In areas of boll weevil eradication, cotton growers have benefited from lower production costs because of reduced pesticide use and higher yields that have led to increased land values and expanded cotton acreage. Pesticide savings between 40 and 90 percent have been realized and many cotton growers have been able to forgo pesticide use entirely. Yield increases of 10 to 20 percent have been achieved in areas where the boll weevil has been eliminated.

Louisiana parishes are designated as either "green tag" (SPW-free) or "pink tag" (SPW-infested). Potatoes grown, stored or packed in infested parishes cannot be moved to SPW-free areas.

All devices are inspected annually and after a device meets the requirements for accuracy a Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry Seal is then placed on the device.

Testing procedures are set by AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds.  To get an answer for a specific sample, please contact the Seed Testing Laboratory at (225) 925-4733.  For minimum germination times for specific seed kinds see the Germination Table.

All seed dealers shall pay an inspection fee of $.20 for each 100 pounds of agricultural seed sold, offered for sale, exposed for sale, or otherwise distributed for sale for planting purposed within the state. The inspection fee shall be due on the total pounds of first point of sales distributions in Louisiana by the seller of the seed.