 Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX Spring represents a critical period for greenhouse crop production because increasing temperatures and the availability of tender plant growth create favorable conditions for the development of several insect pests. Among these, aphids are one of the most common and economically important pests encountered during this time. Aphids are small, soft-bodied, winged or wingless, phloem-feeding insects. Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking plant sap. Their feeding can cause a variety of symptoms, including curled or distorted leaves, stunted plant growth, and reduced plant vigor. In addition to direct feeding damage, aphids excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. Honeydew can accumulate on leaves and stems, leading to the growth of sooty mold fungi that reduce the aesthetic quality and market value of ornamental plants. Some aphid species can also transmit plant viruses, making early management even more important. Many aphid species reproduce through parthenogenesis and give birth to live nymphs, allowing populations to increase exponentially within a short period. As a result, even low initial infestations can quickly develop into significant pest outbreaks if not detected and managed early through regular monitoring and timely intervention. Early detection is the key to effective aphid management. Growers should inspect plants frequently, especially new growth and the undersides of leaves, where aphids often congregate. Yellow sticky cards can only help to monitor the winged aphids, but not the wingless adults. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is the most effective strategy for managing aphids. Cultural practices, such as removing heavily infested plant material and managing weeds inside and around the greenhouse, can help reduce aphid populations. Maintaining good sanitation practices and carefully inspecting incoming plant material can also prevent new infestations. Biological control can be an effective tool in greenhouse systems. Natural enemies such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can help suppress aphid populations when released at appropriate times. High pressure wash water spray can reduce the population of aphids. When aphid populations reach damaging levels, insecticides may be necessary. Growers should select products carefully and rotate insecticides with different modes of action to reduce the risk of resistance development. By combining monitoring, cultural practices, biological control, and responsible pesticide use, greenhouse growers can successfully manage aphids and protect the quality and productivity of their crops during the spring season.
Figure: Bean aphid (A), Crape myrtle aphid (B), and Green peach aphid (C). Photo courtesy: Rafia Khan
0 Comments
Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX. Spring is the most important production and sales season for Texas nurseries, and thoughtful preparation during late winter can significantly influence crop quality, pest pressure, and overall profitability. As temperatures begin to rise, the priority should be a thorough inspection of all overwintered plant material. Carefully examine plants for cold injury, root health issues, nutrient deficiencies, and early signs of insect or disease activity. Pests such as aphids, mites, whiteflies, and scale insects often establish tender new growth early in the season. Removing dead, damaged, or heavily infested plants reduces overwintering populations and minimizes the risk of rapid outbreaks once favorable conditions develop.
Equipment readiness is equally critical. Before spring applications begin, calibrate sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, and chemigation systems to ensure accurate delivery rates and uniform coverage. Check nozzles for wear, confirm pressure settings, and repair leaks. Proper calibration not only improves pest control efficacy but also prevents phytotoxicity, reduces product waste, and ensures compliance with label requirements. This is also a good time to review pesticide inventory and verify that products are properly stored and within expiration dates. Updating and reinforcing your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program should be part of spring preparation. Establish a consistent scouting schedule and designate trained personnel responsible for monitoring crops. Use tools such as sticky cards, pheromone traps, and regular plant inspections to detect pest activity early. Accurate identification and threshold-based decision-making allow for targeted treatments and help prevent unnecessary applications. Early detection remains one of the most cost-effective pest management strategies in nursery production. Inspect irrigation systems before peak demand by checking drip lines, emitters, sprinklers, and pumps for leaks or uneven distribution, as poor irrigation can stress plants and increase susceptibility to disease and pests. Test growing media for pH and soluble salts, and ensure fertilization programs, especially controlled-release fertilizers, are properly applied to support healthy growth. Implement early weed control with uniform pre-emergent applications and winter weed removal to reduce competition and pest reservoirs. Provide staff with refresher training on scouting, safety, equipment use, and recordkeeping. A well-organized spring plan strengthens plant health, reduces pest pressure, and supports a successful nursery season. Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX Winter greenhouse production in Texas may appear quiet, but insect pests often persist and slowly build inside protected structures. Mild winters and heated houses allow aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites, and scale insects to survive and threaten spring crops. Choosing between spot treatments and whole-house applications during this period can strongly influence pest pressure later in the season.
