Warm and wet spring fuels pest pressures in Texas
Texas Crop and Weather Report
A warm, wet spring has created near-ideal conditions for several damaging insects across parts of Texas, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
David Kerns, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide integrated pest management coordinator, professor and associate department head for the Texas A&M Department of Entomology, said pest outbreaks were primarily impacting producers managing pastures, rice, corn and cotton.
“I’d say the biggest issue we’re facing currently is with the pasture mealybug,” Kerns said. “It’s really taken off in the last month. It has skyrocketed as an issue.”
A devastating newcomer in pastures
Unlike many pasture pests that cause temporary damage, the pasture mealybug can kill grasses outright, a serious blow for producers whose livestock depend on Bermuda hay, Bahia grass and native rangeland bluestems for forage.
The pest thrives in hot, wet weather and thus far has been detected throughout South Texas, along the Gulf Coast, Central Texas and as far west as Gillespie County. Drier conditions to the west may naturally limit further spread, Kerns said.
Treatment options remain limited. No currently labeled pasture insecticides have proven effective, though researchers are evaluating candidates, Kerns said.
Producers in affected areas should monitor closely and contact their local AgriLife Extension office if they suspect an infestation, he said.
Rice and corn crops impacted
In Southeast Texas’ rice country, Kerns expects rice delphacid populations to build and move into fields by mid-June. The sucking insect can kill plants or result in reduced grain weights. Fortunately, Texas has recently received an emergency Section 18 label for Courier SC insecticide. This insecticide is an insect growth regulator and will be active primarily on the nymphs.
“You don’t want them to get ahead of you,” he said. “It really is going to take close monitoring to make that insecticide more valuable.”
Corn producers face two concerns. The corn leafhopper, which vectors damaging plant pathogens, remains confined to South Texas for now. But North Texas and Panhandle fields could be reached as populations move northward.
“We are recommending protecting corn from corn leafhoppers through R1,” Kerns said.
Corn leaf aphid is a second worry as a recent outbreak in Central Texas often signals trouble further north, and Panhandle producers should begin scouting before their corn tassels, Kerns said. The most critical period for corn leaf aphids is from just before tassel through R1. Producers should treat during this period when 10-20% of the plants have 100 or more aphids.
Cotton producers should stay vigilant
Texas cotton producers have one positive development to report. The two-spot cotton leafhopper, or cotton jassid, which can devastate cotton by injecting toxic saliva, has been detected only in nurseries where it is infecting hibiscus and not in commercial cotton fields so far this year.
“We haven’t detected any in our cotton to date, and that’s really good news,” Kerns said.
Producers should continue scouting and report any unusual leaf yellowing or reddening to their AgriLife Extension county agent, Kerns added.
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:
Panhandle
Hot, dry conditions persisted, but favorable planting weather early in the week allowed producers to make progress on remaining corn and cotton acres. Soil moisture levels were very short to short. Anticipated late-week rainfall failed to materialize, leaving growers reliant on irrigation to replenish upper soil profile moisture needed for seed germination and seedling emergence. Dryland producers continued to wait for adequate topsoil moisture before planting. Wheat, triticale and oat crops grown for grain were maturing on schedule, while late-planted small grain acres intended for silage were harvested. Native and improved pasture conditions continued to decline. Pasture and range conditions were very poor to poor. Winter wheat conditions were very poor to poor.
South Plains
Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels remained short, and producers needed additional precipitation to support dryland production and planting. Late-week rainfall brought trace amounts of rainfall up to 1.5 inches across much of the district, accompanied by high winds and isolated hail damage. Above-normal temperatures and gusty winds continued despite those rainfall events, keeping overall moisture conditions below desired levels. Producers began planting where irrigation was available, sorghum planting continued, and cotton planting was expected to increase following recent rains. Some livestock tanks remained temporarily boggy from localized heavy rainfall, though rangelands still needed additional moisture. Livestock were in good condition, but widespread follow-up rainfall will be critical to improving soil moisture, crop establishment and water availability.
Rolling Plains
Increased rainfall brought welcome relief after a prolonged dry period, though much of the district remained extremely dry and conditions varied widely by location. In areas that received significant precipitation, pastures began greening up and hay producers started cutting and baling coastal Bermuda grass. Livestock conditions improved where range and pasture availability increased. Wheat harvest slowed slightly due to wet fields and stocker cattle were moved off wheat pastures. Cotton planting got underway. Despite the improvement, many areas still needed substantial, sustained moisture to recover from the ongoing drought. Producers remained hopeful for continued rainfall to support crops, livestock and rangeland recovery.
North
Additional rainfall moved across the district this week. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels ranged from short to adequate following recent rainfall. Wheat continued turning color, with most acres showing advanced maturity. Corn was 100% planted and emerged, with the majority of fields at or approaching tassel. Soybeans continued improving under adequate moisture conditions. Bermuda grass growth stalled temporarily due to cooler, cloudy days. Winter wheat and rice conditions were fair to good. Livestock were in good condition.
Far West
District conditions improved following multiple rounds of rainfall, with most producers receiving trace amounts up to 1 inch of precipitation. Soil conditions allowed most producers to return to fields quickly, but wetter areas slowed fieldwork. Cooler temperatures reduced stress on emerging crops and pastures but slowed melon growth in some locations. Cotton planting continued across the district as producers focused on planting and weed control, and hay grazer planting continued. Some areas may need replanting depending on stand establishment. Wheat and oat fields were largely cut and baled, while alfalfa continued performing well under irrigation despite reduced watering frequency. Both Pima and upland cotton had emerged and looked generally good, except in fields affected by limited irrigation water. Water shortages continued to challenge producers, particularly where drought and limited surface water supplies restricted seasonal irrigation allocations. Pecan orchards performed well where irrigation was available, though producers were monitoring water availability and pecan nut casebearer activity, with some orchards requiring treatment. Pasture and range conditions improved noticeably following rainfall, especially in well-managed areas, with widespread green-up across much of the district. Some pastures remained heavily compacted or overgrazed and may struggle to recover fully. Feral hog damage to hay and agricultural fields remained a concern in some locations. Livestock conditions were generally good, though supplemental feeding of livestock and wildlife continued in many operations.
