact on cotton by injecting toxins into the plant, leading to leaf damage, reduced photosynthesis, and ultimately lower yields.
After spreading rapidly across nearly every cotton-producing county in Georgia last year, researchers are now closely monitoring fields to better understand how winter conditions may have affected jassid populations ahead of planting season.
But with already tight profit margins, even small increases in pest management costs are a serious concern for producers. Industry leaders say added expenses, extra field passes, and the risk of resistance could make this growing season even more challenging.
Watch the full story to learn what Georgia cotton growers are up against — and how experts are preparing for the season ahead.
