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. In areas of the state that have received frequent rainfall,…
Blog Archives
Corn Disease Update: Time for Foliar Fungicide Application Decisions in Corn
Corn is moving through growth stages quickly, and the warm, humid weather in many parts of Kentucky has been conducive for foliar disease development. Fungicides are commonly promoted to reduce the impact of foliar disease in corn, but with tight…
Posted in Grains
Assessing and Utilizing UK Extension Resources for Commercial Fruit Production
The University of Kentucky Extension team has put together numerous resources for commercial fruit growers regarding production and pest management. However, many growers are not aware of the wide range of publications, newsletters, websites, and other resources that are available…
Posted in Fruit
Laurel Wilt Disease: A Threat to Kentucky Sassafras Trees
Laurel wilt is a new disease that was recently detected in southwestern Kentucky. This disease, which is transmitted by the redbay ambrosia beetle, has the potential to rapidly kill sassafras trees. Currently no management options are available for this disease.…
Posted in Forest Trees, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
My Trees Have Lice!
Barklice that is. While that sounds alarming, and brings to mind blood-sucking lice, barklice are not lice and are very different from the parasitic lice that can infest people and livestock. Barklice cause concern when they are seen in large…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Holcus Leaf Spot (PPFS-AG-C-06)
Holcus leaf spot, a bacterial disease, can be seen sporadically in Kentucky cornfields. It can be challenging to diagnose because damage from certain contact herbicides can mimic holcus spot. This publication describes disease symptoms, conditions that favor disease, and how…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
2020 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
Update on Foliar Diseases of Soybean
As the rains fall, environmental conditions become favorable for leaf diseases of soybean. Currently, there are a couple of foliar diseases of soybean that can be observed in fields in Kentucky, which are Septoria brown spot and Phyllosticta leaf spot.…
Posted in Grains
Watch for Blister Beetles in Hay
Several species of blister beetles are common in Kentucky; they can be a problem to livestock when they infest alfalfa hay. As few as 5 to 10 of these beetles can be fatal to horses when ingested because of the…
Posted in Forages
Hanging by a Thread
Dead, curled leaves dangling by fungal “threads” are typical of a disease called thread blight. This disease is more common in eastern Kentucky, where it has been observed on apple, cherry, and viburnum. Other potential hosts include cotoneaster, dogwood, gooseberry,…
Posted in Fruit, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
How NOT to Submit Plant Samples for Diagnosis
Spring brings with it fresh, new plant growth and gardeners filled with enthusiasm. However, when landscape or garden plants begin to show symptoms of a problem, or when commercial crops start to decline, the two questions from home gardeners’ and…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
Cleaning and Disinfecting Home Garden Tools and Equipment (PPFS-GEN-17)
Dirty tools, containers, and work surfaces come as no surprise to home gardeners. Rinsing with water to remove obvious soil or plant residues is a common practice. However, this type of basic cleaning can fail to remove microscopic plant pathogens…
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 June 1 to June 30, 2020. Diagnostic samples of agronomic crops have included Rhizoctonia damping off, Lepto leaf spot,…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
2020 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
Vegetable Diseases to Scout for: Anthracnose of Cucurbits
With cucurbit crop canopies beginning to close within planting beds, cucumber, cantaloupe, and watermelon growers in Kentucky should be scouting for anthracnose in their plantings. Prevention, early identification, and management will help reduce plant losses. Cause & Disease Development Anthracnose…
Posted in Vegetables
