This week, Senator Charles Perry and Representative Dustin Burrows introduced SB731 and HB2089 respectively in the Texas Legislature relating to the detection and mitigation of plant pests and diseases.
The legislation if enacted would establish an early plant detection and mitigation system through cooperative agreements with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and institutions of higher education. This bill provides a full range of activities, including field inspection for early detection before the invasive species becomes established or becomes too large and costly to eradicate or control.
Early detection of plant pests and disease will allow for better containment or slowing the spread of the invasive organism or species, which will allow for timely biological application methods, research and development of resistant seed varieties, and the ability to identify better management practices in order to reduce the issue before it becomes more widespread in the state. One example this legislation would help with is combating fusarium wilt race 4 (FOV4) in cotton.
Plains Cotton Growers is very appreciative of Senator Perry and Representative Burrows for introducing and carrying out this important legislation during session and we look forward to continuing to work with them and others on this issue.