Osama El-Lissy, program director for the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, will take on a national role in the effort to eradicate cotton’s No. 1 pest.

Already sought out by programs throughout the United States for his expertise, El-Lissy will become the national boll weevil eradication coordinator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the USDA agency charged with supporting the nation’s eradication programs.

He will assume his new duties Jan. 1. but will remain in Texas for several weeks to help prepare for the first full-season phase in the state’s five newest zones, the Western High Plains, the Northwest Plains, the Permian Basin, the Northern Rolling Plains and the El Paso/Trans Pecos, all of which completed a fall diapause program this year.

El-Lissy stressed that his new role should not be a cause of concern for Texas cotton producers.

"Nothing will change," he said. "The program will continue just as it has."

He said zone personnel are well versed in program protocols, and the foundation’s regularly scheduled training before programs resume activity in the spring will help ensure the program’s success.

El-Lissy will continue to be available to consult with the Texas program whenever he is needed, said Lindy Patton, executive director of the foundation.

"We will be forever grateful for the hard work and dedication Osama has provided this state’s eradication program," Patton said. "He continues to be committed to the program and fortunately will still be in a position to do whatever is necessary to help the program succeed."

Woody Anderson, chairman of the foundation board, also reassured growers the change would not be a major concern for the continuation of the state’s eradication efforts.

"The board is working to develop a plan to make sure we have the proper structure and staff to provide a smooth transition as we begin year 2000 program operations," Anderson said.

El-Lissy joined the TBWEF in 1994 as program director after helping lead the successful eradication program in Arizona from 1986-1991 and served as interim director of the foundation in 1997. He was instrumental in developing and organizing the Texas program, the largest and most diverse eradication program in U.S. history.

"We are sorry to see Osama leave but understand his decision," Anderson said. "He will have a greater role in eradication efforts nationwide but will still be available to our program, so the overall effort will benefit."