Spot or localized treatments focus on infested plants or areas such as near doors, vents, or long-term crops. In winter, pest populations are often low and confined, making spot treatments an efficient choice. This approach reduces pesticide costs, limits disruption of beneficial insects, and lowers the risk of resistance by decreasing overall product use. This approach often work efficiently especially for early aphid, whitefly, thrips, and mite infestations when detected through regular scouting. However, spot treatments depend on careful monitoring. Dense canopies, mixed ornamental crops, and hidden feeding sites can allow pests to escape treatment and spread as temperatures rise. Missed infestations in winter often become difficult and expensive to manage in spring. Whole-house applications may be necessary when pests are widespread, prevalence of multiple pests, a pest outbreak, or the presence of highly susceptible ornamental crops. During winter, slower insect development and reduced plant growth can improve residual control from insecticides. Whole-house treatments are also useful between crop cycles to reduce carryover populations before new plants are introduced. The drawbacks of this strategy include higher costs, increased exposure to non-target organisms, and greater potential for resistance if products are not rotated properly. For most Texas greenhouse and nursery operations, the best winter strategy is a combined approach. Intensive scouting should guide early spot treatments, while whole-house applications should be reserved for high-risk infestations or pest outbreaks. Winter is also the ideal time to rotate modes of action, strengthen sanitation, and prepare a strong IPM program for spring production. 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. 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.  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:
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. 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:
FREE Webinar: Stay Compliant & Avoid I-9 AuditsThursday, June 12, 2025 🕐 12:30 PM I-9 audits are increasing across the country—and for many businesses, one misstep could mean costly consequences. TNLA is teaming up with legal expert Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP to bring you a can’t-miss compliance webinar: “Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits and Stay Compliant.” 🔍 Topics include:
Horticulture Exploration Day – Texas A&MJune 2, 2025 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Location: In the Horticulture/Forest Science Building: 495 Horticulture Rd, College Station, TX 77843 Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in horticulture-related careers Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about horticulture, this event at Texas A&M offers a closer look into degree programs and careers in plant science. Attendees will explore everything from floral design and plant genetics to controlled environment horticulture—and meet with current students and faculty along the way 🪴 Pro Tip: You’re welcome to attend both! One connects you statewide, the other strengthens your local network. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.  Women in Horticulture Events – Two Unique Opportunities to ConnectWe’re excited to share not one, but two upcoming Women in Horticulture gatherings—each with its own focus and purpose. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out: 🌼 TNLA Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Hosted by TNLA (Statewide) 📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 Virtual Join women across Texas in this virtual statewide event featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hatalski, TCNP of Calloway’s Nursery. This is a great chance to gain professional insight, ask questions, and feel inspired by other women in the industry—no matter where you're located.  🌿 Region VIII – In-Person Women in Hort Gathering Hosted by TNLA Region VIII (Central Texas Only) 📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM 📍 Bear Creek Retreat, 13813 Carpenter Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652 This in-person gathering is exclusively for women in TNLA’s Region VIII, including Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It’s all about building local connections, swapping knowledge, and supporting one another in a relaxed, welcoming setting. RSVP to:[email protected]  OLE! Texas – Virtual Designer Training SeminarJuly 24–25, 2025 Hosted Online Calling all landscape architects and designers! The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas program is offering a two-day virtual seminar to train professionals on how to support nature-based outdoor spaces for early childhood education programs. 💸 Scholarships available to cover the $1,000 course fee—apply today!
 👏 What TNLA is Doing
From leading I-9 compliance efforts to promoting professional development opportunities like Women in Hort, TNLA is committed to connecting you with the resources that matter most. We advocate, we educate, and we cultivate a stronger green industry—together. Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates! Spring is in full swing, and we know it’s one of your busiest times of year. Whether you’re in the greenhouse, out on job sites, or managing a team—you’ve got a lot going on. That’s why we’ve pulled together everything TNLA has going on this month, all in one place, so you don’t miss a beat.
