Corn is moving through growth stages quickly, and April planted corn is at or approaching tasseling in many fields across the state. Pre-tassel and tasseling fungicide applications are common, although fungicide use in corn is not always an automatic decision.…
Orchard Math 101: An Explanation of Proper Spray Calculations
Calculations for the application of fungicides and insecticides to commercial orchards are often complicated and can be downright confusing. While these mathematical exercises may leave many scratching their heads, they are critical to the success of a spray program. Over-application…
Posted in Fruit
Dogwood Powdery Mildew
Dogwood is a popular landscape tree throughout Kentucky. However, once infected with powdery mildew, trees can develop an unattractive appearance. The disease is most prevalent during periods of high humidity and in landscapes with reduced air circulation. Some cultivars are…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Soggy Weather means Lots of Millipedes and Fungus Gnats
Recently, we have been seeing a lot of inquiries on two denizens of dampness; fungus gnats and millipedes. While neither of these arthropods are huge problems, they can become curiosities and annoyances when the weather is as wet as it…
Posted in Household Pests, Lawn & Turf
Sivanto Approved for Sweet Sorghum
Last month, I received notice that our 2021 Emergency Exemption request for Sivanto Prime for sugarcane aphid on sweet sorghum was denied. The reason is that sweet sorghum, including sorghum grown for syrup, has been added to the list of…
Posted in Grains, Pesticide Topics
Diagnosis of “No Disease”
Extension agents and growers may occasionally receive diagnostic reports from the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory that indicate, “no disease was found.” This may result from an insufficient sample and/or that the plant problem does not result from…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
Flowering Dogwood Diseases (PPFS-OR-W-06)
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is one of the most popular ornamental trees in Kentucky landscapes. Unfortunately, some common diseases can threaten the health of these beautiful trees in both residential and commercial settings. This publication covers the most common…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
2021 Insect Trap Counts
Trap counts for major insect pests are provided by the Kentucky IPM Program. Traps are located at the UK Research and Education Center in western Kentucky and the UK Spindletop Farm in Lexington. Below are trap counts for the current…
Posted in Insect Trap Counts
Phomopsis Twig Blight & Stem Canker of Blueberry
Phomopsis twig blight and stem canker is becoming more common in Kentucky blueberry. Stressed plants are more susceptible to this disease, and reports are often associated with fields that have a history of Phytophthora root rot or severe abiotic disorder…
Posted in Fruit
Assessing and Utilizing UK Extension Resources for Commercial Fruit Production
The University of Kentucky Extension team has put together numerous resources for commercial fruit growers regarding production and pest management. However, many growers are not aware of the wide range of publications, newsletters, websites, and other resources that are available…
Posted in Fruit
Spruce Dieback – Needle Cast Diseases May Be To Blame
Blue spruce and Norway spruce are popular landscape plants in Kentucky. However, many factors can cause spruce trees to cast (shed) needles. Casting may be the result of environmental stresses (heavy soil, poor drainage) or fungal diseases. In Kentucky, Rhizosphaera…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Fall Webworms Getting Started Already
While the calendar says we haven’t even left spring yet (summer starts on June 20), we have already received our first fall webworm inquiry of the year. Even though their name implies that they would most enjoy the months of…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Cane Diseases of Brambles (PPFS-FR-S-17)
Several cane diseases commonly lead to the formation of cankers in Kentucky bramble plantings. If left unchecked, these fungal diseases significantly reduce overall yields and limit the longevity of bramble plantings. This publication discusses the three most commonly observed cane…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
2021 Insect Trap Counts
Trap counts for major insect pests are provided by the Kentucky IPM Program. Traps are located at the UK Research and Education Center in western Kentucky and the UK Spindletop Farm in Lexington. Below are trap counts for the current…
Posted in Insect Trap Counts
Septoria Leaf Spot of Hemp
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is grown both outdoors and in greenhouses. Outdoor-grown hemp is susceptible to infection by leaf spot fungi that affect other crops and nearby plants, especially during periods of extensive rain or high humidity. There are three primary…
Posted in Hemp
