A warm and rainy spring has created favorable conditions for several damaging insect pests across Texas, raising concerns for producers managing pastures, rice, corn and cotton.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologists, the most significant issue currently facing producers is the rapid spread of the pasture mealybug, a pest capable of causing severe damage to forage grasses and even killing established stands.
Unlike many pasture insects that cause temporary stress, pasture mealybugs can destroy Bermuda grass, Bahia grass and native bluestem grasses that livestock producers rely on for grazing and hay production. The pest thrives in hot, wet conditions and has now been confirmed throughout South Texas, along the Gulf Coast, across Central Texas and as far west as Gillespie County.
Researchers are continuing to evaluate treatment options, but no insecticides currently labeled for pasture use have proven consistently effective. Producers are encouraged to monitor fields closely and contact their local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office if infestations are suspected.
Rice and Corn Producers Also Facing Pest Pressure
Rice growers in Southeast Texas are being advised to watch for increasing populations of rice delphacids, small sucking insects capable of reducing yields and damaging plants. State officials recently secured an emergency label for Courier SC insecticide to help manage the pest.
Corn producers are being warned about two potential threats. The corn leafhopper, which can spread damaging plant diseases, remains concentrated in South Texas but could move northward as the season progresses. Corn leaf aphids are also emerging as a concern, particularly after outbreaks reported in Central Texas.
Extension specialists recommend regular scouting and timely treatment when economic thresholds are reached.
Good News for Cotton Growers
Cotton producers have received some encouraging news this season. The two-spot cotton leafhopper, also known as cotton jassid, has been detected in ornamental nursery plants but has not yet been found in Texas commercial cotton fields.
Even so, producers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report unusual yellowing or reddening of cotton leaves to local Extension personnel.
Conditions Around the State
Recent weather patterns have created dramatically different conditions across Texas.
Much of South, Central, Southeast and Coastal Texas received significant rainfall, improving pasture conditions, replenishing stock tanks and boosting crop growth. However, excessive rainfall has also caused flooding, delayed field work and increased pest pressure in some areas.
Pasture mealybug infestations have been confirmed in multiple Southeast Texas counties, with some producers reporting severe damage to established pasture stands. Similar concerns have been reported in the Coastal Bend and Southwest Texas regions.
Meanwhile, producers in the Panhandle, South Plains and portions of West Texas continue to battle dry conditions and remain dependent on irrigation and additional rainfall to support crops and rangelands.
Across much of the state, livestock conditions remain generally good, while corn, cotton, sorghum and rice crops continue to progress despite weather and pest challenges.
Extension specialists encourage producers to closely monitor fields and pastures throughout the summer as favorable conditions for insects are expected to continue.
