LSU AgCenter Received USDA Grant for Cotton Pest Study

Researchers secured $500,000 to combat the invasive cotton jassid threatening Southern crops.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Botany

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stylized cotton leaf, representing agricultural research. — LSU AgCenter researchers received a $500,000 USDA grant to study and control the invasive cotton jassid currently threatening Southern cotton crops. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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LSU AgCenter researchers have received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and control the invasive cotton jassid. The project aims to map the range of the pest, which has recently spread across Southern cotton farming areas.

Why it matters

The cotton jassid poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity by damaging crops like cotton, eggplant, and okra. The research will focus on developing biocontrol methods and increasing public awareness to mitigate the impact of the infestation.

The LSU AgCenter received a $500,000 grant to investigate the invasive insect. The study will assess the pest's temperature tolerance and identify potential biocontrol agents to counter the damage caused by saliva-induced hopper burn.

The players

LSU AgCenter

This institution is a branch of the Louisiana State University system that provides agricultural research and outreach services.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

This federal executive department is responsible for developing and executing laws related to farming, forestry, and food.

The details

Cotton jassids cause severe vascular damage by injecting saliva into plants, which inhibits essential nutrient and water transport. To address this, the research team is training gardeners and deploying informational posters to farmers to help identify and manage the insect.

The cotton jassid was first observed in Puerto Rico in 2023.
The pest appeared in Florida in 2024.
The insect arrived in Southern cotton farming areas between June and October 2025.
The LSU AgCenter received the grant from the USDA in September 2026.

Deeper Dive

This study follows the established pattern set by the LSU AgCenter's invasive pest management protocols in monitoring agricultural threats. The project aims to integrate new biocontrol data into existing regional strategies for managing foreign insects.

Farmers and home gardeners in Louisiana can expect new resources for pest identification and management as the project progresses. These efforts aim to protect agricultural yields for crops including okra, eggplant, and cotton from further pest-related damage.

The takeaway

Proactive identification of the cotton jassid is essential for protecting both commercial cotton crops and backyard garden favorites. Residents should monitor their plants for signs of hopper burn to prevent significant vascular damage.

What happens next

The research team plans to prioritize public awareness campaigns and the distribution of informational materials to farmers during the first six months of the grant period.