Empowering growers through science: Integrated pest management for Texas nursery and greenhouse systems

Greenhouse, nursery, and landscape industries in Texas face increasing challenges from invasive and established insect pests that threaten plant health and marketability. This program integrates applied entomological research with extension outreach to deliver timely, science-based pest management solutions for stakeholders. Key pests addressed include the invasive European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) and crape myrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), affecting ornamental plants. Research activities involve pest monitoring, within-plant distribution studies, host susceptibility evaluations, and trials on the efficacy of cultural and chemical controls under varying environmental conditions. Extension efforts focus on stakeholder education through field days, seminars, newsletters, and one-on-one consultations with growers and county agents. Feedback from these partnerships helps refine research priorities and enhances early detection and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Recent trials have also explored the impact of irrigation and soil moisture on pest development, aiming to improve precision in pest control. This presentation highlights the collaborative framework used to link research with extension, improve decision-making for pest management, and provide practical, adaptable solutions to real-world challenges. The program is a replicable model for horticultural pest management in other regions.