The 2026 pasture mealybug survey work plan outlines the proposed activities for the early detection of pasture mealybug, heliococcus summervillei prior to its establishment in louisiana

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry a $150,000 cooperative agreement on June 1, 2026, under the 2026 Pasture Mealybug Survey Work Plan to conduct early detection and prevention activities for pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) prior to establishment in Louisiana.

LDAF Agricultural Environmental Science inspectors will conduct visual delimiting surveys across all 64 parishes in Louisiana, inspecting pastures, sugarcane, rice, and roadsides for pasture mealybug. Inspectors will collect samples observed during these inspections and submit them to USDA APHIS PPQ for identification. LDAF will participate in virtual training hosted by USDA APHIS PPQ officials, with all 50 AES inspectors meeting at each of the state's 8 district offices to learn signs and symptoms of pasture mealybug. LDAF will create and distribute outreach material at inspections and outreach events throughout the year to communicate pest risks to land management personnel, relevant industries, and the public.

The cooperative agreement establishes a statewide network of cooperators to coordinate detection, prevention, and response efforts and to strengthen communication regarding pasture mealybug threats. Work is performed in Louisiana with intended beneficiaries including all Louisiana residents, Louisiana growers, and neighboring states.

Period of performance runs from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.

Activities

Specific goals outlined by this program include pasture mealybug detection surveys; collecting and submitting pest survey samples and data; increasing public awareness and increasing communication of the threats posed by these pests. Ldaf agricultural environmental science (AES) inspectors will conduct this visual delimiting survey in all 64 parishes in louisiana. Visual inspections will occur in the following locations: pastures, sugarcane, rice and roadsides. Deliverable and expected outcomes: ldaf AES inspectors will collect samples when they are observed during these inspections. Samples will be delivered to USDA aphis PPQ for identification. Ldaf will participate in a virtual training for all 50 AES inspectors on signs and symptoms of pasture mealybug. The training will be hosted by USDA aphis PPQ officials, and our inspectors will meet at each of our 8 district offices to attend. Ldaf will create outreach material for dispersal at every inspection and any outreach events throughout the year that we attend. Intended beneficiary(IES): all residents of louisiana, louisiana growers and neighboring states. This survey would also protect the US if a new pest were found early versus later.subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: there are no subrecipient activities identified at this time. Cost analysis: personnel-$72,586.00; fringe benefits- at 40%=$29,034.00. Travel(mileage)-$19,670.00. Supplies(safety vest, labels, vials, office supplies, etc)-$4,010.00. Other(flyers, shipping, etc)-$2,200.00. Indirect cost @15%=$22,500.00.