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.…

Anthracnose of dogwood is a common problem in Kentucky. Symptoms on landscape and forest dogwoods often first appear during wet periods in late spring. If left unmanaged, the pathogen spreads, eventually resulting in plant death.  Selection of resistant varieties and…

Yellow poplar weevil, also known as sassafras weevil, is a small (1/8”), stout, black, snout beetle that can damage yellow poplar, sassafras, and magnolia. In spring, adults can be found on these trees or, when numerous, in buildings and on…

Once autumn leaves have fallen, mistletoe becomes highly visible on large trees throughout Kentucky. Phoradendron, the scientific name for Kentucky’s most common type of this parasitic plant, means tree thief. These small leafy plants are commonly found on twigs and…

In some areas of the state, black locust trees have taken on a brown color (Figure 1). This is due to activity of locust leafminer, which results in trees that appear scorched. The adults feed on lower leaf surfaces while…

Anthracnose of dogwood is a common problem in Kentucky. Symptoms on landscape and forest dogwoods often first appear during wet periods in late spring. If left unmanaged, the pathogen spreads, eventually resulting in plant death.  Selection of resistant varieties and…

Since the first discoveries of emerald ash borer in Boone, Jessamine, and Shelby counties in 2009, this invasive insect has spread through normal dispersal flights and the inadvertent movement of infested wood. Tunneling beneath the bark by the larvae (Figure…