June 13, 2008

Writer(s):
Rod Santa Ana, 956-968-5585,r-santaana@tamu.edu

Contact(s):LeeRoy Rock, 956-968-5581, LRRock@ag.tamu.edu

Rock Named Cotton IPM Agent in Rio Grande Valley

Lee Roy Rock (Photo by Ag Communications)

WESLACO -- Texas AgriLife Extension Service officials recently announced that LeeRoy Rock has been named integrated pest management entomologist for Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties.

A native of Brownsville, Rock will be working closely with cotton and grain producers of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, said Ruben Saldaña, Extension district administrator. Rock assumed his duties June 1.

“We are fortunate to have a person of LeeRoy’s expertise fill this position,” Saldaña said. “I have every confidence he will carry on the tradition of excellent service Valley growers got from integrated pest management entomologists Manda Cattaneo and John Norman”

Rock replaces Cattaneo, who relocated to a similar position in West Texas earlier this year. She had served Valley growers since 2005, having replaced Norman when he retired from that position after almost 30 years of service.

“I hit the ground running,” Rock said. “I’ve been reviewing the science of cotton and grain cropping systems. I’ve also been meeting growers, thanks to introductions made by (private consultants) John Norman and Web Wallace, who have graciously taken me under their wings.”

After graduating from James Pace High School in Brownsville, Rock attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 2005. He recently earned his master’s in plant and soil sciences.

Integrated pest management monitors insect populations to determine the need for treatments to minimize crop damage.

“Given my background in agriculture-related science, I think this position offers me a great opportunity to help my community, something I’ve always wanted to do,” Rock said.