Fun Fact Friday July 7, 2023

Wild Cotton Gossypium hirsutum. Picture taken by FOL

Florida has a native cotton plant and it is ILLEGAL to grow!

Back in the early 1900's, the introduction of the boll weevil from Central America caused major damage to cotton crops through the southern states. In an attempt to reduce the prevalence of boll weevils, legislation was written to make it illegal to grow cotton without being a commercial cotton farmer or having waivers. Commercial cotton was treated with pesticides to combat the boll weevil. However, native wild cottons that were not being treated with pesticides but still attracting boll weevils. This started a major effort to annihilate Florida's native cotton plants.

Now you know!!!

.............................. See you !!!!