Pasture
Forages are one of the main vegetation covers in Florida. Native rangelands and improved pastures cover more than 7 million acres across the state, from the native ranges of South Florida to the highly productive hayfields of the Panhandle. These forage systems support Florida's beef cattle, dairy, and small ruminant sectors, which collectively contribute more than $15 billion annually to the state's economy.
Although most forage-based systems are traditionally low-input and extensive, the emergence of the pasture mealybug (PMB) is threatening how we manage our pastures and forage resources. We have identified PMB in many of the forage grasses commonly used throughout Florida. Furthermore, the insect thrives in dense, tall canopies, which are commonly found in hay production fields, stockpiled pastures, and stands reserved for vegetative planting material such as bermudagrass and limpograss.
The presence of PMB may require producers to adopt new management strategies that increase production costs and labor requirements. Practices such as more frequent scouting, insecticide applications, changes in harvest timing, shorter intervals between grazing or hay cutting, and the potential need for alternative forage resources can all increase operational expenses. In severe infestations, reductions in forage yield or quality can result in short and long term impacts, from reduction in stocking rate and increased feeding costs to complete pasture renovation.
University of Florida Forage Team and collaborating partners are actively addressing this challenge on multiple fronts. Ongoing efforts include evaluating host plant susceptibility, identifying resistant forage species and cultivars, studying the biology and seasonal dynamics of PMB populations, investigating cultural and grazing management practices that may suppress infestations, and exploring biological control options. Our goal is to develop practical management strategies that help producers maintain productive and profitable forage systems while minimizing the impact of this new pest.