USDA Allocates $500,000 to Combat Pasture Mealybug Threat to Louisiana Sugarcane The USDA is providing a $500,000 grant to Louisiana State University for research on the pasture mealybug, an invasive pest that has caused significant damage to sugarcane fields in Louisiana. The funds will be used to improve detection methods and develop strategies for mitigating the pest's impact on the state's agricultural economy. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is directing an additional $500,000 to Louisiana State University to support research into the pasture mealybug, an invasive insect threatening Louisiana's sugarcane industry. The pasture mealybug was first confirmed in Louisiana sugarcane in 2025 and has since been documented in additional sugar-producing areas. USDA's response will focus on improving pest detection and diagnostics, accelerating research, and developing management and mitigation strategies with state officials.