Pest management in the deep south

Our Work and Priorities

The Attapulgus Research and Education Center is located in the southwest corner of Georgia, about five miles north of the state line. Established in 1939, the center continues to help support area farmers by researching crops that can be adapted to the sandy coastal plain soil and local weather conditions.

Current trials are conducted on major agronomic crops including peanuts, corn, cotton and soybeans and  horticultural crops like watermelons, peaches and pecans. Regardless of the crop, the warm, humid climate is ideal for major agricultural insect, weed, nematode and disease problems. This provides a unique setting for UGA researchers to develop novel pest management strategies and tactics, and to screen new crop varieties for pest resistance. 

Additional long term research includes soil fertility experiments, crop rotation studies, and ecological research to look at the impact of native wildflowers on crop production. Much of the research is conducted with either center pivot or with drip irrigation systems. Five full-time employees operate the facility and also partner with the nearby Decatur County Extension Office.

About us