Regional Meetings: Connect with Your Local Green Industry Community Region I Meeting – Support the Future of Horticulture Join us for an evening at Palo Alto Community College as we spotlight the Horticulture Program and kick off the student competition season. April 8, 2025 Tour at 5:00 PM | Meeting 6:00–8:00 PM Palo Alto Community College – Art Room 101 Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided RSVP by April 7 to: [email protected] Region III Spring Meeting – Tour & Annual Business Meeting Tour the beautiful Purtis Creek Farm and enjoy great conversation and dinner with fellow members. May 15, 2025 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM Purtis Creek Farm – Eustace, TX Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided RSVP by May 9 to: [email protected] Speaker: TBD TNLA Green Report Podcast: Industry Voices You Need to Hear Just Released: Season 4, Episode 4: “Cultivating the Future” with Dr. Andrew King Go behind the scenes of the Texas Superstar® Trials and hear what makes a plant a true standout in Texas landscapes. Posted March 31 Listen now: Episode 4 on Podbean Coming April 9: Season 4, Episode 5: “Rooted in Quality” with Savanna Taylor Thornton Get an insider’s look at the 2025 season from Lone Star Trees, plus industry insights on tariffs, labor, and advocacy. Listen here: greenreport.podbean.com Free Webinar: Reaching Families & Educators Through Nature Unlocking New Customer Opportunities Through Early Childhood Connections Presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dr. Jodi Nerren and Anna Raumaker. Thursday, April 24, 2025 1:30 PM Zoom Register: Click here to register Learn how to connect with families and educators by highlighting the benefits of nature in child development—and turn them into loyal green industry customers. Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025 Registration is LIVE! Get ready for Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025, happening August 5–7. Register early and lock in discounted rates by July 18! Booths selling fast!! Mobile App launching soon, be on the look out for updates. Here's a few sneak peek session titles:
Coming end of April: Spring Issue of TNLA Working for You Magazine Our Spring 2025 issue of TNLA Working For You goes live in late April, and you won’t want to miss it! This issue celebrates our award winners honored at the Lone Star Hort Forum, digs into real-time compliance guidance on immigration, features exclusive stories from WTAMU, and offers practical insights into landscape marketing, pest management, and more. Whether you're looking to be inspired, stay compliant, or gain an edge in today’s competitive landscape, this issue has something for everyone in the green industry. Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll let you know as soon as it’s live. Coming in May: “Embrace Your Space” Campaign Launch! We’re excited to launch our "Embrace Your Space" campaign this May—a free marketing toolkit to help your business promote spring planting and boost customer engagement. Get ready for downloadable social graphics, fliers, and easy-to-use content you can put to work right away. We know this season can be intense—but we’re here to make it easier. From advocacy to events to marketing tools, TNLA has your back. Here’s to a strong spring season! Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, (Coleoptera:Buprestidae) is a serious pest of all north American ash (Fraxinus spp.) white fringe tree (Chiananthus virginicus), and European Olive (Olea europaea) of all sizes. This pest is a small beetle (0.25-0.50 inches in length, 0.06 inches wide) with a bright metallic green color and coppery-red abdominal segments under the wings. They have long, narrow bodies that are rounded on the bottom and flat on the top. The life cycle of EAB includes eggs, larvae, pupa and adult stages. The larvae are 1-1.25 inches long, flattened, translucent pale-yellow color with a wide tan head, and 10 abdominal segments that are bell-shaped creating a serrated look. There are five larval instars of EAB. Emerald ash borers are phloem and cambium-feeding insects. Minor damage is done by adult EAB which feeds on ash foliage, leaving irregularly shaped leaf margins. Larval stages cause significant damage by building galleries below bark in the phloem and cambium layers (producing new wood and conductive tissues). Larval feeding injury cause tree girdling, disrupting the transport of water and nutrients leading to the tree's death. Infested ash trees show symptoms including vertical bark splitting, serpentine (s-shaped) galleries behind outer bark, D-shaped exit holes from adult beetles (1/8 inch wide on the bark surface), canopy thinning, crown/branch dieback, epicormic shoots (suckers) from the base/lower trunk/branches and increased activity of woodpeckers. Larvae can survive in greenwood, firewood, and logs when the bark is attached, capable of spreading EAB from one place to another. The emerald ash borer (EAB), native to East Asia, was first detected in Michigan, U.S., in 2002. In Texas, EAB was identified in