Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) 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 to this water mold (fungus-like organism/oomycete) pathogen. Since the CDM pathogen…
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Sooty Blotch & Flyspeck Make for Ugly Apples
The time for apple harvest in Kentucky has arrived, bringing with it the possibility of less than perfect looking apples. Sooty blotch and/or flyspeck are one of many causes for blemished, ugly apples. The two fungal diseases occur together as…
Posted in Fruit
Marginal Oak Leaf Fold Galls Can Pack A Punch!
Leaf Fold Gall Midge Thickened edges of oak leaves are caused by abnormal tissue growth stimulated by chemicals produced by the leaf fold gall midge (Figure 1). These growths contain small fly maggots that feed and develop within the galls…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Spider Mites on Various Crops
With the hot weather, there has been a large increase in numbers of reports of spider mite activity, particularly in greenhouses and high tunnels where foliage stays much drier. Two-spotted spider mite is a common pest of many vegetable and…
Posted in General Pests
West Nile Virus – 2018
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as of August 7 2018, human cases of West Nile virus have been diagnosed in the neighboring states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia,. In addition, non-human cases (birds or mosquitoes)…
Posted in Human Pests
Bumble Bee Stings
Bumble bees are peaceful, industrious insects that provide valuable pollination services. However, the queen and workers will use their stingers to defend themselves or their nest if disturbed. While the barbed stinger of the honey bee allows only one thrust,…
Posted in Human Pests
Southern Blight (PPFS-GEN-16)
Southern blight affects hundreds of different plants, including vegetables, field crops, ornamentals, and fruit. This disease is also known as southern stem blight, basal stem rot, Sclerotium blight, crown rot, and white mold (not to be confused with Sclerotinia white…
Posted in Featured Publications
