Southern rust of corn, caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora, was confirmed by the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (PDDL) for the first time in 2018 from a sample collected in Logan County. This is the first confirmation…
Monthly Archives: July 2018
Managing Bagworms
Whenever pests of landscape plants in the eastern U.S. are rated, bagworms invariably land in the top ten. Bagworms are most commonly found on evergreens (Figure 1), but they will feed on deciduous hosts, too. Bagworm feeding should be about…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Lace Bugs – One Potential Cause of Bleached Leaves
Lace bugs use their sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap. Damage ranges from a few scattered tiny white-to-yellow spots to bleached-white leaves that drop prematurely. Common lace bug species in Kentucky feed on azalea (azalea lace bug); hawthorn, cotoneaster,…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Considerations for Diagnosis of Ornamentals in the Landscape (PPFS-GEN-15)
Diagnosing landscape plant problems can be challenging. However, an assessment of the entire growing site may aid in the diagnostic process. This publication was designed to provide a starting point for determining possible causes behind various plant problems. The step-by-step…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
2018 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
Sugarcane Aphid Found on Sorghum in Kentucky
Last week, the first sugarcane aphids (SCA) of the year for Kentucky were found in Woodford County on sweet sorghum. While only 5% of the leaves in the field were infested, some had over 700 SCA, meaning SCA has likely…
Posted in Grains
Eastern and East-Central Kentucky Vining Vegetables at-Risk For Cucurbit Downy Mildew
In areas east of I-65 in Kentucky, cucurbit crops are at risk for downy mildew disease development. Crops that are especially in need of systemic fungicide management to ensure adequate yields include winter squash, gourds, and pumpkins intended for September…
Posted in Vegetables
Vegetable Diseases to Scout for: Early Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot
Kentucky vegetable growers, as well as gardeners, will likely be seeing early blight and Septoria leaf spot of tomato in their plantings at this time. As the most common diseases of tomato in Kentucky, homeowners or growers not on a…
Posted in Vegetables
Spotted Wing Drosophila Update
Since the arrival of spotted wing drosophila (SWD), many producers have begun using insecticides on small fruit crops where they have never needed to spray before. SWD has been a game changer for some small fruit crops. Working with county…
Posted in Fruit
“Seed Tick / Turkey Mite” Season Underway
Tiny lone star tick larvae (also called “seed ticks” or “turkey mites”) are active now. Hundreds recently emerged from egg masses deposited by females climbing vegetation to await passing hosts. Reaction to multiple bites cause painful itching that can last…
Posted in Human Pests
Rainfall and High Humidity Help Ticks and Fleas Flourish
Warm temperatures, frequent rains, and high humidity are factors that help survival and reproduction of ticks and fleas. This summer has provided ideal conditions for both to flourish. EntFacts 602 (Flea Control and Protection) and EntFacts 628 (Smarter Flea Control)…
Posted in Pet Pests
What’s Wrong with My Taxus? (ID-52)
Taxus (yew) is an evergreen shrub commonly found in Kentucky landscapes. Numerous conditions can cause these shrubs to exhibit yellowing and browning symptoms. Taxus troubles can be the result of diseases, insects, or adverse growing conditions. Pinpointing the specific cause…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
The following plant disease highlights from the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories represent recent sample submissions from field crops, fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals. Diagnostic samples of agronomic crops have included spring black stem on alfalfa; Pythium root rot…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2018 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
Garden Fleahopper Often Misidentified
Garden fleahopper is a common insect found on various vegetables, weeds, and ornamental plants. Because of their size, shape and their ability to jump when disturbed, fleahoppers are often mistaken for flea beetles. Plant Damage Garden fleahoppers are plant bugs…
Posted in Vegetables
Kentucky Pest News 