US: Whiteflies threaten Georgia crops
But the pests are particularly loathsome right now because of their massive numbers after back-to-back mild winters and because, this time, the hordes of whiteflies came armed with crop-crippling viruses that are new to Georgia.
Whiteflies have also caused headaches for tomato growers, although the impact is less clear. Cotton producers are seeing lower yields as well. There aren’t many crops that have not been affected in some way.
Now, faced with the prospect of another warm winter, hard-hit vegetable farmers say they may pass on some Georgia staples next fall.
Read more at The Valdosta Daily Times (Jill Nolin)