Pests affecting plants, like soil-borne diseases, insects and fungi, are a central focus of Georgia's pest management efforts. Commercial producers contend with the thrips, aphids, moths and other bugs that indiscriminately prey on their crops, while conditions like mycotoxin in corn and tomato spotted wilt virus cost farmers both cash and crops.
UGA Extension helps Georgia's producers deal with these challenges. Still, anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars are spent dealing with these issues every year, depending on the product and pest.
The state's well-known contest with the boll weevil demonstrates the potential scale of pest damage and thus the relative value of preventative measures. The beetle decimated Georgia's cotton industry from 1915 until a focused eradication program begun in 1987 eventually recovered yields.
Our Programs and Services
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On-Site and Telephone Consultation Available in many county offices for ag producers.
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Pesticide Safety Education Program Topics include pest identification, storage and disposal, pesticide drift and runoff prevention, water quality protection, and food safety.
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Production Meetings Updates on local issues for growers and producers.
Recent Publications
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Turfgrass Pest Control Recommendations for Professionals (B 984) This publication includes recommendations and current guidelines for turfgrass pest control methods and materials in Georgia, as well as a turfgrass management calendar.
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Insect Identification Guide for Southeastern Landscapes (B 1409) This publication contains photos and descriptions to help identify pests in Southeastern landscapes. Beneficial and pest insects are both included. NOTE: This publication is designed with tabs and cut…
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Mouse Ear of Pecan (C 893) Mouse ear of pecan is a growth abnormality resulting from a deficiency of nickel in the pecan tree. Only recently, the discovery was made that mouse ear indicates a severe nickel deficiency. The disor…
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San Jose Scale: A Pernicious and Persistent Pest of Peaches (C 1225) San Jose scale, Comstockaspis perniciosus (Comstock), is a pest of peaches, nectarines, plums, and other tree fruits including apples, pears, and cherries. San Jose scale is considered a secondary pes…
Websites
UGA-affiliated sites
Forages Insect Management Includes PDF resources on insects affecting forages.
Georgia Pest Management Handbook The Georgia Pest Management Handbook gives current information on selection, application, and safe use of pest control chemicals.
Sustainable Agriculture at UGA Brings together information on sustainable agriculture including pest management and other resources.
Integrated Pest Management Program at UGA Integrated pest management is a science-based decision making process that employs biological, mechanical, cultural and chemical control methods is such a way as to minimize economic, environmental and public health risks associated with pests and pest management practices.
Structural Pest Management Program at UGA The program's primary focus is the extension of academic expertise and research-based information regarding pest management practices and options.
Landscape Pest Management Includes brief descriptions and identifying images for a variety of insect pests. Also includes brief summaries of recent research.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Describes the disease in detail for peanut, tobacco, and other vegetable crops. Includes resources for identifying thrips.
Bugwood Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health The Bugwood Center develops and utilizes partnerships and information technology to advance invasive species management, integrated pest management, and forest health.
UGA Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Learn more about the crop and soil sciences department at the UGA College of Agricultural of Environmental Sciences.
UGA Department of Entomology Learn more about the entomology department at the UGA College of Agricultural of Environmental Sciences.
UGA Department of Horticulture Learn more about the horticulture department at the UGA College of Agricultural of Environmental Sciences.
UGA Department of Plant Pathology Learn more about the plant pathology department at the UGA College of Agricultural of Environmental Sciences.
External sites
Georgia Pest Control Association Information for future and existing pest control professionals.
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Vidalia AI A multidisciplinary team of UGA researchers aims to enhance the competitiveness of Vidalia onion growers in Georgia.
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Protecting Farms And Wildlife Working together with regulators, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences faculty help farmers navigate changing laws for sustainable land stewardship.
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Whitefly Research A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences recently renewed a $4 million contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to mitigate the impact of silverleaf whiteflies on vegetable production in the Southeast.