Harrison County in 2016 and has since spread to 27 additional counties as of July 2024, with 11 new infestations in just one year. This invasive pest threatens North America's hardwood forests and nursery stock, killing unprotected ash trees, causing substantial aesthetic, ecological, and economic damage to urban forests. Human-assisted spread of EAB in Texas has been accelerated by movement of infested nursery ash trees, logs, landscape waste, and firewood, has accelerated EAB movement in Texas. These activities have played a significant role in the rapid spread of this invasive pest across the state. According to Texas A&M Forest Service, the management of EAB (treatment, removal of dead trees, processing debris, and replacement of trees) would cost more than $29 billion over the next 20 years in Texas. Chemical treatments, such as drenching or foliar applications, are currently the only effective method to protect ash trees infested by emerald ash borer (EAB). These treatments are most effective for trees with less than 30% canopy decline and for susceptible trees within a 30-mile radius of known EAB infestations.  Figure 1. Adult Emerald ash borer (EAB). Photo courtesy, Randy King  Figure 2. Emarald ash borer-infested ash trees with more than 50% canopy loss. Photo courtesy Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org. Questions? Please contact Rafia Khan Assistant Professor Extension Entomologist
On September 24th, TNLA hosted a full-day Water Summit in Pflugerville, Texas, addressing the state's pressing water challenges. The event brought together a diverse group of TNLA members, including growers, garden centers, landscapers, irrigators, and academics, all united to tackle Texas' water crisis. The summit started with presentations from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and community garden experts. They shared insights on cutting-edge irrigation technologies, best management practices, soil health innovations, turfgrass management, and sustainable landscaping using water-efficient plants.  At lunch, Texas Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), Chair of the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee, spoke about his upcoming state water plan for the 89th Legislative Session. His proposal includes using $5 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund to develop new water sources, plus an additional $1 billion annually for future water projects. Potential solutions include brackish and ocean desalination and possibly purchasing water from other states. These measures are critical as Texas faces a projected 73% population growth by 2070, alongside an 18% decline in current water supplies.  In the afternoon, attendees broke into small groups to discuss state water restrictions and water-saving strategies. The TNLA board will review the ideas generated for future initiatives.  We sincerely thank all participants for their contributions to this vital conversation. Their engagement was crucial in shaping the summit’s discussions, and TNLA remains dedicated to finding innovative solutions to safeguard Texas' water resources.
Our friend, Paul Winski M.S., a Program Specialist - Commercial Horticulture/Green Industry at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, recently contacted us to help spread the word on a multi-year initiative to promote new Earth-Kind® Roses across the state. Here is what he had to say to the Industry:
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is excited to announce a multi-year initiative to promote new Earth-Kind® Roses across the state. These roses were rigorously tested for performance in challenging Texas conditions and require minimal care while offering stunning beauty. Key Points
The campaign will strategically feature rose varieties based on current availability:
While highly recommended for north-central and central Texas, trial plantings are suggested for other regions to ensure suitability. Rose Rosette Disease Information Available Consumers are advised to contact their County Extension Agent or a Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional to learn about rose rosette disease in their area. Collaboration with Texas Nursery & Landscape Association The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service acknowledges the valuable partnership with the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) in distributing this information. We believe this initiative will bring beautiful, low-maintenance roses to Texas landscapes and benefit both consumers and the green industry. Sincerely, Steven George, Ph.D. Professor and Extension Earth-Kind® Specialist National Coordinator of the Earth-Kind® Rose Program Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Paul Winski, M.S. Program Specialist - Commercial Horticulture/Green Industry Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Ph: 979.314.8047 Email: [email protected] For More Information
|
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
March 2026
|
|
|
Copyright Texas Nursery & Landscape Association. All Rights Reserved
|
RSS Feed