LSU Researchers Received Grant to Study Cotton Pest

A new $500,000 USDA grant supports efforts to track and control the invasive cotton jassid in Louisiana.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Botany

A close-up macro shot of green cotton leaves in a sunny Louisiana agricultural field, highlighting the plant's textures. — The LSU AgCenter has secured a $500,000 USDA grant to research and develop containment strategies for the invasive cotton jassid threatening Louisiana crops. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The LSU AgCenter has secured a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research the cotton jassid, an invasive insect currently threatening Southern agriculture. This research-stage project focuses on mapping the pest's range and developing containment strategies.

Why it matters

The arrival of this pest in Southern cotton farming regions between June and October 2025 creates an urgent need for agricultural mapping and biocontrol methods. The project seeks to mitigate the economic impact on staple crops like cotton, okra, and eggplant.

The $500,000 USDA grant will fund the study of the cotton jassid, an invasive insect that triggers hopper burn in plants. This physiological condition results from the insect injecting saliva, causing vascular damage that inhibits essential nutrient and water transport.

The players

LSU AgCenter

An institution focused on agricultural research and extension services across Louisiana.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming and food.

The details

The cotton jassid feeds on a diverse range of crops including hibiscus, eggplant, and okra, in addition to cotton. Researchers at the LSU AgCenter are currently analyzing the pest's temperature tolerance to predict its survival and spread across Louisiana. The team is also evaluating potential biocontrol agents—natural organisms or substances used to manage pest populations—to provide an alternative to chemical treatments.

2023: The cotton jassid was first observed in Puerto Rico.
2024: The insect began appearing in Florida.
June to October 2025: The pest arrived in Southern cotton farming areas.
September 2026: The USDA awarded the grant to the LSU AgCenter.

The Tech Race

This project follows a pattern set by the LSU AgCenter to modernize regional invasive species management. It aims to catch up with the rapid migration of the cotton jassid after its initial appearances in Puerto Rico and Florida.

Farmers and home gardeners in Louisiana will soon receive training and informational materials on how to identify the cotton jassid. These efforts are designed to help the public report pest sightings to assist researchers in mapping the insect's range.

The takeaway

The research project marks a critical first step in managing a pest that has moved from the Caribbean to the Southern U.S. in just three years. Readers should monitor future updates from the LSU AgCenter regarding the identification of effective biocontrol agents.

What happens next

The research team will focus on public awareness and the distribution of informational posters to local farmers during the first six months of the grant, beginning in late 2026.