What threatened the cotton crop in early 1900s?

In the early 1900s, the cotton crop faced significant threats primarily from the boll weevil, a pest that devastated cotton fields across the southern United States. This invasive insect, which first appeared in Texas in 1892, rapidly spread and caused extensive damage, leading to significant declines in cotton production. Additionally, factors such as soil depletion and economic challenges further exacerbated the difficulties faced by cotton farmers during this period.