Growers are on alert for invasive insect species
Eduardo Morales
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Two new invasive insect species present a danger to the region’s crops and have cotton growers on alert.
The two-spot cotton leaf-hopper feeds on cotton leaves and weakens plants.
It’s been detected in the southeastern part of the United States.
Meanwhile, the cotton seed bug feeds on the seeds.
These bugs can stain the cotton fibers, which lowers the value of the crops.
“Really critical that particularly our frontline people that are out there that would be US inspectors, that’d PCAS, and growers that are out there seeing insects in the wild, that they be aware,” said Peter Ellsworth an integrated pest management specialist.
Experts are tracking the spread of the insects while also working to develop strategies for growers to protect their crops.