HOUSTON – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an urgent alert this week to producers across the state to inspect their pastures for a newly detected and highly damaging pest.
The pest has been identified as the pasture mealybug (Helicococcus summervillei), an invasive species, which has been confirmed in multiple Texas counties. Its presence has already caused significant damage to pasture acreage across the Lone Star State, Miller said.
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The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) said it is working closely with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to coordinate a rapid response and protect Texas producers.
Pasture Mealybugs impact
The pasture mealybug is a serious pest of forage grasses that causes “pasture dieback,” leaving expanding patches of yellowing, weakened, and ultimately dead turf, according to the release.
It was first discovered in Australia in 1928 after devastating millions of acres of grazing land there. The species has since spread globally, causing severe financial impacts.
Not only are they damaging to land, but the rapid reproduction, hidden soil-level feeding, and broad host range also make it a significant threat to pasture health and livestock operations.
“This is a completely new pest to our continent, and Texas is once again on the front lines,” Miller said. “If the pasture mealybug spreads across Texas grazing lands like it has in eastern Australia, it could cost Texas agriculture dearly in lost productivity and reduced livestock capacity. TDA is working hand-in-hand with federal and university partners to respond swiftly and protect our producers from this unprecedented threat.”
The estimated impact area currently covers 20 counties, which include the following: Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Refugio, Calhoun, Victoria, Goliad, Dewitt, Lavaca, Fayette, Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria, Galveston, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Brazos, and Robertson.
AgriLife entomologists said they have submitted a formal Pest Incident Worksheet documenting significant damage to pastures and hayfields in Victoria County.
Currently, there is no known effective labeled insecticide for pasture mealybug.
Affected plants include: Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Johnsongrass, hay grazer (sorghum–sudangrass), St. Augustine grass, various bluestem species, and other tropical or subtropical grasses.
Damage can occur in leaves, stems, and roots.
Symptoms:
- Yellowing and discoloration of leaves within a week of infestation
- Purpling or reddening of foliage
- Stunted growth and drought stress despite rainfall
- Poorly developed root systems
- Dieback starting at leaf tips and progressing downward
- Premature aging makes plants more vulnerable to pathogens
Inspection tips:
- Scout regularly for mealybugs on grass leaves, stems, soil surface, leaf litter, and under cow patties
- Focus on unmanaged areas such as fence lines, ungrazed patches, and roadsides
- Look for fluffy, white, waxy, or “fuzzy” insects on blades and stems
- If plants appear unhealthy and insects match this description, investigate further
“Early identification is critical, and we need every producer’s eyes on the ground,” Miller added. “We are working diligently with our federal and state partners to determine how to best combat this novel threat and stop it in its tracks.”
If you observe suspicious symptoms or insects matching the descriptions above, contact TDA at 1-(800)-TELL-TDA immediately.
For more information on the mealybug, visit here.