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Excess rainfall during spring and summer can significantly increase pest pressure in nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes. Warm temperatures combined with high humidity and prolonged moisture create favorable conditions for rapid pest development, survival, and spread. Soft-bodied insects such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and mites often become more active during wet weather periods. Excess moisture promotes lush plant growth and tender foliage, which are highly attractive to many pests. Standing water and saturated growing media can also encourage European pepper moth, fungus gnats and shore flies, particularly in greenhouse production systems. Wet conditions can make pest management more challenging. Rain may reduce the effectiveness of contact insecticides by washing away spray residues, often requiring repeated applications. Prolonged wet weather can also limit access to production areas, making routine scouting and timely pesticide applications difficult. High humidity and dense plant canopies further complicate early pest detection. Many pests, including thrips and mites, remain hidden within flowers, buds, or on the undersides of leaves, allowing populations to build unnoticed. In addition, storm events and strong winds may contribute to the movement and spread of invasive pests into new production areas. Excess rainfall may also disrupt beneficial insect activity. Natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids are often less active during prolonged storms and humid conditions, reducing natural pest suppression and allowing pest populations to increase rapidly once environmental conditions improve. Implementing proactive integrated pest management (IPM) practices is essential during periods of excessive rainfall. Regular scouting and monitoring with sticky traps can help detect pest populations early. Improving drainage, increasing air circulation, maintaining proper sanitation, avoiding overwatering, and removing heavily infested plant material can reduce favorable conditions for pests. Rotating insecticides with different modes of action and conserving beneficial insects are also important strategies for long-term pest management and resistance prevention. As weather patterns continue to become increasingly unpredictable, adopting management practices and maintaining consistent monitoring programs will remain  Rafia Khan, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX
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On May 15, 2026, TNLA met with San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to discuss a new pilot initiative called the WaterSaver Pro Program for large residential properties. This program is designed to recognize landscape and irrigation practices that demonstrate long-term water savings, efficient irrigation use, and landscape resilience. Program Overview: According to SAWS, WaterSaver establishes both minimum and enhanced “Pro” standards for the design, installation, and retrofit of irrigation and landscape systems on residential properties with irrigated areas greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet. This program is intended for: landscape designers, irrigation professionals, builders, landscape installation contractors. SAWS emphasized that the major theme throughout the program is intentionality; designing landscapes and irrigation systems with long-term efficiency, water conservation, and site functionality in mind. Benefits of WaterSaver Pro Participation Projects achieving the WaterSaver Pro designation may qualify for:
WaterSaver Pro Point Categories SAWS outlined four major scoring components:
Additional items discussed during the meeting included:
Pilot Program Participation TNLA discussed the importance of identifying potential pilot participants, particularly:
SAWS indicated they are still refining some program details, including: approved smart controller models, pilot program timelines, communication and submittal procedures At this time, SAWS recommended that participants communicate progress through spreadsheets and submitted irrigation/landscape plans as projects are finalized. Next StepsTNLA is currently gathering interest from members who may want to participate in the pilot program or provide industry feedback as SAWS continues developing the WaterSaver Pro standards. If you are interested in participating in the pilot program or learning more, please contact TNLA. We will coordinate with SAWS regarding next steps and future discussions. Below are the materials SAWS provided outlining:
Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
The green industry has always been relationship-driven. Even with emails, online ordering, and virtual meetings, there’s still value in shaking someone’s hand, walking the tradeshow floor together, and having conversations face-to-face. That’s one reason EXPO continues to matter year after year. Not just because of products or education, but because it creates space for the kinds of conversations that happen differently in person.  Real Industry PerspectiveMore Than The Tradeshow FloorSome of the most valuable moments at EXPO happen:
That kind of connection still matters. Bottom LineIn a relationship-driven industry, face-to-face interaction still plays an important role. Sometimes one conversation, one introduction, or one shared perspective can stay with you long after EXPO ends. That’s why so many people continue making EXPO part of their year.
