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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
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Over the past few weeks, we've shared why TNLA PAC exists and how it helps protect and advance Texas' green industry. From building relationships with policymakers to supporting pro-industry candidates, those efforts only happen because industry members choose to invest. Now it's your turn. Supporting TNLA PAC doesn't require writing a large check. There are several easy ways to get involved, and every contribution strengthens our industry's voice at the Capitol. Bid in the TNLA PAC Online Auction The TNLA PAC Online Auction is now open, and there are plenty of reasons to take a look. Whether you're searching for something unique for yourself, your family, or your business, you'll find a wide variety of items while supporting the advocacy efforts that protect Texas' green industry. Auction highlights include:
Buy Raffle Tickets Take a chance on winning a Benelli Super Black Eagle III Shotgun while supporting the work of TNLA PAC. It's one of the easiest ways to make a difference, and every ticket purchased helps strengthen our collective voice. Visit the PAC Lounge at EXPO Stop by the PAC Lounge during EXPO to connect with industry leaders, learn more about the issues affecting your business, and see firsthand how PAC investments help build relationships with elected officials and decision-makers. A $100 contribution to TNLA PAC includes access to the PAC Lounge throughout EXPO. Become a Gold Star Company One of the most meaningful ways to demonstrate your company's commitment to advocacy is by becoming a TNLA PAC Gold Star Company. Gold Star recognition is awarded to companies with at least four employees who each contribute $50 or more to TNLA PAC during the year. It recognizes businesses that encourage employee participation in the PAC and shows lawmakers that support for our industry comes from every level of the business, not just company leadership. Advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because members like you choose to get involved. Whether you place a bid, buy a raffle ticket, visit the PAC Lounge, or help your company earn Gold Star recognition, your participation helps ensure the Texas green industry has a strong voice where decisions are made. The investment starts here. Thank you for being part of it TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas’ green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds
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As summer progresses into late summer, many parts of Texas experience prolonged periods of hot, dry weather with fewer rainfall events. These conditions not only place ornamental plants under drought stress but also create the perfect environment for spider mites to thrive. Unlike many insect pests that are suppressed by frequent rain, spider mite populations often explode during extended periods of dry heat, making August and September a critical time for greenhouse and nursery growers to intensify scouting efforts. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is one of the most common and economically important pests of ornamental crops. Feeding on more than 200 plant species, it attacks popular nursery and greenhouse crops including roses, hibiscus, lantana, marigold, salvia, verbena, hydrangea, and many bedding plants. Spider mites feed by piercing individual plant cells and removing their contents, producing characteristic yellow or white stippling on leaves. As infestations worsen, foliage develops a bronze appearance, leaves become dry and brittle, and severe infestations produce fine webbing that can cover leaves, stems, and flowers. Warm temperatures accelerate spider mite development, allowing a generation to be completed in as little as 7–10 days under favorable conditions. This rapid life cycle means that a few mites can quickly develop into damaging populations if left undetected. Dry weather also reduces the natural washing effect of rainfall, allowing mites to survive and reproduce unchecked. Routine scouting is the most effective defense. Inspect susceptible crops weekly, paying particular attention to the undersides of leaves where mites feed and lay eggs. A 10× hand lens can help detect early infestations before visible damage becomes widespread. Early detection allows timely intervention and greatly improves management success. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach provides the best long-term control. Maintain adequate irrigation to minimize plant stress, remove heavily infested plant material, and eliminate weeds that can serve as alternative hosts. In greenhouses, reducing excessive heat and maintaining appropriate humidity can help slow spider mite population growth. Biological control can be highly effective, especially in protected environments. Predatory mites such as Neoseiulus californicus provide excellent suppression when released early, before pest populations become established. Conserving these beneficials by selecting compatible pesticides is essential for successful biological control. When chemical control is necessary, rotate miticides with different modes of action to delay the development of resistance. Thorough coverage of the undersides of leaves is critical, as both mites and their eggs are concentrated in these protected areas. Late summer is the time when spider mites can quickly turn from a minor nuisance into a serious production problem. By combining vigilant scouting with cultural, biological, and chemical management tactics, growers can protect plant quality and minimize losses during one of the most challenging periods of the growing season.
