The sound of cicadas and katydids whining in the woods or velvet ants and blister beetles running around on the ground are signs of summer in Kentucky. However, our relationship with blister beetles is complicated. Depending on the situation, they…
Monthly Archives: July 2022
Apple Bitter Rot Season is Upon Us
While fruit rots have a variety of causes, the most common fungal fruit rot of apple in Kentucky is bitter rot. The disease results in rotten, inedible fruit. Fungicides are available for management; however, sanitation is critical for disease prevention.…
Posted in Fruit
Grape Scout Website
The publication “An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Grape in Kentucky” was first introduced in 2019 as an online/paper version. In order to improve access to this important scouting guide, a mobile website was developed. The Grape Scout…
Posted in Fruit
Monarch Butterfly Conservation
Monarch butterflies are some of the most beloved insects in the world and are proudly held up as the state insect or butterfly of seven different American states. Their beautiful orange and black coloration and the magnificent migration they perform…
Posted in Beneficial Insects
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 Uncategorized
2022 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
Foliar Fungicide Considerations for Soybean
As soybean fields in Kentucky approach the R3 (beginning pod) developmental stage, it generally is a time to consider an application of a foliar fungicide to protect against foliar diseases. Rainfall is an important factor to consider when making a…
Posted in Grains
Southern Rust Management in a Dry Year
In a year that has had ups and downs for corn farmers, there is good news that corn disease pressure across the majority of the corn producing region of the state is very low. The organisms that cause disease prefer…
Posted in Grains, Uncategorized
Southern Blight of Hemp
The fungal disease southern blight affects a wide range of plant species, including hemp. When stems and roots become infected, plants can wilt, decline, and/or die, resulting in yield loss. The southern blight pathogen survives in upper soil layers for…
Posted in Hemp
Cucurbit Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common disease of all cucurbits, such as cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, and watermelons. This disease can occur in greenhouses, high tunnels, commercial fields, and home gardens. Cultural management practices can reduce losses from this disease. Cucurbit…
Posted in Vegetables
Bloodsucking Conenoses on the Prowl
Eastern bloodsucking conenoses are out and about in Kentucky, looking to take blood meals. These Kentucky representatives of the kissing bugs (also known as Triatomids) inspire fear in those who have discovered them. People can be bitten by conenoses, and…
Posted in Human Pests
Stress and Decline in Woody Plants (ID-50)
Woody plant stress has many potential causes that can ultimately lead to decline and death of landscape trees and shrubs. This publication discusses the symptoms and common causes of stress and decline in woody plants. A brief section on ecology…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
2022 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 2022 Virtual IPM Vegetable Field Day
Join University of Kentucky Extension Vegetable Specialists for a virtual field day on July 26, 2022 from 12 PM to 2 PM EST via Zoom live stream. Learn about the ongoing research at the Horticulture Research Farm and how the…
Posted in Announcements
If Drought Persists, Grasshoppers in Soybeans Might be a Pest to Cause Worry
Description of Problem It seems that some insect pests have taken advantage of the dry conditions maintained during the last month in western Kentucky. Since insects depend on certain thermal conditions to activate their metabolism, it is not surprising that…
Posted in Grains
Kentucky Pest News 