West Central
Significant rainfall moved across parts of the district, with totals ranging from 0.75 of an inch to more than 4 inches. Heavy, fast-moving downpours caused localized flooding in some areas, and additional rainfall over the weekend raised flooding concerns where storms stalled or intensified. Wet conditions halted wheat harvest. Reported yields from wheat fields ranged from 10-34 bushels per acre and some fields still awaiting insurance adjusters. Hay production slowed as cool temperatures limited forage growth. Rainfall prevented timely cutting and baling, though some hay was cut and baled before conditions deteriorated. Range and pasture conditions were good to excellent, reflecting beneficial moisture received throughout the spring. Livestock were in good condition with ample grazing available, and supplemental feeding needs declined as forage conditions improved.
Central
Cloudy, cooler conditions with heavy rainfall and isolated hail moved across the district this week. Strong storms produced localized wind and hail damage. Pockets of abnormal dryness remained despite rainfall improving drought conditions. Low winds and moderate temperatures helped conserve soil moisture. Recent rainfall improved pasture green-up and accelerated warm-season forage growth, leaving pastures with heavy stands and ample grazing. Hay harvest and baling continued where field conditions allowed. Stock tanks began refilling, and some spilled over in wetter areas. Corn benefited from added soil moisture and milder temperatures, though isolated hail caused some localized crop damage. Early planted cotton began setting squares. Wheat harvest neared completion with only a few outlying fields remaining; yields in many fields averaged 30-50 bushels per acre. Pecan crop set was excellent across most varieties, with trees reported to be in the best condition in several years. Fleahopper populations were emerging as a concern for producers. Livestock remained in good overall condition, and supplemental feeding declined as forage availability improved. Cattle market conditions remained strong, though continued liquidation at high prices was making restocking difficult for many producers.
Southeast
Soil moisture levels ranged from short to surplus across both topsoil and subsoil profiles. Wet conditions continued as rainfall and saturated soils delayed field activities and contributed to muddy conditions across much of the district. Corn planting and emergence were near 100% across most reporting counties, with most fields silking and crop conditions ranging from fair to excellent. Rice was fully emerged in several counties, with good to excellent conditions. Sorghum, cotton and soybean planting continued where field conditions allowed. Wet weather slowed hay harvest operations in several counties, with concerns that insufficient curing time could negatively affect forage quality. Only limited first cuttings occurred in some areas due to persistent rainfall. Low-lying areas in portions of the district continued to hold standing water. Pasture mealybug infestations were confirmed in multiple counties, with isolated reports of significant damage to established pasture stands. Pasture and range conditions varied widely, ranging from very poor to excellent depending on location. Livestock conditions were generally stable, ranging from fair to good with some variability in wetter areas.
Southwest
Beneficial rainfall ranged from 1.5 inches to more than 5 inches across the district, accompanied by high winds and lightning. Soil moisture profiles were largely restored, and some areas saw limited aquifer recharge. Range and pasture conditions improved significantly over the past 30 days. Hay harvest was underway in some areas, though rainfall slowed progress. Oat fields approached full maturity and were largely grazed out. Fungal and bacterial disease issues on trees were reported across portions of the district. Pasture mealybug pressure was a concern in some areas. Row crops and irrigated production continued improving under more favorable moisture conditions. Deer fawn numbers appeared to be increasing. Livestock remained in good condition, with supplemental feeding continuing in many operations.
Coastal Bend
Rainfall continued across most of the district, with totals exceeding 5 inches in portions of Matagorda County,2 inches reported in Jackson County and 2.5-4 inches recorded across Wharton County. Widespread flooding in Refugio County left crops and pasture forage in standing water. Wet conditions delayed sweet corn harvest in some areas, though limited harvesting continued under difficult field conditions. Cotton advanced rapidly with continued moisture, though excessive rainfall was expected to negatively affect some late-planted cotton. Corn conditions were generally good, with pollination essentially complete across most of the district. Timely rainfall should help kernel development in corn and warm-season grass establishment, but may contribute to sprouting in sorghum. Pasture mealybug pressure escalated across the district, with some completely lost stands reported.
South
A series of storm systems brought significant rainfall to the district, delivering 1-12 inches across the area, with additional precipitation forecast through the following week. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were surplus following the heavy rainfall. Localized flooding was reported along some creeks. High winds caused minor structural damage in some areas, and hail was reported in isolated locations. Lightning was attributed to one small storage fire and cattle losses. All crops, pastures and rangelands responded rapidly to the moisture. Row crop conditions improved broadly, though variation in crop maturity persisted due to earlier drought stress. Field activity declined as producers waited for conditions suitable to resume weed and insect spraying. Strawberry harvest continued with some weather-related delays. Corn, sorghum and cotton progressed and matured. Wheat harvest was beginning in some areas. Sesame stands germinated and were in very good condition. Watermelon and vegetable harvests experienced brief delays due to wet fields. Hay grazer and coastal Bermuda grass fields were growing rapidly and expected to be ready for first cutting by late June. Range and pasture conditions continued improving, and forage availability for livestock increased measurably. Livestock were in fair condition overall, with supplemental feeding declining as grazing improved. New World screwworm monitoring continued across the district. Wildlife populations remained active, with supplemental feed and water sources maintained across the district.
