Boxwood blight (caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola) was confirmed in October 2014. Plants submitted to the UK Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory were collected from a residential landscape in Fayette County. Homeowners suspect that infected plants were transported from a…
Monthly Archives: October 2014
Potential New Host for Emerald Ash Borer Studied and Confirmed
On October 14, 2014, the USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL) at the Smithsonian confirmed the partial adult and larval specimens recovered from a white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) as emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire). EAB larvae and a partial…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Lady Beetles Making House Calls
Lady beetles are widely recognized as beneficial insects. In the fall, they congregate to spend the cold winter months in sheltered sites: rock piles, tree holes, etc. However, the multicolored Asian lady beetle has a nuisance side. It is attracted…
Posted in Household 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, vegetables, and ornamentals during October. Diagnostic samples of agronomic crops included summer black stem and anthracnose on alfalfa; gray leaf…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
Fall Armyworm Moth Captures Are Rebounding
Capture of fall armyworm moths (FAW) in the UK IPM traps at the UK Research and Education Center (UKREC) in Princeton, KY have increased for the last 2 weeks. These captures are not as great as those from the known…
Posted in Grains
Twig Girdlers
Twig girdlers are species of longhorned beetles that have a very distinctive approach to laying their eggs. The female selects a twig that is about the diameter of a fat pencil, and then chews a deep, narrow groove around it.…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Sanitation Is a Key to Dealing with the Iris Borer
Iris borers spend the winter as eggs deposited on plant debris near or around the base of infested plants. Remove and destroy old foliage and plant residue now to eliminate an important source of problems with this destructive insect next…
Posted in Ornamentals
Horse Bot Activity Nearing an End
The first hard frost marks the end of horse bot activity for the year and signals the time for treatment. Horse bot flies look and act like bees, buzzing and droning as they hover around waiting for a chance to…
Posted in Livestock Pests
Safe Pesticide Storage
Generally, manufacturers recommend a 2-year storage period for pesticides. However, storage times vary with active ingredient, formulation, type of container, and storage conditions. Get the most out of carry-over products by carefully reading the Storage and Disposal section of each…
Posted in Pesticide Topics
Fall Invaders
Lady beetles, stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and flies are some of the creatures actively seeking protected overwintering sites as days get shorter and cooler. Many produce stains or unpleasant odors if crushed. Scavengers, such as carpet beetles, can be attracted…
Posted in Household Pests
Kentucky Pest News 