When growers and landscape professionals think about insects, the first thought is often pests and the damage they cause. However, not all insects are harmful. Many beneficial insects play an important role in naturally suppressing pest populations in greenhouses, nurseries, and landscapes. These “good bugs” are valuable partners in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs and can help reduce reliance on chemical insecticides. Beneficial insects are a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. They help suppress pests naturally and can improve long-term pest management success when properly conserved or introduced into production systems. Two important groups of beneficial insects are predators and parasitoids. Predators actively consume pests throughout their life cycle. Common examples include lady beetles, green lacewings, minute pirate bugs, predatory mites, and hover fly larvae. These natural enemies feed on aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, scales, thrips, and other soft-bodied pests commonly encountered in Texas greenhouses and landscapes. Parasitoids are specialized insects, usually tiny wasps, that develop inside or on a host insect and eventually kill it. Several parasitoid species are commercially available and widely used in greenhouse biological control programs, especially for whitefly and aphid management. Parasitoids are specialized insects, usually tiny wasps, that develop inside or on a host insect and eventually kill it. Several parasitoid species are commercially available and widely used in greenhouse biological control programs, especially for whitefly and aphid management. Greenhouse environments often provide ideal conditions for biological control because temperature, humidity, and pest populations can be monitored more closely. In landscapes and nurseries, conserving naturally occurring beneficial insects can also provide significant pest suppression over time. Unfortunately, beneficial populations are frequently disrupted by unnecessary or repeated applications of broad-spectrum insecticides. One of the biggest challenges in pest management is recognizing when beneficial insects are already helping control a pest problem. In some situations, professionals may apply insecticides before evaluating predator or parasitoid activity. This can eliminate natural enemies and create secondary pest outbreaks or pest resurgence. In addition, repeated use of the same insecticide groups can contribute to pesticide resistance, making future pest management more difficult. Scouting remains one of the most important tools in preserving beneficial insects. Correct identification of both pests and beneficials allows professionals to make informed treatment decisions. When insecticide applications are necessary, selecting reduced-risk or selective products can help preserve natural enemy populations while still managing key pests. Habitat also plays a role in supporting beneficial insects. Flowering plants, reduced dust, proper irrigation management, and minimizing unnecessary pesticide exposure can all encourage beneficial activity in landscapes and production systems. Biological control is not always a complete replacement for insecticides, but it is an effective management tool when incorporated into a broader IPM strategy. As greenhouse and landscape industries continue to face challenges from invasive pests, environmental concerns, and pesticide resistance, beneficial insects should not be viewed as forgotten tools. Instead, they should be recognized as valuable partners in sustainable pest management programs. Photo credit: Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX. Last week, TNLA traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside members of Texas’ green industry for the annual H-2B Fly-In. During the trip, TNLA members met directly with Congressional offices to discuss workforce challenges impacting green industry businesses across Texas. The conversations focused heavily on the seasonal H-2B VISA program. For many green industry businesses, these workers help keep projects on schedule during peak seasons while also supporting year-round American jobs within their companies. Why This Matters to Texas’ Green Industry Texas’ green industry continues to face significant workforce shortages, particularly during high-demand periods in the spring and summer. During our meetings in Washington, TNLA members had the opportunity to speak directly with Congressional staff about how these workforce challenges affect their businesses on a day-to-day basis. Members shared personal stories about trying to keep crews staffed during peak project seasons, balancing growing customer demand, and managing the uncertainty that comes with not knowing whether seasonal workers will arrive on time. Some discussed the pressure of meeting timelines for government and commercial contracts, while others explained how workforce shortages impact long-term business planning and growth. Several members also highlighted that dependable seasonal labor helps create opportunities for year-round American employees by allowing businesses to expand operations, invest in training, and move workers into higher-skilled positions over time.  