A saltcedar leaf beetle, Diorhabda elongata, originally from Greece, was released in the field at several sites in Texas. Beetles overwintered in field cages and in the field during 2003-2004 and field populations established in 2004. Survival and overwintering success of D. elongata collected from Uzbekistan, Tunisia and China were evaluated in field cages. Results from these studies and host range testing were used to select sources of beetle for release at various locations in Texas differing in climate and range of Tamarix aphylla, a non-target species in southern Texas and Mexico. The impact of defoliation by D. elongata larvae on saltcedar growth and survival were measured in caged plants in the field.