In 2018, several tobacco crops were severely affected by bacterial stalk rot and leaf drop. This disease does not frequently occur in Kentucky tobacco, but it can result in over 50% leaf loss in the span of only a few…
Monthly Archives: March 2019
Fire Blight Alert and Risk Map Overview
Apple and pear trees are approaching bloom, especially in southwestern Kentucky. Infection by the fire blight bacterium occurs during bloom, thus, protectant antibiotics should be applied when risk is high. Risk for infection can be assessed using the Fire Blight…
Posted in Fruit
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
The following plant disease highlights have been compiled from samples submitted to the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories since the start of 2019. Diagnostic samples of agronomic crops have included Sclerotinia crown and stem rot on alfalfa; Pythium…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2019 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
University of Kentucky Vegetable IPM Hotline
Extension specialists at the University of Kentucky have introduced a new resource for vegetable producers, the Vegetable IPM Hotline (Figure 1). Each Tuesday, a new message will be available that provides information on vegetable crops, chemical updates, and information about…
Posted in Announcements, Vegetables
Fire Blight Alert and Risk Map Overview
Apple and pear trees are approaching bloom, especially in southwestern Kentucky. Infection by the fire blight bacterium occurs during bloom, thus, protectant antibiotics should be applied when risk is high. Risk for infection can be assessed using the Fire Blight…
Posted in Fruit
New Mandatory Paraquat Training Requirements for Applicators
This fall, there will be new labeling on all paraquat products sold in the U.S. Paraquat is sold under the product names of Cyclone Star, Cyclone, Devour, Firestorm, Gramoxone, Helmquat, Para-shot, Paraquat, and Parazone. With these newly labeled products, certified…
Posted in Pesticide Topics
Disease and Insect Control Programs for Homegrown Fruit in Kentucky (ID-21)
Many homeowners in Kentucky grow a variety of fruit in their garden. One distinct advantage homeowners have over commercial growers is the diverse ecosystem of the home landscape, which often reduces the populations of insect and disease organisms and limits…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
2019 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
Last Year’s Ornamental Diseases Equal This Year’s Disease Risk
Disease presence last year can indicate a risk for the same disease this year. Many pathogens overwinter in Kentucky on infected plant material or as pathogen survival structures. Poor sanitation practices can lead to an increased risk of these diseases…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs, Ornamentals
Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide 2019-2020 (ID-232)
The Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide was developed by the Midwest Fruit Workers Group, which includes University of Kentucky Extension specialists, as well as specialists from twelve other universities. This publication was recently revised for 2019-2020 to keep up with…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Survey for Producers
As part of a national effort to combat brown marmorated stink bug, UK entomologists are conducting a survey of producers to assess the current situation with this invasive pest. I want to thank those who have encouraged growers to complete…
Posted in Announcements
Last Year’s Hemp Diseases Equal This Year’s Disease Risk
Disease presence last year can indicate a risk for the same disease this year. Many pathogens overwinter in Kentucky on infected plant material or as pathogen survival structures. Poor sanitation practices can lead to an increased risk of these diseases…
Posted in Hemp
Complying with EPA Worker Protection Standards
Pesticides used on farms have requirements in order to protect the health of employees; these are the Worker Protection Standards (WPS). WPS requires owners and employers on agricultural establishments and commercial pesticide handling establishments to protect employees on farms, forests,…
Posted in Pesticide Topics
Fire Blight (PPFS-FR-T-12)
Fire blight is a highly destructive disease of apple and pear that can occur in commercial orchards and residential plantings. Many landscape trees and shrubs in the rose family are also susceptible to this disease. Under favorable environmental conditions, fire…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
Kentucky Pest News 