New GDA Pest Alert: Brown Winged Plant Hopper

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has released an official Pest Alert regarding the Brown Winged Plant Hopper (BWP), Pochazia shantungensis, an invasive insect recently detected in Georgia. Native to China and present in several other countries, this pest has been reported as damaging to fruit trees in South Korea. Its potential impact on Georgia agriculture is not yet known.

BWP has been recorded on more than 200 plant species across 81 plant families, with fruit trees such as apple and peach and woody ornamentals noted as preferred hosts. Shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants may also serve as hosts at different life stages.

Stages and pics of Brown Winged Plant Hopper as presented in the Georgia Department of Agriculture Flyer

The flyer includes photographs and descriptions of eggs, nymphs (with waxy coatings and distinctive wax tails), and adults, as well as examples of egg-laying wounds on ornamental plants. Damage can occur both from sap-feeding and from egg insertion into young branches, and infestations may also lead to sooty mold caused by honeydew.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is asking all growers, landscapers, and green industry professionals to stay alert and report any suspected detections. Suspected samples can be reported by emailing a photograph to pestid@agr.georgia.gov or by contacting your local county extension agent.

The full flyer from GDA is linked/attached for your reference.