The have been a few reports of fall armyworm (FAW) larvae ‘melting’ on plants. This is likely due to infections of the larvae by a naturally occurring nucleopolyhedrovirus, usually referred to as an NPV. There are many different types of…
Monthly Archives: August 2021
Outbreak of Fall Armyworm Did Not Affect Hemp but Corn Earworm and Tobacco Budworm Might Make their Move Soon
Problem The outbreaks of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) during mid-July to late-August has affected double-crop soybeans and forages, and lately alfalfa in many areas of Kentucky. Fall armyworm is a polyphagous pest, that feeds in many plant species…
Posted in Hemp
“Wet Feet” of Ornamentals
“Wet feet” is the common term for a condition that affects plant species intolerant of wet growing conditions. This problem occurs when soils become saturated in water, which ultimately causes roots to suffocate. Once root damage occurs, plants decline and…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Three Late Summer Stinging Insects
As we head towards Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer, people are noticing some our different species of stinging insects. The inquiries we have received have all focused on these insects being Asian giant hornets (aka the “murder…
Posted in Human Pests
Apple Rust Diseases (PPFS-FR-T-05)
Cedar-apple, cedar-quince, and cedar-hawthorn rusts commonly occur on apple, as well as pear and several ornamentals in the rose family. These rust diseases can result in economic losses in orchards and can seriously impact landscape plantings in Kentucky. This Extension…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
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 from August 1 to August 31, 2021. Diagnostic samples of agronomic crops have included gray leaf spot, southern corn rust,…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2021 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
Status of Several Aphid Species in Grain, Forage, and Sweet Sorghum in 2021
Problem Grain, forage, and sweet sorghum can be affected by several species of aphids. In 2013, a recently arrived new strain of the sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) (Figure 1) appeared, and since then, has been considered the most important pest…
Posted in Grains
Volutella Blight of Boxwood
Volutella blight is the most common disease of boxwood in the landscape. Volutella blight is caused by an opportunistic fungal pathogen that attacks leaves and stems of damaged or stressed plants. Winter injury, poor vigor, and wounds increase risk for…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Foreign Grain Beetles Popping Up
Some Kentuckians have been finding an unwanted houseguest in recent weeks, the foreign grain beetle. This small beetle, also known as the new house beetle, makes unexpected appearances that can be hard to initially explain. They also resemble other insects,…
Posted in Household Pests
Stop-Sale Notice for ALG Health Respirators
This month, ALG Health released a notification for a temporary stop-sale of all their NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) products (including respirators) until their non-conformance investigation is completed. ALG Health noted on the NIOSH website that these…
Posted in Pesticide Topics
EPA to Cancel Food Uses for Chlorpyrifos
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week that they are revoking all food tolerances for chlorpyrifos. This will take effect 6 months after the announcement of the Federal Register. This is the Notice of Intent to Cancel these food…
Posted in Pesticide Topics
2021 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
Symptoms of Sudden Death Syndrome of Soybean Appearing
Symptoms of sudden death syndrome (SDS) have been appearing over the last few weeks in some soybean fields in the state. These symptoms first appear as yellow blotches between the leaf veins, which will turn to interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between…
Posted in Grains
Fall Armyworm May Have a Persistent Presence as Oviposition Lingers in August
During July of 2021, fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) caused serious damage in soybeans and forages in Central and Western Kentucky. Fall armyworm is a polyphagous pest that feeds on many plant species of the Poaceae (grasses, including rice,…
Kentucky Pest News 