​Rafia Khan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center,
Overton, TX

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working on publishing a series of educational articles to assist homeowners and green industry professionals in recognizing and managing two recently confirmed invasive insect pests in Texas: the two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) and the short-spined thrips (Thrips parvispinus). These pests pose emerging risks to ornamental plants by affecting plant health, appearance, and market value.

The planned articles will provide clear descriptions of pest identification and injury patterns to support early detection. Feeding by the two-spot cotton leafhopper causes a condition known as “hopperburn,” characterized by leaf curling, yellowing, bronzing, reduced vigor, and, in severe cases, plant death. This pest attacks a wide range of ornamental hosts, including hibiscus, and is often difficult to detect due to its small size and concealed feeding behavior. Short-spined thrips are tiny, highly polyphagous insects that feed on numerous ornamental crops, including annual bedding plants and tropical ornamentals. Their feeding leads to foliar scarring, distorted shoots, flower drops, and stunted growth, resulting in reduced plant quality and marketability.

In addition to injury symptoms, the articles will summarize current regulatory actions, including quarantine measures and inspection efforts implemented by regulatory agencies to limit pest movement and spread. Management options discussed will be based on science-based recommendations developed from research conducted by other researchers and institutions, with an emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as monitoring, sanitation, cultural practices, and targeted chemical controls when necessary.
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Through these publications, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension aims to improve awareness, encourage early reporting, and promote informed decision-making. By providing timely, research-informed guidance, Extension seeks to help homeowners and professionals reduce the impact of these invasive pests and protect the long-term sustainability of Texas landscapes and ornamental production systems.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has issued an emergency quarantine to prevent the spread of the invasive Cotton Jassid or Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper, a destructive pest first detected on imported hibiscus plants. The quarantine currently applies to all Hibiscus species, but may expand to include additional host plants as more data becomes available.
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The quarantine currently covers shipments from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where the pest has been detected.

It also applies to Texas counties where detections have occurred, halting the movement of hostable plants without required phytosanitary documentation

No regulated articles may move from or within quarantined areas except under the following conditions:

1. Certification:
   Must be accompanied by a Certificate of Inspection issued by TDA or an authorized official confirming the articles are pest-free based on inspection or treatment. Certificates must include origin, destination, commodity, and pest-free declaration.
2. Treatment:
   Articles must be treated using TDA- or USDA-approved methods, such as:
   • Insecticidal dip or spray using EPA-registered products effective against leafhoppers (e.g., neonicotinoids like imidacloprid at labeled rates, applied to runoff).
   • Fumigation if approved for the commodity.
3. Pest-Free Certification:
   For propagation materials, a Pest-Free Area Certificate or Systems Approach Certification verifying production in a pest-free zone under USDA/APHIS guidelines.
4. Emergency Exemptions:
   Shipments for scientific, research, or immediate processing purposes may be allowed with prior TDA and/or USDA approval under containment protocols.

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➡️ Violations are subject to penalties under the Texas Agriculture Code, including fines up to $4,000 per violation, seizure or destruction of articles at the owner’s expense, and potential criminal charges.

While the quarantine focuses on movement control, TDA and Texas A&M AgriLife recommend the following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in infested areas:

• Scout: Inspect the undersides of leaves on the 3rd–5th nodes from the top; treat when 1–2 nymphs per leaf show visible injury.
• Treat: Use labeled insecticides (e.g., acephate, bifenthrin) and rotate chemical classes to prevent resistance. Avoid broad-spectrum applications that harm beneficial insects.
• Cultural Control: Maintain irrigation to reduce plant stress, destroy crop residues after harvest, and monitor or remove nearby weed hosts.

TNLA is in close communication with TDA’s Plant Quality Division and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologists to ensure the industry has up-to-date guidance and clear compliance information.
Members are encouraged to:

• Inspect incoming plant shipments carefully,
• Maintain documentation for all plant movements, and
• Report any suspected pest activity to TDA Plant Quality at (512) 463-7660.

TNLA will continue to monitor this developing issue and share timely updates as new guidance or quarantine adjustments are announced.
👉 Learn more and view TDA’s current quarantine notice.

​The two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) has recently been detected in Texas, traced to hibiscus shipments from out-of-state. This pest is already appearing in retail environments and poses a serious risk to ornamental plants and crops.

Your voice matters. Right now, two surveys are open that will shape decisions directly affecting Texas nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapers. We encourage all members to take a few minutes to participate so our industry’s needs are represented.

The IR-4 Environmental Horticulture Program is setting its national research priorities for the next two years, and grower input will determine which pest, disease, and weed issues get funded.


Right now, 75% of survey responses are from cut flower growers. If nursery and greenhouse producers don’t participate, our day-to-day challenges may not be reflected in IR-4’s plan.


