Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has caused more problems than usual this year, particularly in high tunnel tomato. This disease can affect tomato, pepper, potato, eggplant, lettuce, beans, and cucumber along with more than 170 other plant species. TSWV may…
Blog Archives
Cane Blight of Brambles
Cane blight occasionally impacts homegrown and commercial raspberries and blackberries in Kentucky. Recent rain events have resulted in a wet growing season, which favors the development of cane blight. The disease causes lesions to develop on both primocanes (current-year canes)…
Posted in Fruit
Spotted Wing Drosophila Activity Intensifying
Samples this past week indicate that spotted wing drosophila (SWD) activity is increasing across the state with numbers of these captured insects considerably higher at some locations. While the threshold to begin management is ‘one captured fly,’ continued trapping provides…
Posted in Fruit
New County Reports of Emerald Ash Borer
Since its discovery in 2009, emerald ash borer (EAB) has continued to invade Kentucky (Figure 1); Cumberland, Green, Taylor, and Wayne counties have been added to the list of counties this year. Designation as “infested” does not mean the insect…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Japanese Beetles Abundant in Some Areas
Japanese beetles are emerging, and there are early indications that populations are well above normal in some areas. Upcoming rain will soften the soil and spur more emergence. When practical, hand removal is an effective way to control this insect…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs, Landscapes
Time to Check for Bagworms
Small bagworms are feeding now. It takes careful inspection to detect small larvae wrapped in silk bags with pieces of leaf attached (Figure 1). Check small trees and shrubs that have a history of problems to see if the insects…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Leaf Skeletonizers on Oaks
Leaf skeletonizers are pale yellow-green caterpillars that create veiny skeletons as they feed on upper leaf surfaces (Figure 1). There are several leaf skeletonizer species that feed on different tree species, but their activity is rarely noticed. Usually, weather or…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
