Fusarium wilts are common in Kentucky vegetables grown in commercial fields, greenhouses, high tunnels, and backyard gardens. Tomato, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, watermelon, cantaloupe are susceptible to disease. Fusarium wilts symptoms develop when the fungus clogs vascular tissue (xylem), limiting the…
Monthly Archives: July 2023
Cucurbit Downy Mildew
Cucurbit downy mildew is the most economically important disease of cucurbits in Kentucky. All cucurbits, such as cucumber, cantaloupe, summer and winter squashes, pumpkin, and watermelon are susceptible. Cucurbit downy mildew affects plant leaves, and severe infections can result in…
Posted in Vegetables
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
Buzzy Beetles Descend on Kentucky
In yards, gardens, and parks across Kentucky, people have noticed a loud insectoid buzz in the air. At first, this noise is mistaken for a squad of bumble bees arriving in force. However, this particular buzz isn’t from bees, it’s…
Posted in Landscapes, Lawn & Turf
Pesticide Use – Best Management Practices for Homeowners
Pesticides for purchase at local stores or online to anyone are referred to as ‘General Use’ or unclassified pesticides by the EPA. You do not need a license or certification to purchase and use these on your own property. Although…
Posted in Pesticide Topics
Bacterial Wilt of Cucurbits (PPFS-VG-11)
Bacterial wilt is a common occurrence in commercial cucurbit fields and residential gardens. It is a potentially destructive disease that can result in complete crop loss even before the first harvest. This publication provides information on cucurbit hosts, symptoms, signs,…
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 Laboratory from July 12 to 25, 2023. Diagnoses on agronomic crop samples have included wind damage, magnesium deficiency, genetic anomalies, and…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2023 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
Disease & Insect Integrated Pest Management of Fruit Crops Webinar
Join University of Kentucky Extension Fruit Specialists for a webinar on August 14, 2023 from 12 PM to 1 PM (Eastern Time) via Zoom. Extension Plant Pathologist, Dr. Nicole Gauthier, and Extension Entomologist, Dr. Ric Bessin, along with Entomology Graduate…
Posted in Announcements
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
Gummy Stem Blight & Black Rot of Cucurbits
Cucurbit crops (cucumber, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe) may be affected by gummy stem blight or black rot. Cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber are often the most at-risk for disease. Leaves, stems, vines, and fruit may be affected by this fungal disease. Damage…
Posted in Vegetables
Rhizoctonia of Vegetable Crops
Rhizoctonia diseases commonly affect vegetable crops, as well as fruit, ornamentals, and agronomic crops. Plant roots and stems primarily become affected, resulting in rot, but foliar blights and fruit rots may also occur. Use of cultural practices and fungicides can…
Posted in Uncategorized
Mexican Bean Beetle, a Lady Beetle Pest
Mexican bean beetle (MBB) is a pest that is often only recognized after much of the damage is done. This is a mid-summer pest that feeds on a variety of beans, including green beans and soybeans. Initially, it is overlooked as…
Posted in Vegetables
More Hammerhead Worms
Over the last 2 years, the Extension Entomology group has received multiple inquiries about strange, ribbon-like worms with hammer or moon shaped heads. These are creatively named, hammerhead worms, and they are predaceous flatworms that look like something made up…
Posted in General Pests
2023 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
Kentucky Pest News 