As if we didn’t have enough to worry about this holiday season, there is a brand-new invasive pest that is destroying grasses and pastures across the state of Texas.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued an urgent alert to farmers to inspect their properties for the pasture mealybug (Helicococcus summervillei), a species never before seen in North America but has suddenly popped up in multiple Texas counties.
According to CultureMap Dallas, the pasture mealybug causes “pasture dieback,” which leaves expanding patches of yellowing, weakened, and ultimately dead turf.
Experts say to look for the mealybugs on grass leaves, stems, soil surface, leaf litter, and under cow patties, and to focus on unmanaged areas like fence lines, ungrazed patches, and roadsides.
Mealybugs are often fluffy, white, waxy, or “fuzzy.”
Commissioner Miller said, “Early identification is critical, and we need every producer’s eyes on the ground. 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.”
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