Institutional development · Research, innovation and assessment · United States
Texas A&M reports early findings that heat may worsen pasture mealybug damage
Texas A&M University says early research indicates higher temperatures may intensify damage from the invasive pasture mealybug, with the work aimed at helping ranchers anticipate and control infestations.
Why it matters: Ranchers dealing with pasture mealybug infestations are the intended users of the study's findings on how temperature shapes the pest's feeding.
Texas A&M University reported that early research shows heat may intensify the damage caused by the pasture mealybug, an invasive pest.
According to the university, scientists are examining how temperature alters the pest's feeding behaviour.
The university said the aim of the work is to help ranchers better predict and manage damaging infestations.
Editor’s view
Scott James, Research and Innovation Editor
Ranchers facing pasture mealybug infestations are the group the research is meant to serve; if the early indication that heat worsens damage holds, the findings are intended to help them predict and manage outbreaks.