A 2025 trial explored the benefits of biochar and compost amendments on the growth of Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) in landscape beds. Biochar, an organic amendment produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen, has gained popularity for its ability to enhance soil structure, improve water and nutrient retention, and boost microbial activity. The study involved three treatments: beds amended with pecan shell biochar, organic compost, and unamended native soil. Each treatment was replicated across three beds, with identical irrigation, fertilization, and mulch conditions. Over the summer season, plant growth was closely monitored by measuring canopy diameter, as well as plant and root dry weights. Results were striking. Vinca plants in biochar-amended beds showcased nearly twice the canopy area compared to those in compost beds, averaging a diameter of 56.3 cm versus 40.2 cm. Growth was consistently more robust throughout the season for biochar-treated plants. Furthermore, biochar led to significantly higher root dry weight than both compost and native soil, and plants displayed healthier coloration and more extensive root branching. Perhaps most notably, plant survival rates were much higher in biochar beds: none of the vinca plants died, while compost and native soil beds experienced 33% and 76% plant loss, respectively. Soil moisture remained consistent across all treatments thanks to sufficient rainfall. In summary, the trial demonstrated the clear advantages of biochar in promoting the growth and health of vinca in landscape settings. I plan to expand this work by testing biochar’s impact on additional bedding plants in future trials to further validate these promising results. Download the full report  Paul WinskiExtension Program Specialist II Next year, the Texas green industry will begin working with a new Texas Agriculture Commissioner. But TNLA is not waiting until January to start building that relationship. Recently, the TNLA PAC hosted Republican nominee for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Nate Sheets at a member nursery to introduce him to our industry, our businesses, and the issues impacting nursery and landscape professionals across the state.  TNLA PAC Board members meet with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Republican nominee Nate Sheets to share the priorities and challenges facing the Texas green industry. The conversation was about building a relationship for the future. It was understood that it would take more than just one meeting. It was about making sure the leaders who will make decisions affecting our industry understand who we are, the challenges we face, and the important role our members play in Texas. That is what the TNLA PAC helps make possible. Your TNLA membership supports the advocacy work we do every day.
Your TNLA PAC contribution helps build and strengthen the relationships that make that advocacy more effective. When decisions are being made about water, workforce, regulations, and the future of Texas agriculture, our industry needs to already have a seat at the table. Help us continue building relationships today that protect the future of the Texas green industry. During the last legislative session, TNLA worked to solve a challenge our industry has dealt with for years: getting timely information when new pests, diseases, or quarantines impact Texas. Working alongside Representative Mihaela Plesa and Senator Lois Kolkhorst, TNLA passed legislation creating a statewide pest, disease, and quarantine e-mail alert system. That system is now officially live. 👉 You can sign up for the email alert system here: https://agalert.tamu.edu/ Why This MattersWhen a dangerous pest or disease is identified or when a quarantine is put in place, our industry needs to know quickly. Growers, retailers, and landscape professionals need accurate information to make decisions and respond. HB 1592 helps address that challenge. The new system: • Is operated through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension • Provides email notifications for:
How TNLA Got This Done TNLA heard concerns from members about the need for better communication during plant health events. During the last Sunset Review of the Texas Department of Agriculture, TNLA identified and supported the conclusion that timely, accurate information was critical for our industry regarding quarantines, quarantine updates, pest and disease detection, and measures to contain them. Understanding the need for better communication needed a legislative solution, we brought those concerns to lawmakers and worked with legislators, state agencies, and stakeholders. The result was this brand-new email-based pest alert. TNLA helped move this bill from an industry idea, through the legislative process, and ultimately into a resource that is now available statewide. What You Should Do NowThis tool only works if industry members sign up and use it.
Take a few minutes to: • Select your county (or multiple counties where you operate) • Receive alerts for your area • Stay informed about potential threats 👉 Sign up today: https://agalert.tamu.edu/ Your support allows TNLA to continue protecting and strengthening our industry. One of the most common complaints from homeowners during the growing season is the appearance of a black, soot-like coating on leaves, stems, patios, vehicles, and outdoor furniture beneath landscape plants. While many assume this black growth is a plant disease, the real culprit is often an insect infestation. Sooty mold is a fungal growth that develops on honeydew, a sticky, sugar-rich waste product excreted by sap-feeding insects. Common honeydew-producing pests in Texas landscapes include aphids, whiteflies, scales, mealybugs, and psyllids. As these insects feed on plant sap, they remove more sugar than they can utilize and excrete the excess as honeydew. Sooty mold fungi then colonize this sticky residue, forming a dark coating on plant surfaces. The mold itself does not infect plant tissues or directly damage leaves. However, heavy accumulations can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis, leading to decreased plant vigor and aesthetic quality. In severe cases, leaves may yellow, growth may slow, and plants can become stressed, particularly when combined with other environmental challenges. Several landscape plants are commonly affected by sooty mold in Texas, including crape myrtle, gardenia, holly, hibiscus, magnolia, citrus, and many ornamental trees and shrubs. Crape myrtle bark scale, for example, is a frequent cause of heavy honeydew production and subsequent sooty mold development on crape myrtles. Likewise, whiteflies and aphids often contribute to outbreaks on ornamentals and flowering plants. Successful management requires addressing the underlying insect problem rather than focusing solely on the mold. Begin by inspecting plants carefully, especially the undersides of leaves and stems, where many sap-feeding insects congregate. Look for live insects, cast skins, sticky honeydew, or ant activity. Ants are often attracted to honeydew and may indicate the presence of hidden pest populations. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is the most effective strategy. Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and predatory bugs that help suppress aphids, scales, and whiteflies. Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum insecticide applications that may disrupt beneficial insect populations. When pest numbers exceed acceptable levels, select insecticides based on the target pest and follow all label directions. Once the insect population is reduced, honeydew production will decline, and existing sooty mold will gradually weather away through rainfall, irrigation, and normal leaf growth. In some situations, washing leaves with water can improve appearance, but this will not solve the problem if the insects remain active. When blackened leaves appear in the landscape, remember that sooty mold is usually a symptom rather than the primary issue. Identifying and managing the honeydew-producing insects will provide the most effective long-term solution and help maintain healthy, attractive landscape plants throughout the season.
