|
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 |
|
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
0 Comments
MEMBER ALERT Today, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) published a new emergency quarantine order replacing the emergency quarantine that was issued last fall regarding the two-spotted cotton leafhopper (also known as the cotton jassid). The newly published quarantine is substantially similar to the prior emergency order.
Current Quarantined Texas Counties (per TDA website as of 2-20-26)
Reminder for Members
Resources TNLA will continue monitoring enforcement trends and regulatory updates and will notify members of any changes impacting nursery operations or plant movement. If you have questions about compliance or shipment requirements, please contact TNLA Legislative & Regulatory Affairs: Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected] 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. 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. |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
|
RSS Feed
