Warm & wet spring fuels pest pressures in Texas, outbreaks primarily impact pastures, rice, corn & cotton
A warm, wet spring has created near-ideal conditions for several damaging insects across parts of Texas, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert’s report.
David Kerns, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide integrated pest management coordinator, professor and associate department head for the Texas A&M Department of Entomology, said pest outbreaks were primarily impacting producers managing pastures, rice, corn and cotton.
“I’d say the biggest issue we’re facing currently is with the pasture mealybug,” Kerns said. “It’s really taken off in the last month. It has skyrocketed as an issue.”
While primarily seen in the South East of Texas, the mealy bug pest has shown up in pastures just two counties south of Bosque County in Robertson. Producers in affected areas should monitor closely and contact their local AgriLife Extension office if they suspect an infestation, Kerns said.
Unlike many pasture pests that cause temporary damage, the pasture mealybug can kill grasses outright, a serious blow for producers whose livestock depend on Bermuda hay, Bahia grass and native rangeland bluestems for forage.
The pest thrives in hot, wet weather and thus far has been detected throughout South Texas, along the Gulf Coast, Central Texas and as far west as Gillespie County. Drier conditions to the west may naturally limit further spread, Kerns said.
Treatment options remain limited. No currently labeled pasture insecticides have proven effective, though researchers are evaluating candidates, Kerns said.
Corn producers face two concerns. The corn leafhopper, which vectors damaging plant pathogens, remains confined to South Texas for now. Flea hopper populations were emerging in Central Texas as a concern for producers. But North Texas and Panhandle fields could be reached as populations move northward.
“We are recommending protecting corn from corn leafhoppers through R1,” Kerns said.
Corn leaf aphid is a second worry as a recent outbreak in Central Texas often signals trouble further north, and Panhandle producers should begin scouting before their corn tassels, Kerns said. The most critical period for corn leaf aphids is from just before tassel through R1. Producers should treat during this period when 10-20 percent of the plants have 100 or more aphids.
Texas cotton producers have one positive development to report. The two-spot cotton leafhopper, or cotton jassid, which can devastate cotton by injecting toxic saliva, has been detected only in nurseries where it is infecting hibiscus and not in commercial cotton fields so far this year.
“We haven’t detected any in our cotton to date, and that’s really good news,” Kerns said.
Producers should continue scouting and report any unusual leaf yellowing or reddening to their AgriLife Extension county agent, Kerns added.
In Southeast Texas’ rice country, Kerns expects rice delphacid populations to build and move into fields by mid-June. The sucking insect can kill plants or result in reduced grain weights. Fortunately, Texas has recently received an emergency Section 18 label for Courier SC insecticide. This insecticide is an insect growth regulator and will be active primarily on the nymphs.
“You don’t want them to get ahead of you,” Kerns said. “It really is going to take close monitoring to make that insecticide more valuable.”
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summary for Central Texas:
Cloudy, cooler conditions with heavy rainfall and isolated hail moved across the district this week. Strong storms produced localized wind and hail damage. Pockets of abnormal dryness remained despite rainfall improving drought conditions. Low winds and moderate temperatures helped conserve soil moisture.
Recent rainfall improved pasture green-up and accelerated warm-season forage growth, leaving pastures with heavy stands and ample grazing. Hay harvest and baling continued where field conditions allowed. Stock tanks began refilling, and some spilled over in wetter areas. Corn benefited from added soil moisture and milder temperatures, though isolated hail caused some localized crop damage. Early planted cotton began setting squares.
Wheat harvest neared completion with only a few outlying fields remaining; yields in many fields averaged 30-50 bushels per acre. Pecan crop set was excellent across most varieties, with trees reported to be in the best condition in several years. Flea hopper populations were emerging as a concern for producers.
Livestock remained in good overall condition, and supplemental feeding declined as forage availability improved. Cattle market conditions remained strong, though continued liquidation at high prices was making restocking difficult for many producers.
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