The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is working closely with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to coordinate a rapid response and protect Texas producers.
The pasture mealybug is a serious pest of forage grasses that causes "pasture dieback," leaving expanding patches of yellowing, weakened, and ultimately dead turf. First described in Australia in 1928, it has devastated millions of acres of grazing land there and has since spread globally, causing severe financial impacts. Its rapid reproduction, hidden soil-level feeding, and broad host range 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," Commissioner 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."
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.
But not to worry, the governor of oil- and cattle-rich Texas will outlaw another Islamic charity or NGO while shamelessly getting federal handouts: "The state of Texas receives more money from the federal government than it sends to Washington, DC. The Lone Star State receives about $71.1 billion more in federal funds than its residents and businesses contribute in federal taxes. This means Texas is a net recipient of federal funds, not a net contributor." (Source: www.politifact.com)
