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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
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Healthy plants are the foundation of a successful greenhouse and nursery operation. As growers continue to face new pest challenges, emerging diseases, and changing regulatory requirements, staying informed about effective pest management strategies is essential. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service invites greenhouse growers, nursery professionals, landscape professionals, and horticulture enthusiasts to attend the Greenhouse and Nursery Pest Management Seminar on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton, Texas. This one-day educational program will provide practical, research-based information to help participants improve integrated pest management (IPM) programs, protect plant health, and enhance production efficiency. The seminar will feature specialists from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and industry partners. The program will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and will include presentations covering a wide range of topics important to greenhouse and nursery production. Attendees will earn six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units (CEUs), including one hour in Laws and Regulations and five hours in Integrated Pest Management. Morning sessions will focus on building strong pest and disease management programs. Mark Freeman and Sam Gray with Bioworks will discuss the use of biopesticides as part of modern IPM strategies. Dr. Kevin Ong, professor and associate department head with AgriLife Extension, will share approaches for preventing greenhouse plant diseases through proper sanitation and production practices. Dr. Rafia Khan, Extension Entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife, will discuss emerging and established insect pests affecting ornamental crops, including monitoring and management strategies. The morning will conclude with Desaray Melina Delaloza from the Texas Department of Agriculture, who will provide updates on laws and regulations impacting greenhouse and nursery operations. After lunch and networking, afternoon sessions will highlight sustainable approaches to pest management. Dr. Arash Kheirodin with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension in Dallas will discuss ecologically based IPM strategies for controlled environment cropping systems. Dr. Andrew King with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Overton will present horticultural practices that support IPM and promote healthy ornamental production. The seminar provides a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to learn from experts, connect with peers, and gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately. With increasing pest pressures and evolving production challenges, proactive management and continued education are key to maintaining healthy plants and successful businesses. Registration is $50 per person and includes seminar materials and lunch. The event will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, located at 1710 FM 3053, Overton, Texas. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Join Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for a day of learning, collaboration, and networking as we work together to strengthen greenhouse and nursery pest management programs across Texas. Whether you are a seasoned professional or looking to expand your IPM knowledge, this seminar offers valuable information and resources to support healthier plants and more successful production systems.  Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
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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. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has expanded its Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine in 2026, adding five new counties: Clay, Montague, Young, Hardin, and Erath. The latest additions bring the total number of quarantined counties to 38 as officials continue efforts to slow the spread of this invasive pest, which attacks and kills all ash tree species. What TNLA Members Should Know:
Looking AheadThe addition of five counties in less than a month highlights the continued spread of Emerald Ash Borer across Texas. TNLA will continue monitoring new detections and regulatory developments affecting the green industry.
For any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Curtis Smith Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, TNLA (512) 579-3851 LETHAL BRONZING UPDATE: BEXAR COUNTY ADDED TO TEXAS QUARANTINE LIST The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has expanded its lethal bronzing quarantine areas, adding new regulated zones in Bexar County. Why it matters:The most notable development is the establishment of a new quarantine area in Bexar County, marking a significant expansion of lethal bronzing beyond the Gulf Coast's previously concentrated outbreak areas. TDA also added new quarantine zones in Kemah and Jamaica Beach in Galveston County. Lethal bronzing is a fatal palm disease spread by insect vectors and the movement of infected plant material. There is currently no cure once a palm becomes infected. Susceptible species include Canary Island date palms, Sabal palms, Queen palms, Mexican fan palms, and several other commonly planted landscape palms. What TNLA Members Should Know:
Looking Ahead TNLA will continue monitoring additional detections and quarantine expansions. The addition of Bexar County demonstrates that lethal bronzing is no longer solely a coastal concern and reinforces the importance of early detection and movement compliance across Texas.
Texas producers and green industry businesses have access to new funding and financing opportunities that may help support growth, equipment upgrades, and long-term investment. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA), is currently offering two programs designed to strengthen agricultural operations and improve access to capital. 1. AgPro Grant Program The Agricultural Production Resource Opportunity (AgPro) Grant Program provides funding to help producers improve, expand, and strengthen their operations. What this can support:
This program is designed for businesses looking to invest in efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth. 2. Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program The Texas Agricultural Loan Guarantee (ALG) Program helps increase access to financing by reducing risk for lenders through a state-backed guarantee. What this means for businesses:
Loan guarantees can cover up to 90% of the loan amount, depending on size, helping lenders feel more confident in approving financing. Why This Matters Access to capital continues to be a key challenge for many businesses across the green industry. Programs like these can help:
Strengthen long-term stability Learn More: For full program details and application information: Questions?Casey Corley Practical GuideThe 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. 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 Current Quarantined Texas Counties
Conditions for MovementNo regulated articles may move from or within quarantined areas except under the following conditions:
➡️ 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. Management Recommendations (Non-Regulatory) While the quarantine focuses on movement control, TDA and Texas A&M AgriLife recommend the following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in infested areas:
TNLA Member Update 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:
👉 Learn more and view TDA’s current quarantine notice. 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.
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AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
September 2026
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