Register now for a five-part webinar series focusing on agronomic crops and Integrated Pest Management. The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Grains Crop Pest Management Group will present the 2026 Fall Crop Protection…
High Stink Bug Pressure in Kentucky Soybeans: Late-Planted Fields Need Attention
Current Status Stink bug populations have increased rapidly in soybean fields across Kentucky over the past several weeks. Recent field observations from north-central and south-central Kentucky to western Kentucky indicate that treatment thresholds have been reached in many fields, with…
Posted in General Pests, Grains
Fusarium Head Blight of Hemp
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a common disease of hemp that poses a significant threat both to cannabinoid/flower and grain producers. The disease causes severe blighting of floral tissues that can result in direct yield losses and rejection by processors.…
Posted in Hemp
Corn Leafhopper Update: Increased Activity in Late-Planted Sweet Corn
Background The corn leafhopper is an insect native to Central and South America, which has recently been found moving further north into the United States. It was first reported in Kentucky in 2024 in Caldwell County and in 2025 in…
Posted in General Pests
Corn Earworm Trap Catches Still High: Late-Planted Corn and Tomatoes at Risk
Current Corn Earworm Trapping Numbers Pheromone trap catches for corn earworm (CEW) moths have risen again in central Kentucky and are well above the 5-year average (Figure 1, Lexington location on the right). In western Kentucky, trap numbers have declined…
Posted in General Pests
EPA Seeks Public Comments on Timeline for Neonicotinoid Insecticide Tolerances Decision
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that they are currently accepting public comments on a proposed settlement agreement related to a 2020 petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The proposed settlement would require the EPA to make…
Posted in General Pests, Pesticide Topics
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
The following plant disease/disorder highlights have been compiled from samples diagnosed in the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory from September 8 to 14, 2026. Agronomic crops Sorghum – Rough leaf spot, potyvirusTobacco – Frogeye leaf spot, target spot,…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2026 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 September 11.…
Posted in Insect Trap Counts
Preventing Postharvest Disease Losses in Vegetable Crops
Vegetable produce is often soft, perishable, and particularly susceptible to a range of damage during harvest and storage. Growers can experience postharvest crop losses between 25% and 50%. A significant percentage of postharvest losses are caused by plant diseases. Infection…
Posted in Vegetables
Sooty Blotch & Flyspeck of Apple
Sooty blotch and flyspeck, caused by a fungal complex, is a common cause for blemished, ugly apples. Sanitation, cultural practices, and fungicides all play roles in disease management. Sooty Blotch & Flyspeck Facts Management Options Additional Information By Kimberly Leonberger, Plant…
Posted in Fruit
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
The following plant disease/disorder highlights have been compiled from samples diagnosed in the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory from August 25 to September 7, 2026. Agronomic crops Corn – Tar spotSoybean – Anthracnose, pod & stem blight, charcoal…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2026 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
Plectosporium Blight of Pumpkins
Wet summer conditions have resulted in a rise in cases of Plectosporium blight in Kentucky pumpkin plantings. Plectosporium blight, formerly Microdochium blight, can be a major concern for pumpkin growers across the eastern U.S. While the disease primarily affects pumpkins,…
Posted in Vegetables
University of Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Publications for Organic Vegetable Producers
The University of Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Team for Specialty Crops has put together numerous resources for commercial organic producers. The following details resources available for plant disease management in organic vegetable production. Cultural Calendars for Commercial Vegetable Production Organic…
Posted in Vegetables
Kentucky Strawberry Growers at Risk for Neopestalotiopsis Disease
Neopestalotiopsis disease (also referred to as Neopest or Neo-P) is caused by a fungus that can infect both cuttings and mature plants. Symptoms can range from leaf spots (Figure 1) to crown and root rots to fruit infections (Figure 2).…
Posted in Fruit
Kentucky Pest News 