Mesquite is one of the most invasive species in South Texas. Managing mesquite with herbicides is a challenge and a major expense for many ranchers and landowners.

As the tail end of the foliar broadcast application season for controlling mesquite approaches, ranchers and land managers are cautioned to observe the condition of the mesquite foliage. Mature healthy foliage is critical to move herbicides from the leaves to the root bud zone in order to achieve control.

Within the last two weeks, mesquite foliage has been severely damaged by insect damage in some parts of McMullen County and surrounding counties. In the south eastern part of the McMullen County, thousands of acres of mesquite have been stripped of all its foliage and appear yellow in color from a distance. Other areas are showing sings of leaf rust.

The main point to stress is that, “Mesquite foliage conditions have become quite variable and monitoring the health of the foliage is needed in order to have success with any foliar chemical treatment.