Invasive insect that feeds on cotton plants spotted in Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A new invasive pest is quickly spreading across the Peach State, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The state 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.

A new invasive pest is quickly spreading across the Peach State, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The state department has issued a warning for the cotton jassid. (University of Georgia)

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.