Alfalfa weevils (AW) are the key pest of the first alfalfa cutting in Kentucky. These green, legless larvae (Figure 1) initially chew small “pin holes” in developing tip foliage (Figure 2). The clover leaf weevil (CLW) is a second species…
Monthly Archives: February 2017
Earlier Aphid Occurrences on Wheat May Be a Consequence of the 2017’s Warm Winter
In Kentucky, there is a complex of aphid species that feeds on wheat. Bird cherry oat (Figure1a), English grain (Figure1b), greenbug, and corn leaf aphid are the most important species. Their role as vectors of plant viruses, particularly barley yellow…
Posted in Grains
Emerald Ash Borer Outlook for 2017
Since its discovery in 2009, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has spread dramatically (Figure 1) within the Commonwealth. This spread will continue through short-range dispersal flights of the insect and long distance transport of infested wood, primarily firewood. Naturally, those…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Spring Awakenings for Some Early Season Insects
Grass Sawfly Wasps Grass sawfly wasps are among the first insects to appear in spring. They often chose to rest on light-colored surfaces. Grass sawfly adults are shiny, black 3/8-inch-long insects (Figure 1) with thin black antennae about as long as…
Posted in Landscapes
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
Although the diagnostic season is not yet in full swing, several greenhouse samples have been received recently. In addition, unseasonably warm weather during most of January and February has prompted submission of more landscape samples than we typically see in…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
Watch For Early Alfalfa Weevil Damage
There was a resurgence of alfalfa weevil damage in some parts of Kentucky in 2016, so it is reasonable to be prepared for higher-than-normal feeding on the first cutting in 2017. In addition, the mild winter sets the stage for…
Posted in Forages
Will Introduced Pine Sawflies Return?
The caterpillar-like larvae of the introduced pine sawfly prefer to feed on needles of eastern white pine but also will feed on Scotch, red, Austrian, jack, and Swiss mountain pine. They may feed on short leaf and Virginia pines, but usually…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
UK Wheat Production Field School: A Hands-on Training
The UK Wheat Science Group will offer hands-on training sessions on managing wheat in Kentucky. The sessions will be held at UK Research and Education Center in Princeton (1205 Hopkinsville St) and are scheduled March 8 (Green-up) and April 26…
Posted in Announcements, Grains
Euonymous Scale
Euonymous scale, a serious pest of euonymous, pachysandra, and bittersweet, is a common arrival at the UK Insect Identification Lab. Given time, these armored scales can encrust stems and foliage of plants causing yellowed foliage, stunted growth, and branch dieback.…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Kentucky Pest News 