Shimat V. Joseph
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The flea beetle, Argopistes tsekooni (Fig. 1) is an emerging pest on Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) in Georgia. Native to China, it is now widely distributed in North and central Georgia. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage (Fig. 2). Larvae are leaf miners that develop within leaf tissues (Fig. 3), while adults feed externally,…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
The Turfgrass Research Field Day returns to the UGA Griffin Campus on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026. Since this exclusive event only happens every other year, it offers a rare opportunity for turf professionals, landscapers, and superintendents to explore the cutting edge of turf science. Attendees will spend the day engaging in educational field tours, browsing…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) has not yet been confirmed in Georgia. The pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) (Fig. 1) is a destructive, invasive sap-sucking insect native to South and Southeast Asia that has recently emerged as a threat to agriculture in the United States. After first becoming a serious pasture pest in Queensland, Australia, in 1928,…
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The brown-winged planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis (Figure 1), was newly detected as an invasive pest in Atlanta, Georgia, following a photo posted to iNaturalist on 25 July. On October 20 and 24, 2025, egg masses were found at site 1 in Atlanta. On April 28 and 30, 2026, nymphs were also found at Site 1 and…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Atexzo® (isocycloseram) introduces the first IRAC Group 30 insecticide, a new tool for managing important pests, such as billbugs, mole crickets, fall armyworm, and bermudagrass mite. This insecticide is developed by Syngenta and powered by PLINAZOLIN® technology. Please refer to the insecticide label for all application directions, as it is the LAW. This article is…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Speakers and Topics: Industry Update 2025: Turfgrass – Dr. Ben Pritchard and Dr. Clint Waltz, Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA • Weeds continue to be major challenges for turfgrass managers, including golf courses, sod farms, and residential and public landscapes. The speakers will update the audience regarding the recent research findings…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Cotton Jassid, Amrasca biguttula (Fig. 1), is native to the Indian subcontinent and has become an invasive pest in Georgia. It is spreading rapidly throughout Georgia and other southeastern states. Currently, it is present in nearly all southern counties and in two counties in northwest Georgia. Adults of the two-spot cotton leafhopper are small green…
Posted in: Ornamental pests -
Cotton Jassid, Amrasca biguttula (Fig. 1), is native to the Indian subcontinent and has become an invasive pest in Georgia. It was first found in Florida and is gradually spreading throughout Georgia. Currently, it is present in many counties in the state (Fig. 2). Adults of the two-spot cotton leafhopper are small green insects with…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
False oleander scale (FOS), Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Fig. 1), is an invasive armored scale species native to China. It is prevalent in Georgia and poses a significant threat as a pest in ornamental nurseries. FOS primarily infests the leaves of plants, appearing as white spots (Fig. 2). As armored scales, they spend their entire lives inserting their…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
European hornets (Vespa crabro) are widespread across the eastern United States. Native to Europe and Asia, they were introduced to North America in the mid-1800s. This hornet is the largest species in the U.S. and is particularly common in Georgia. It is also known as the brown or giant hornet. In 2019, the northern giant…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest