After the state’s historic freeze and amid new world screwworm concerns, Florida farmers and ranchers are now fighting a new, potentially devastating pest.
Pasture mealybug, Heliococcus summervillei, is a new invasive insect concern for Florida pastures, hayfields, turfgrass, and sugarcane. It was first detected in late May on limpograss in South Florida, and additional infestations have since been confirmed in more than a dozen counties.
Florida producers are paying closer attention as the situation continues to evolve. Researchers, Extension specialists, and regulators are actively working to determine where the pest is, how quickly it’s spreading and which management options will work best in Florida conditions. In the meantime, early awareness gives producers the best chance to spot problems quickly and help slow the spread.
What to Watch For
Pasture mealybugs are small, sap-feeding insects that specialize on grasses. Adult females have a white, waxy coating that gives them a fluffy appearance, while young insects are much smaller and harder to spot.
The insects can be found on the undersides of grass leaves, around plant crowns and stems, in thatch, near the soil surface, below ground, and even beneath dried cow patties.
Symptoms can look a lot like drought stress or nutrient deficiency. Producers should watch for yellowing leaves, red or purple discoloration, stunted growth, poor root development, dead patches and pasture dieback. In Florida, the most severe damage has been observed on limpograss, though infestations have also been reported in bahiagrass, bermudagrass, crabgrass and other grasses.
Prevention Comes First
Because this pest is new to Florida, prevention and early detection remain the most important tools.
Fields with dense thatch, heavy unmanaged growth or other plant stresses may be more vulnerable. Good fertility management, appropriate grazing pressure, timely hay harvests and reducing excess thatch may help maintain healthier forage stands and limit favorable habitat.
Producers also should use caution when moving between pastures. Mealybugs can spread on equipment, vehicles, clothing, footwear and possibly infested planting material. Cleaning and inspecting equipment before moving to another property is a practical step that can help slow the spread.
Know the Limits of Treatment
As of press time for this column, there are no effective insecticides that can control mealybug. According to UF/IFAS, pesticide application is not recommended because it could negatively impact beneficial insects that could help to suppress mealybug.
Producers who suspect an infestation should contact their local UF/IFAS Extension office or submit specimens to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry for confirmation. Reporting suspected cases helps officials track the pest and develop sound recommendations for Florida producers.
This article is sponsored by Labor Solutions, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of Central Florida Ag News or of its advertisers.
BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Arcadia, and Plant City. You also can visit his Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch online at www.DH-LR.com. A cattle rancher and citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.