The greenhouse nursery industry plays an important role in East Texas Agriculture.
July 28, 2026 - East Texas growers and horticulture enthusiasts will have an opportunity to sharpen their pest management skills on Friday, July 31, 2026, when the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service hosts the Greenhouse and Nursery Pest Management Seminar at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton. The one‑day program begins with registration at 8 a.m. and continues through the afternoon, offering a full slate of research‑based presentations designed to help greenhouse and nursery operators protect plant health while meeting regulatory requirements.
The seminar brings together experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and industry professionals. Topics range from biopesticide integration and disease prevention to ecological pest management and horticultural practices that support integrated pest management (IPM). Attendees will earn six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, one in Laws and Regulations and five in IPM, making the event both practical and professionally valuable.
Morning sessions will open with Mark Freeman and Sam Gray of Bioworks discussing how biopesticides fit into modern IPM systems. Dr. Kevin Ong, Extension Plant Pathologist and Director of the Texas A&M Disease Diagnostic Lab in College Station, will follow with a presentation on “Starting Clean and Keeping Clean,” a systems approach to managing greenhouse plant diseases. After a short break, Dr. Rafia Khan, Extension Entomologist, will address emerging greenhouse pests of ornamental crops, focusing on monitoring and management approaches. The morning concludes with Desaray Melina Delaloza, inspector with the Texas Department of Agriculture, reviewing current laws and regulations for nurseries and greenhouses.
Lunch will be provided, giving participants time to network with colleagues and industry representatives. Afternoon sessions will highlight ecological and cultural strategies that strengthen pest management programs. Dr. Arash Kheirodin of AgriLife Research and Extension Dallas will present
“Ecologically Based Integrated Pest Management for Controlled Environment Cropping Systems,” followed by Dr. Andrew King of AgriLife Extension Overton, who will discuss horticultural practices that support IPM and promote healthy ornamental production.
Organizers emphasize that greenhouse and nursery industries face increasing challenges from insect pests, diseases, and evolving regulations. This seminar provides science‑based, practical information that growers can immediately apply to improve plant health and production efficiency. Beyond the technical content, the event fosters collaboration among professionals who share a commitment to sustainable and compliant pest management.
Registration is $50 per person and includes seminar materials and lunch. Space is limited, so advanced registration is encouraged. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center is located at 1710 FM 3053 in Overton. Participants may pre‑register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer posted on the Texas A&M AgriLife Smith County Facebook page or by contacting the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Overton at 903-834-6191.
For greenhouse operators, nursery managers, and landscape professionals across East Texas, this seminar offers a timely chance to learn from leading experts and strengthen integrated pest management programs before the busy fall production season. It is a day of education, networking, and shared commitment to growing healthy plants through sound science and stewardship.