Figure: Sooty mold on crape myrtle leaves (A) caused by crape myrtle aphid (B), and sooty mold on crape myrtle stem/bark caused by crape myrtle bark scale (C)
Companies that invest in workforce development are better positioned to grow. Explore TNLA's education pathways, certifications, and online training designed specifically for Texas landscape professionals Texas has moved into summer earlier than usual, with high temperatures arriving well before the traditional peak season. While warm weather accelerates plant growth, it also creates ideal conditions for many insect and mite pests. For nursery growers, greenhouse producers, and landscape managers, early heat can mean earlier and more severe pest outbreaks. Many pests develop faster under high temperatures, allowing them to complete more generations in a shorter period. At the same time, heat and water stress can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pest infestations. This combination often leads to increased pest pressure during early summer. Some of the most common pests to watch include spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and scale insects.
The best defense remains a strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Frequent scouting is critical during hot weather. Inspect plants regularly, especially new growth and leaf undersides, and use monitoring tools such as sticky cards or pheromone traps for early detection. In addition, minimizing plant stress through proper irrigation and balanced fertility can improve plant resilience. When treatments are necessary, rotate insecticides with different modes of action to help delay resistance development and preserve beneficial insects. Early detection and timely intervention are key. During hot summer weather, successful pest management starts with protecting plant health and staying proactive rather than reactive.  Rafia Khan, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is proud to recognize the retirement of longtime industry leader John Peters following an extraordinary 40-year career with Calloway's Nursery. Throughout his career, John has been more than a respected garden center professional; he has been a dedicated advocate for the Texas green industry and a passionate supporter of TNLA and its members.  Many members know John through his years of service and leadership within the association. He served as TNLA Chairman during 1992–1993 and remained actively engaged long after his term concluded. Over the years, he contributed his time and expertise to numerous committees and initiatives, including the Research Committee, Retention Task Force, and Editorial Task Force. John's commitment to professional excellence was reflected in his achievement of both Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional (TMCNP) and Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Executive (TMCNPE) certifications. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting fellow professionals earned him TNLA's prestigious Award of Recognition Program (ARP) Award in 2019. For four decades at Calloway's Nursery, John helped shape one of Texas' most recognized and respected garden center brands. His influence extended far beyond the walls of any single business, impacting industry professionals, customers, and communities throughout the state. Those who have worked alongside John know him not only for his knowledge and leadership, but also for his willingness to mentor others, build relationships, and strengthen the industry he cared deeply about. As he begins this next chapter, TNLA extends its sincere gratitude for John's decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the Texas nursery and landscape industry. On behalf of the TNLA Board of Directors, staff, and members, thank you, John, for the lasting impact you have made on our association and our industry. Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes in the years ahead. Protecting Our Industry Starts Before Decisions Are Made
It happens through relationships, education, and ongoing conversations with the leaders making decisions that impact our businesses, employees, and communities. That's why TNLA PAC exists. Why Advocacy Matters Every day, decisions are being made at the state and local levels that affect the future of our industry. Some involve water infrastructure and conservation policies. Others impact workforce development, business regulations, transportation, land use, or the tools and resources our members rely on to operate successfully. The reality is simple: If our industry isn't part of those conversations, someone else will be. TNLA PAC helps ensure the green industry has a voice in those discussions and the opportunity to build relationships with decision-makers before important decisions are made. Our Industry Has a Story Worth Telling Texas' nursery and landscape industry contributes far more than beautiful landscapes. Our members create jobs, support local economies, improve communities, conserve natural resources, and help make Texas a better place to live and work. But many policymakers have never operated a nursery, managed a landscape company, installed irrigation systems, or experienced the challenges of running a green industry business. They don't automatically understand:
That understanding happens through education and relationships. And those relationships don't happen overnight. Building Relationships Before They're Needed One of the biggest misconceptions about advocacy is that it only happens when there's a problem. In reality, the most effective advocacy often happens before members ever hear about an issue.
These conversations happen because our industry invests in building relationships before they're needed. Advocacy Creates Real Results Strong advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because industry professionals choose to invest their time, energy, and resources in ensuring the green industry has a seat at the table. Those efforts have helped TNLA:
That's the value of being proactive. Investing in the Future As we look toward the 2027 legislative session, the need for strong advocacy remains as important as ever. Water availability, workforce development, regulatory pressures, and industry education will continue to shape the future of Texas' green industry. The relationships we build today help shape the conversations we'll have tomorrow. That's why TNLA PAC matters. It's not simply about supporting a political action committee. It's about helping ensure our industry has a voice, a seat at the table, and an opportunity to help shape decisions that affect our future. Help Strengthen Our Voice If your business has benefited from a stronger voice for the green industry, consider supporting TNLA PAC. Your investment helps build relationships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure our industry remains engaged in the conversations that matter most. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Texas' green industry. TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas' green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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