Texas IPM 2013 Annual Report
Scientists warning growers about explosive populations of new grain sorghum pest
by Rod Santa Ana, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications WESLACO – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service scientists are warning South Texas grain sorghum producers to be on the lookout for a new insect pest that, left unchecked, could wipe out their entire crop. Dr. Raul Villanueva, an AgriLife Extension entomologist, and Danielle Sekula-Ortiz, an AgriLife Extension… Read More →
New crape myrtle pest hits Dallas area
Threat could spread, experts warn by: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, DALLAS – Crape myrtle, a much used Texas landscape plant, is under threat from a new type of scale invader, said two Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Dr. Mike Merchant, AgriLife Extension urban entomologist at Dallas, said the new scale pest turns the bark of… Read More →
Mysterious pest threatens Texas’ billion dollar grain sorghum crop
by Rod Santa Ana WESLACO – A tiny insect of unknown origin is posing a serious threat to the billion dollar Texas grain sorghum crop, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. The threat comes at a time when a lingering drought and market pressures suggest growers will plant a larger than normal crop… Read More →
Department, Extension Welcomes Brad Easterling to IPM Program
The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service welcomes Brad Easterling to the Statewide Integrated Pest Management program. Easterling joined the Garden City Extension Agent-IPM position on January 2, replacing the vacant position that was previously held by Warren Multer, who retired on March 31, 2013. He will be… Read More →
Extension Entomologists Launch Website for West Nile Information
STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The summer months usually bring barbecues and swimming pools, and the start of mosquito season. To help keep residents safe and informed, entomologists at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recently launched a special website portal called texaswestnile.tamu.edu for information on West Nile Virus, mosquitoes and mosquito prevention. The idea to start… Read More →
South Texas rains incite insects, delay summer harvest
Residents warned to be on the lookout for mosquitoes and flying ants, termites Writer: Rod Santa Ana, 956-878-8317, r-santaana@tamu.edu Contacts: Dr. Raul Villanueva, 956-968-5581, rtvillanueva@ag.tamu.edu Dr. Juan Anciso, 956-968-5581, janciso@tamu.edu WESLACO – Rains that fell April 28 have temporarily slowed the harvest of citrus and vegetable crops in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and will… Read More →
Sekula hired as South Texas row crops entomologist
Writer: Rod Santa Ana, 956-878-8317, r-santaana@tamu.edu Contact: Danielle Sekula, 956-968-5581, danielle.sekula@ag.tamu.edu WESLACO – Danielle Sekula has been named integrated pest management entomologist for cotton, grain sorghum and corn at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco, according to an official there. Sekula replaces several well-known entomologists who have filled the position in… Read More →
Texans being urged to be on the lookout for a new bug in town
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu Contacts: Bill Ree, 979-845-6479, w-ree@tamu.edu Wizzie Brown, 512-854-9600, ebrown@ag.tamu.edu Dr. Charles Allen, 325-653-4576, ctallen@ag.tamu.edu COLLEGE STATION – With the holiday season gearing up, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists are urging travelers to be wary of a new species of unwelcome six-legged hitchhikers itching to become full-time Texans. Brown marmorated… Read More →
Cooler temperatures often move critters inside
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu Elizabeth “Wizzie” Brown, 512-854-9600, ebrown@ag.tamu.edu AUSTIN – Hungry hoards of mosquitoes, katydids, crickets, grasshoppers and other assorted pests-Texans have pretty much seen them all this summer, but will the onslaught stop once cooler weather hits? “The bugs of summer will subside, but a new slate is ready and willing to… Read More →