Last week, Hazlehurst Now shared information from the Jeff Davis County Extension office encouraging local farmers and livestock producers to be on the lookout for pasture mealybug as the invasive pest moved north through Florida.
It has now officially been confirmed in Georgia. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced Friday, Aug. 28, the state’s first confirmed detection of pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) in Decatur County in southwest Georgia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the identification on Aug. 5 after samples were collected from a turfgrass business.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says pasture mealybug primarily affects annual and perennial warm-season grasses and is considered a significant concern because of its ability to spread quickly and cause substantial damage. “Pasture mealybug is a serious threat to Georgia agriculture, and we’re asking Georgia farmers and producers to stay vigilant in order to protect their operations,” Harper said. (Georgia Department of Agriculture)
What should farmers watch for? The pest feeds on plant sap and injects toxic saliva into grass. According to GDA, symptoms can develop within a week and may include yellowing that progresses to purple or red discoloration, stunted growth, drought-like stress despite rainfall, poorly developed roots, leaf dieback and eventually plant death. (Georgia Department of Agriculture)
Warm-season grasses are the primary concern. UGA Extension information indicates potentially affected crops can include pastures and hayfields as well as turfgrass, corn, sugar cane, cover crops and other grasses.
At this time, biosecurity is one of the most important tools for slowing the pest’s spread. Farmers are encouraged to clean farm and hay equipment when moving between fields or farms, limit unnecessary vehicle traffic through pastures, change clothing and footwear between farms when appropriate, and avoid moving livestock through affected pastures. (Georgia Department of Agriculture) Harper is also encouraging producers to regularly walk their pastures and hayfields and report anything suspicious to their local UGA Extension office.
The state says farmers should not panic, but should begin scouting and taking proactive steps to protect their operations. Anyone who suspects pasture mealybug on their property should contact their local County Extension Agent for assistance with identification and confirmation. Also, a PMB hub for the best available resources and most current map can be found here: https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/pasture-mealybug…
Read the complete announcement from the Georgia Department of Agriculture:
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper Announces First Confirmed Detection of Pasture Mealybug in Georgia
