TIFTON, Ga. (RFD News) — Georgia farmers are being urged to watch for pasture mealybugs following the state’s first confirmed detection of the pest.
University of Georgia State Forage Extension Specialist Dr. Lisa Baxter joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the threat to pastures and sugarcane.
Baxter said the pest was first identified in the U.S. in 2025 and has since spread through Louisiana and Florida. Georgia’s first detection was reported in the southwest corner of the state.
With limited chemical control options, Baxter encouraged producers to clean equipment and footwear between fields to help prevent the pest from spreading. UGA has also established an online resource hub for reporting suspected cases.
LEARN MORE: https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/
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