Cotton Pest (IMAGE) Texas A&M AgriLife Communications Caption Fleahoppers are a threat to young cotton for about four weeks. They feed on new plant growth, primarily the first small squares. This damage can delay plant maturity, leaving the crop open to damage from other pests later in the growing season. Credit Texas Cooperative Extension photo by Tim W. McAlavy Usage Restrictions Please use photo credit and byline as provided with story License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.