One of the most impactful aspects of the trip was ensuring policymakers heard directly from employers experiencing these challenges firsthand. What Was Discussed in Washington A major focus of this year’s advocacy effort was support for the proposed “Certified Seasonal Employer” language currently being discussed in federal appropriations negotiations. The Certified Seasonal Employer proposal is designed to reward businesses that have consistently followed the rules and responsibly used the H-2B program over multiple years. Under the proposal, employers that have received H-2B labor certifications for the past five years would be allowed to maintain access to the highest number of seasonal workers they were previously certified for without those workers counting against the annual H-2B cap. One way to think about it is this: businesses that have proven year after year they are compliant, dependable, and operating legally would no longer have to “re-enter the lottery” every season just to maintain the same workforce levels they have historically relied upon. Currently, the H-2B program has an annual visa cap of 66,000 per fiscal year that has not been updated in decades despite major economic growth and increased workforce demand. The proposed language would reward long-time, compliant employers (certified for the last five years) instead of forcing them to compete under the same uncertainty each season. These workers would not be included in the cap. Where the Language StandsThe Certified Seasonal Employer language is currently being discussed as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations process in Congress. Rather than moving as a standalone immigration bill, the proposal is being pursued through the federal appropriations process because Congress frequently uses annual funding legislation to address operational H-2B issues and cap relief measures. In this case, industry groups are advocating for the language to be included in the baseline DHS Appropriations bill because DHS oversees key parts of the H-2B program, including visa allocation and administration. The proposal has already gained significant attention in Washington. According to industry briefings shared during the fly-in, the White House previously supported inclusion of the Certified Seasonal Employer language during earlier federal funding negotiations, and advocates are continuing to push for its inclusion in the final FY27 DHS funding package. This means the current focus is on educating Congressional offices, appropriations staff, and committee leadership about why workforce certainty is critical for seasonal employers and why long-time, compliant businesses should receive more predictability within the H-2B process. For TNLA members, the issue is not simply about increasing workforce numbers; it is about creating a more stable and predictable system that allows responsible employers to better plan projects, retain year-round employees, and continue supporting Texas’ growing economy. What Success Looks Like For TNLA members, success would mean:
TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team Spring in Texas often brings warm temperatures along with frequent rain and storm events, creating highly favorable conditions for increased pest pressure in nurseries, greenhouses, and landscape systems. Elevated humidity and excess moisture significantly enhance pest development, survival, and reproduction, making this season particularly challenging for growers. These environmental conditions not only accelerate pest life cycles but also create ideal microhabitats for hidden and soil-associated pests, increasing the risk of sudden infestations and economic losses. Favorable Conditions for Pest OutbreaksSoft-bodied insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and thrips thrive under warm, humid conditions commonly observed during spring. The flush of new plant growth during this period provides tender, nutrient-rich tissues that are highly attractive for feeding and reproduction. As a result, pest populations can increase rapidly within a short period, often going unnoticed until visible damage appears. Without timely monitoring and intervention, these pests can quickly reach damaging levels and affect plant quality and marketability. Soil and Moisture Associated Pests Prolonged wet conditions create ideal environments for pests such as fungus gnats and shore flies, particularly in greenhouse and nursery production systems. Their larvae develop in moist growing media, feeding on organic matter and plant roots, which can weaken plants and reduce overall vigor. Additionally, pests like the European pepper moth benefit from high moisture conditions, as their larvae remain concealed in the lower canopy or within the growing media. This hidden feeding behavior, combined with favorable environmental conditions, makes early detection difficult and allows populations to build up before noticeable symptoms appear. Pest Spread and Increased Activity Rainfall and storm events can also contribute to the spread of pests within production systems. Splashing water can move infested soil, plant debris, eggs, and larvae between containers or across growing areas, facilitating rapid dispersal. Furthermore, outdoor pests such as caterpillars and beetles often become more active following rainfall, increasing feeding activity and the likelihood of damage. Wind and storm movement can also aid in dispersing adult insects into new areas, compounding pest pressure. Challenges in Pest Control Frequent rainfall presents additional challenges by reducing the effectiveness of insecticide applications. Rain can wash off residues from plant surfaces, shortening the duration of control and requiring more precise timing of applications. High humidity may also affect product performance and pest exposure, making control less consistent during extended wet periods. Take-Home Message Overall, rainy spring weather creates ideal conditions for pest outbreaks by enhancing survival, reproduction, and spread, while simultaneously reducing control effectiveness. Under these conditions, consistent scouting, proper irrigation management, and timely, integrated interventions are essential to minimize pest impact and maintain plant quality and marketability. Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX. Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS), Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, has become a persistent and economically important pest of crape myrtle in Texas landscapes and nurseries. Early spring is a critical time to detect and manage this pest before populations build and become more difficult to control. Identification and Early SignsCMBS primarily colonizes trunks, branches, and twigs of crape myrtle. The most recognizable sign is the presence of small, white to gray, felt-like encrustations on the bark. These are the adult females, which produce a waxy covering that protects them from environmental stress and some control measures. One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms in spring is the development of black sooty mold on the bark and surrounding surfaces. This mold grows on honeydew excreted by the feeding scales and often serves as the first visual cue for infestation. Heavy infestations can lead to reduced plant vigor, poor flowering, and aesthetic decline, key concerns for both growers and landscape managers. During early spring, overwintering populations begin to resume activity. Crawlers (the mobile, immature stage) start emerging as temperatures increase, making this the most vulnerable stage for management interventions. Monitoring StrategiesRegular scouting should begin in early spring (March–April in most parts of Texas). Inspect the bark closely, especially in crevices and around pruning cuts. Look for both the white scale coverings and the associated sooty mold. To detect crawler activity, double-sided tape can be wrapped around infested branches. The presence of tiny pinkish crawlers on the tape indicates active emergence and signals the optimal timing for certain treatments. Management ApproachesAn integrated pest management (IPM) approach is essential for effective CMBS control. Cultural and Mechanical Control: Light infestations can be managed by physically removing scales using a soft brush or by washing the bark with a strong stream of water. Pruning heavily infested branches can also reduce pest pressure, but care should be taken to properly dispose of infested material. Chemical Control: Early-season applications are most effective when targeted at the crawler stage. Contact insecticides (e.g., horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps) can help suppress crawler populations when coverage is thorough. These treatments should be applied when temperatures are moderate to avoid plant injury. Systemic insecticides, such as those containing dinotefuran or imidacloprid, can provide longer-term control. Soil drenches or trunk applications applied in spring, allow the active ingredient to move within the plant and target feeding scales. However, timing is critical; applications should be made early enough to coincide with active feeding. ConclusionEarly detection and timely intervention are key to managing crape myrtle bark scale. By combining careful monitoring with targeted cultural and chemical controls, growers and landscape professionals can minimize damage and maintain the health and aesthetic value of crape myrtle plantings throughout the growing season.
Figure: Crape myrtle bark scales on crape myrtle plants (A), Black sooty mold on the leaf and stems on infested crape myrtle plants (B). Photo credit: Rafia Khan
The Texas Excellence in Landscaping (TEIL) Awards are now open. Each year, landscape companies across Texas submit projects that showcase the craftsmanship, creativity, and problem-solving happening across our industry. If your team is working on projects this season, now is the time to start thinking about what you may want to submit. Start with One Simple Step The strongest TEIL entries don’t happen at the end of a project; they’re built along the way. A simple tip from past participants: Assign someone on your team to capture photos throughout the project That typically includes:
Capturing these as you go makes submitting much easier later. What Makes a Strong Entry TEIL submissions don’t have to be complicated. Strong projects usually show:
Many winning entries come from everyday projects completed by teams doing great work for their clients. Start Looking at Your Current Projects Projects happening right now, especially those wrapping up this spring and summer, are often strong candidates for TEIL submissions. If your team is working on something you’re proud of, it’s worth documenting now so you have everything ready when you decide to enter. Recognition TEIL winners are recognized each year at the Lone Star Hort Forum and promoted across TNLA channels providing visibility for your work and your team. Learn More You can review categories, past winners, and submission details here:
👉 https://www.tnlaonline.org/teil.html Submissions will be accepted through October. The Texas House and Senate have now released their 2026 interim charges, the official study topics committees will work on ahead of the 2027 legislative session. These charges often become the foundation for the next round of legislation, giving us an early look at the issues that may shape the future policy environment for our industry. You can review the full charges here:Senate Interim Charges: https://www.ltgov.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Interim-Charges.pdf House Interim Charges: https://www.house.texas.gov/pdfs/speaker/F-Interim-Charges-3.25.pdf From TNLA’s perspective, the biggest themes are water supply and supporting Texas agriculture, but the interim charges extend well beyond those issues. They also address insurance affordability, property tax relief, local government fees, workforce transportation, housing growth, permitting timelines, and the overall competitiveness of Texas agriculture and small businesses.
