ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — An invasive insect that can quickly destroy pastures has been detected in south Georgia, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The pasture mealybug was confirmed at a Decatur County turf grass business on Aug. 5. The white insect feeds on plant sap and injects toxic saliva.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper called the bug a “serious threat” to the state’s agriculture industry.

“We’re asking Georgia farmers and producers to stay vigilant in order to protect their operations,” he said in a statement. “This pest can spread quickly and kill grass, potentially causing significant losses for our farmers and making biosecurity more important than ever.”

Symptoms can appear within a week of infestation, the department said. They include:

• Yellowing leaves that progress to purple or red discoloration
• Stunted growth, even after rainfall
• Poorly developed roots
• Dying leaves, starting at the tips
• Premature plant death

The bugs can spread through farming equipment, clothing and vehicles. That’s why farmers are urged to:

• Clean farm and hay equipment between fields
• Avoid driving through pastures
• Change clothing and shoes between fields and farms
• Keep grazing records and move livestock away from affected pastures
• Limit wildlife movement through pastures if possible
• Limit cars on and off the farm

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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