What we’re asking:

• Complete the grower survey by Aug 29:
  👉 Take the IR-4 Grower Survey
• Share with your teams and peers so nursery/greenhouse needs are fully represented.
• Consider attending the IR-4 Priority Setting Workshop (Kansas City) to help finalize the research roadmap.
  👉 Workshop details: HERE
  
  
  

Why it matters:

• Direct influence on which pest, disease, and weed problems receive research attention.
• IR-4 has a new team and is rebuilding connections with industry--now is the time to weigh in.
• Better data now = better tools and solutions for growers over the next two years.
  
  Questions? Contact 
  
  Jennifer Gray
  Horticultural Research Institute
  [email protected]
  614-884-1155 Direct | 614-487-1117 Main ​

Upcoming local rulemaking may impact tree planting and availability. To prepare, TNLA is gathering marketplace data to show what species are realistically available.
What we’re asking:

• 👉 Complete the Native Tree Availability Survey (due Sept 5)
• Indicate if your nursery currently grows or carries specific Texas native tree species

Why it matters:

• Ensures policymakers see what is actually accessible in the marketplace
• Provides TNLA with solid data to represent the industry in regulatory discussions

Thank You for Taking Action
Both of these surveys are short, but the impact is significant. By participating, you ensure the voice of Texas growers and retailers is part of the larger conversation shaping our industry’s future.

Bell County now marks the furthest south the invasive pest has been confirmed in the U.S.
The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been newly confirmed in Jack, Navarro, Somervell, Bell, and Rockwall counties, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Notably, Bell County’s detection marks the southernmost known presence of EAB in the United States—a major milestone in the pest’s expansion and a growing threat to Texas ash tree populations.


🪲 What is Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer is a destructive, exotic beetle that infests and kills ash trees by burrowing beneath the bark and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Once infested, ash trees typically die within 2–3 years.
EAB was first confirmed in Texas in 2016 and has now been detected in 31 counties statewide. The latest confirmations in 2024 represent a notable southward jump, increasing the risk for nurseries, landscapes, and natural ash populations across Central Texas.
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Counties Affected

The USDA Interactive Map displays confirmed detections across the U.S., including the growing number in Texas.

What’s Being Done to Tackle It
The Texas A&M Forest Service is leading surveillance and outreach efforts to slow the spread of EAB. Confirmed counties are subject to state quarantines that restrict the movement of ash wood products to prevent further dispersal. Ongoing education and early detection efforts are critical tools in protecting remaining ash populations.


Key Considerations for TNLA Members

• If you grow or handle ash trees, especially in newly affected or adjacent counties, consult the TDA’s quarantine guidelines.
• Expect increased regulatory scrutiny around movement of nursery stock, wood products, and green waste.
• Landscape companies and urban foresters should monitor ash trees for dieback symptoms and woodpecker activity.

Here are some of the symptoms that are key to notice:

• Dead branches near the top of a tree
• Leafy shoots sprouting from the trunk.
• Bark splits exposing s-shaped larval galleries.
• Extensive woodpecker activity
• D‐shaped exit holes

Stay Informed

• Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Emerald Ash Borer Hub for the latest maps, detection protocols, and resources.

Next Steps from TNLA
TNLA is monitoring the EAB expansion and will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to ensure members remain informed and compliant. If you have questions about how EAB may impact your nursery or landscape operation, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1—known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—was signed into law. At 870 pages, it’s one of the most sweeping federal laws in recent history. But here’s the bottom line for TNLA members: it includes some powerful wins for your business.

Here’s what matters most:
🌿 529 Plans Can Now Fund Certifications
You can now use 529 education savings to cover industry licenses—like irrigator training, pesticide applicator certification, or landscape credentials. This makes workforce development more accessible for young professionals in our industry.

🔧 Full Write-Offs for Equipment & R&D
Businesses can now fully expense:

• New equipment purchases (tractors, irrigation systems, etc.)
• Research and development costs in the year spent

That means lower tax bills and more room to innovate and invest.

🏦 Loan Interest Deductions Restored
Businesses that borrow to buy land, expand greenhouses, or manage inventory can now deduct more interest expenses, thanks to the return of EBITDA-based limits.

💼 199A Pass-Through Deduction Made Permanent
The Qualified Business Income deduction for S-corps, LLCs, and sole proprietors now increases from 20% to 23% starting in 2026. That’s more relief for small and mid-sized businesses.

🌱 Expanded Grower Support & Plant Protection

• Increased funding for Specialty Crop Block Grants
• Boosted dollars for invasive pest management
• Extended citrus disease research funding
• More than doubled funds for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative

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These provisions mean long-term investment in plant health, crop resilience, and industry sustainability.

The Takeaway:
While the bill didn’t fix everything (especially on the labor side), it delivers significant financial and operational benefits for Texas green industry businesses. TNLA will continue monitoring how funding rolls out—and will keep pushing for additional reforms where they’re needed most.

We’re excited to share great news--HB 1592 is now law in Texas, creating a statewide pest and plant disease alert system through Texas A&M AgriLife.

