It Looks Like Mold, but It’s Actually a Destructive Texas Pasture Threat

A new invasive insect is threatening pastures across Central Texas, according to KWTX. The mealybug, a small, soft-bodied insect that feeds on plant sap and is commonly found on houseplants and in gardens, is now causing potential damage to Texas pastures, according to Texas A&M AgriLife.

Get our free mobile app

Where Have the Mealybugs Been Spotted?

The pest was identified by a Texas A&M AgriLife research team. Tyler Mays of Texas A&M AgriLife said the insect is "a small piercing-sucking insect closely related to aphids" that first appeared in Texas a few years ago. We first started seeing it last year in some fields and documenting cases of it," Mays said. "It has quickly moved across Texas and has now made its way into Central Texas."The insect has been found in Bell, McLennan, Bosque, and Coryell counties.

Why Is This Insect Such A Threat?

Although mealybugs are very small, they can cause significant damage by sucking sap from plants and producing honeydew, a sticky substance that can lead to mold growth. The mold can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis, weakening or killing plants.

What Is The Early Signs Of The Mealybug Affect?

Research from Texas A&M indicates that one of the earliest signs of mealybug damage is a light yellow discoloration in affected fields. This discoloration can quickly progress to a reddish-purple color before the plant eventually dies.

If you believe you have found the insect, Texas A&M AgriLife recommends collecting a sample for verification and reporting it to researchers so they can better track its spread. For gardeners and farmers, this is a pest that should be taken seriously.