By Anton Riecher
A new grass pest known as pasture mealybug that affects Tifton, sudan and other forage grasses has been identified in Medina County, Medina County extension agent Taryn Titsworth told county commissioners Monday.
“The problem with it is we have nothing that we can spray to control it legally,” Titsworth said. “You can spray several different things right now that we’re researching but they’re off-label.”
He offered brief comments on the situation during the citizens’ comments portion of the commissioners court meeting. A more extensive presentation on the outbreak is planned within the next few weeks, Titsworth said.
Originating in Australia, pasture mealybug is responsible for nearly $2 billion in damage there, Titsworth said. The pest causes pasture dieback, which can kill hay fields and damage both native and improved pastures.
Titsworth emphasized that this is not a minor issue because healthy grass is necessary to feed cattle and other livestock. Although much concern has been focused on the screwworm outbreak affecting cattle, pasture grass is equally essential to livestock production, he said.
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