I have received reports that appear to indicate an increase in brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) activity in central Kentucky. This invasive bug, which has a wide host range, has been in Kentucky for about 5 years, but as yet…
Monthly Archives: July 2014
Big Jump in Fall Armyworm Moth Numbers
The trap counts for the week of July 17 to July 24 showed a large increase in fall armyworm (FAW) moths captured in the western Kentucky UK IPM traps. The capture increased from virtually none to 155 per trap-week, which…
Posted in Grains
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Arrives Early Again
Downy mildew was reported on a commercial cucumber crop in Allen County, Kentucky on July 23 and verified at the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab in Princeton. Cucurbit downy mildew more often develops as a late season disease, but it has…
Posted in Vegetables
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Sighted on Vegetable Crops
With the recent cool weather, I need to remind myself that we are in midsummer now. But brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) does not need the reminder. In the Lexington area, where BMSB has been established for 4 years, we…
Posted in Vegetables
Think Long-term with Spotted Wing Drosophila: Resistance
Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is active across the Commonwealth. Many producers have identified SDW on their farms and are applying weekly sprays during the harvest period to manage this insect. These repeated sprays raise concern over the development of insecticide…
Posted in Fruit
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 summer black stem on alfalfa; brown stripe on…
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
Know You Pests and Recognize Their Enemies: Ladybugs
If I were to ask a group of producers if they know what a ladybug looks like, without hesitation they would respond ‘of course!’ But I also have had producers ask me to identify ladybugs as there are many different…
Posted in Vegetables
Green June Beetle at Harvest
Green June beetle (GJB) is attracted to ripening fruit as it softens and the sugar content increases; it is a serious pest of fruit crops at harvest. This can create a serious problem for growers, as they often don’t realize…
Posted in Fruit
Masked Chafer and Green June Beetle Flight
Masked chafer and green June beetle flights have been up in central Kentucky this summer, according to Dr. Dan Potter, UK Landscape Entomology Researcher. Masked chafers and green June beetles have been very active. Their larvae are responsible for the damage…
Posted in Lawn & Turf
Keep Up With Tick Protection
Tiny lone star tick larvae (also called seed ticks and turkey mites; Figure 1) will be very active over the next few weeks. Also, adult American dog ticks will seek hosts through early August. Dressing appropriately, using repellents, and checking…
Posted in Human Pests
Stable Flies
The stable fly is a blood sucker that looks like a house fly but has a piercing-type mouthpart that projects forward from the front of its head. Males and females feed on warm-blooded animals and humans, usually around the lower…
Posted in Livestock Pests
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
Protect Pollinators from Pesticides
Pollinators, such as bees, wasps, butterflies, and flies, can be exposed to pesticides by being hit by spray droplets during an application, contacting spray residues on treated plants, and/or, consuming a pesticide as nectar and pollen are collected. Here are…
Posted in Fruit, Vegetables
Two-Spotted Spider Mites Can Be Formidable Pests
The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) is a common and destructive pest with an extremely wide host range that includes many trees, shrubs, flowers, weeds, fruits, and vegetable crops. Problems increase during hot, dry weather but early signs and symptoms are…
Posted in General Pests, Vegetables
Kentucky Pest News 