Black cutworm infestations can be very damaging in tobacco fields. If they are present, injury usually appears during the 10 to 14 days after tobacco is set. Often, it is limited to or worse in low-lying areas with heavier soils.…
Monthly Archives: May 2014
13-Year Periodical Cicada Brood May Be Seen in Northern Kentucky
Emergence of a small brood of 13-year cicadas is anticipated along the Ohio River in areas of southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky this spring. Cicada activity is expected to be very localized with minimal damage potential. Sightings can be reported…
Red Sidewalk/Brick Mites
These running red mites are everywhere, including soil litter, tree trunks, brick or stone walls, and flowers. Little is known about their biology and habits, but they have been seen feeding on small arthropods and pollen. These Balaustium mites also…
Posted in General Pests
Northern Fowl Mites as Invaders
The northern fowl mite is a relatively common blood-feeding parasite of birds that nest on ledges or in cavities of homes or buildings. When birds leave the nest, mites left behind will disperse in search of another host. They can…
Posted in Human Pests
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
The following plant disease highlights from the UK Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories represent recent sample submissions from field crops, fruit and vegetables, and ornamentals. During the past week, field crop diagnoses included cold injury on barley; stress from compaction and…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2014 Insect Trap Counts
Weekly trap counts for major insect pests are provided by the Kentucky IPM Program. Traps are located at the UK Research Center in western Kentucky and the UK Spindletop Farm in Lexington. Below are trap counts for the current period.…
Posted in Insect Trap Counts
Cool and Wet Can Only Help Cutworms
Capture of black cutworm moths in the IPM traps has been above the rolling 5-year average for the last several weeks. The activity of this insect has been notoriously difficult to predict over the years, even with years of data…
Posted in Grains
Bagworm Appearance Due – Winter May Have Reduced Numbers
Bagworm egg hatch should be underway in Central Kentucky. This normally occurs following the accumulation of 650 to 750 degree-days (base 50F). Eggs survive the winter in the bags that contained last year’s females. While the bags protect eggs from…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Time for Emerald Ash Borer Emergence
Emerald ash borer adults will be emerging from infested trees over the next 2 to 3 weeks. These ½-inch long metallic green insects will chew irregular notches into the edges of ash leaves (Figure 1). The feeding will not harm…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Woolly Aphids Present Sticky Situation
Woolly aphids are soft-bodied, sap-feeding insects that produce fine, waxy strands and lots of sticky honeydew. Life cycles can be complex. Depending on the species, winged aphids may move to a secondary host or to another site on the same…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Four-Lined Plant Bugs Cause Extensive Leaf-Spotting
Four-lined plant bugs are sap-feeding insects that can severely damage over 200 species of perennial plants, especially herbs. A dark brown to black, 1/16- inch diameter spot appears at each feeding site. Saliva injected as the insects feed kill surrounding…
Posted in Herbs, Ornamentals
Common Ticks in Kentucky
Lone star ticks are very active this spring. All stages of this species feed on humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Adults and nymphs are active now. Differences in size and appearance can be confusing, but the irritation and itching from…
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
The following plant disease highlights from the UK Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories represent recent sample submissions from field crops, fruit and vegetables, and ornamentals. During the past week, diagnoses included Pythium root rot on tobacco transplants; anthracnose and iron deficiency…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2014 Insect Trap Counts
Weekly trap counts for major insect pests are provided by the Kentucky IPM Program. Traps are located at the UK Research Center in western Kentucky and the UK Spindletop Farm in Lexington. Below are trap counts for the current period.…
Posted in Insect Trap Counts
Armyworm Moth Flight Takes a Downturn!
The most recent capture number for armyworm moths in the UK Research and Education Center trap shows a decided decrease, down to 87 moths pertrap-week. This is an overall good sign that no large population is in the offing. This…
Posted in Grains
Kentucky Pest News 