Taken together, these charges examine many of the core factors that determine how easy or difficult it is to operate a green industry business in Texas, from access to water and labor to the cost of trucks, insurance, land, and local permits. Two House committees stand out as especially important for our members. House Agriculture & Livestock includes meaningful charges on invasive species, Texas Department of Agriculture authority, agricultural resiliency, and expanding markets for Texas-grown products. These discussions could directly affect plant health response, quarantine processes, specialty crop competitiveness, and the visibility of Texas-grown nursery and landscape products. House Natural Resources may be the most significant committee for the green industry this interim. Charges on groundwater management, new water supply strategies, brackish groundwater, data center water use, and regional water planning all go directly to long-term water availability and allocation. These discussions will influence how Texas balances growth, agriculture, urban water needs, and future supply development. On the Senate side, we are also closely tracking charges related to data center water demand, utility revenue transfers, desalination, insurance affordability, local fee transparency, and CDL standards. Each of these has real implications for project timelines, business costs, labor flexibility, and long-term water affordability. Our advocacy team will be actively monitoring hearings, identifying opportunities for committee feedback and testimony, and ensuring the voice of Texas nurseries, landscape professionals, irrigators, and allied businesses is part of these conversations. The interim is where many of the biggest ideas for the next session begin to take shape, and we believe the 2026 cycle could be especially consequential for water policy, Texas agriculture, and the overall business climate for the green industry. We will continue to keep you updated as these hearings develop. Built on Convenience, Relationships, and Growth When you walk into Southwest Wholesale Nursery in Dallas, one thing becomes clear right away, this business is built around the customer. Or better yet… the customer never has to “walk in” at all. A Simpler Way to Serve Landscape Professionals At Southwest Wholesale Nursery, landscape contractors pull up, are greeted by name, and get exactly what they need—loaded right into their truck. No lines. No confusion. No wasted time. Owner, Steven Taber TMCNP, explained it best: “You could go to the grocery store and cook… but sometimes you just want the convenience of a restaurant.” That mindset has shaped their entire operation.  🌿 What Makes Southwest Different Southwest Wholesale Nursery has grown into a trusted resource for professionals across Texas by focusing on a few key things: ✔ Variety that contractors need They source plant material from across the country—including Texas, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, and Oregon—so customers have more options in one place. ✔ Built for real-world workflows Everything is designed around how landscape professionals actually work—fast, efficient, and relationship-driven. ✔ Strong team and culture With around 100 employees, their team builds real relationships with customers. Many regulars even have a “go-to” staff member. 📈 Evolving with the Industry Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just growing plants, they’re improving how they operate. In 2023, they made a simple but powerful shift: ➡️ Moving from paper tracking to a shared digital system employees can access from their phones. This allows their team to quickly see:
🌎 Growing the Next Generation Many new graduates say they want to work for growers but not all growing operations offer broad experience. Southwest Wholesale Nursery stands out because employees get exposure to a wide variety of plant material, helping them build real, practical knowledge. 🚜 Looking Ahead Currently operating on 30 of their 60 acres, Southwest Wholesale Nursery is already thinking about the future. With potential expansion opportunities nearby, they’re planning ahead, not just for growth, but also to address challenges like on-site flooding. 🤝 A True TNLA Partner Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just a member, they’re a Strategic Partner, contributing over $30,000 in 2025 alone to support TNLA programs and events. That investment helps strengthen the entire industry.  💬 Join the Conversation Have you worked with Southwest Wholesale Nursery? 👉 Share your experience in the comments or connect with other professionals inside TNLA Hive.
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
May 2026
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