This important legislation was authored by Rep. Mihaela Plesa, sponsored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, and backed by strong bipartisan support. It moved smoothly through the Capitol and was allowed to become law by Governor Greg Abbott.

What Does HB 1592 Do?
The new law creates a real-time, email-based alert system to notify:

• Growers
• Landscapers
• Government agencies
• Even home gardeners

when a harmful pest or plant disease is detected in Texas. This opt-in system means faster action, less damage, and stronger protection for crops, landscapes, and native plants.

Why It Matters
✔️ Faster response times to outbreaks
✔️ Less damage to plants and landscapes
✔️ More protection for Texas ecosystems and the green industry
✔️ Better preparedness for changing weather and pest patterns

From nurseries and retail centers to city parks and farms, this new tool gives Texans a better way to protect the plants we depend on.


TNLA Member Voices Made the Difference
We’re proud that Bill Carson of Native Texas Nursery testified in support of the bill. His voice—and the support of TNLA members across the state—helped lawmakers understand the real-world need for this kind of early warning system.
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Looking Ahead
When HB 1592 reached the Governor’s desk on May 25, we celebrated. Now that it’s law, we celebrate again—knowing that Texas is better prepared to fight invasive species and plant health threats.

This is more than just a policy win. It’s a step forward for:

• Public-private partnerships
• Science-backed decision-making
• And protecting the future of Texas’ green economy

The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front.


Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole
Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam.
While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:

• Could undermine public health and water quality
• Weaken credibility of Texas licensing systems used by irrigators, landscape architects, and more

TNLA acted early, working with lawmakers and partners to highlight long-term consequences. By defeating this bill, we helped preserve the integrity of Texas licensure standards and the trust communities place in our professionals.


Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk
A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor.
The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state.
Benefits include:

• Faster response times
• Reduced damage
• Stronger protection for Texas horticulture, landscapes, and ecosystems

This system will boost industry resilience and protect the health of our green infrastructure.
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee.


TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B
On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans.
They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:

• Seasonal business needs
• Local economies
• A reliable, returning workforce

We also raised concerns about the H-2A program and broader labor challenges. These conversations highlighted the need for permanent H-2B cap relief to protect workforce stability across the green industry.


Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment
On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:

• Poor diet (especially ultra-processed foods)
• Chemical and environmental exposure
• Sedentary, screen-heavy lifestyles
• Overuse of pharmaceuticals

It calls for major reforms in food systems, public health research, and environmental regulations.

Why it matters for TNLA:
The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 
🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha

As the 2025 Texas Legislative Session enters its final stretch, several key bills are moving forward that could impact your business, your land, and your workforce. TNLA is closely monitoring these proposals and working to ensure your voice is heard in Austin. Here are the highlights:

🚨 Mandatory E-Verify for All Employers
Senate Bill 324 (by Senator Kolkhorst) has passed the Senate and is headed to the House. If it becomes law, every Texas business—public and private—would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the legal work status of all new hires.

✅ What this means for you:

• Another layer of regulation and paperwork
• Time and resources needed to train staff and update hiring procedures
• Extra burden, especially for small businesses operating on tight margins
TNLA is in active conversations with lawmakers to ensure this bill is implemented fairly and with small business concerns in mind.

🌎 Foreign Ownership of Land Restrictions
Senate Bill 17 (by Kolkhorst and Hefner) aims to ban certain foreign entities from buying land in Texas, including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential property. The goal is national security, targeting countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
⚠️ While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt, the bill has raised concerns about:

• Unintended consequences for landowners
• Potential damage to foreign investment and growth in rural Texas

TNLA is watching this bill closely and urging lawmakers to consider how it might impact agriculture and green industry sectors.

🪴 Plant Pest Alert System Moving Forward
There’s good news for growers and landscape pros: House Bill 1592 (by Rep. Plesa and supported by TNLA) has passed the Texas House!

📢 This bill creates an opt-in email alert system to notify you of pest and plant disease outbreaks across Texas—helping businesses respond quickly and protect their crops and landscapes. The system will be managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

♻️ Protecting Composting and Sustainability
TNLA is also working on several bills related to food waste composting facilities (SB 2078/HB 4086 and HB 4271/SB 2240). These efforts come in response to proposed changes in Lee County.
We’re working to make sure any new policies:

• Support the sustainability goals of our industry
• Protect composting infrastructure
• Keep the green industry growing responsibly

TNLA Is Working for You
We’re actively engaged in advocacy every step of the way—reviewing language, testifying at hearings, and keeping members informed. Your business, your land, and your workforce matter to us.

Stay tuned for more updates as the session continues—and thank you for being a part of TNLA.

In this quick video update, we share how TNLA is investing in the next generation of green industry professionals—from hands-on programs to strategic partnerships. Discover how these initiatives are helping our members recruit, retain, and inspire a skilled workforce.