New Pest Threatens Texas Grasslands

A concerning new invasive species, the pasture mealybug, has established itself in Texas, posing a serious threat to the state's grasses and potentially spreading to neighboring regions. Originally from South Asia and known for causing widespread destruction in Australia, this pest is now causing significant damage to Texas pastures.

The mealybug's destructive capabilities are most pronounced in its nymph stage. These young insects feed by piercing grass stalks near the root and extracting sap. Crucially, they also inject a toxic saliva that weakens the plants, making them susceptible to further infections and ultimately leading to pasture dieback and crop failure. In one documented instance, a 10-acre Bermuda grass field was completely destroyed and did not recover.

Texas officials are urging landowners and producers to remain vigilant and inspect their pastures for signs of this invasive pest. Managing the pasture mealybug is challenging due to its ability to overwinter underground, with female mealybugs surviving harsh conditions. The Texas Department of Agriculture is actively collaborating with federal and university partners to develop swift and effective strategies to protect producers from this emerging agricultural threat.