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.…
Blog Archives
Phomopsis Twig Blight & Stem Canker of Blueberry
Phomopsis twig blight and stem canker is becoming more common in Kentucky blueberry. Stressed plants are more susceptible to this disease, and reports are often associated with fields that have a history of Phytophthora root rot or severe abiotic disorder…
Posted in Fruit
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
Apple Scout Website
The publication An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Apple in Kentucky was first introduced in 2014 as an online/paper version. In order to improve access to this important scouting guide, a mobile website was developed. The Apple Scout…
Posted in Fruit
Downy Mildew of Grape
Downy mildew is an important disease of commercial and backyard grapes in Kentucky. Warm, wet, humid weather conditions favor infection and disease development. When flowers, clusters, and shoots become infected by downy mildew, yield losses result. This disease may also…
Posted in Fruit
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
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
Cherry Leaf Spot
Cherry leaf spot is a fungal disease of sweet, sour, and ornamental cherries. While this leaf disease is rarely a death sentence for trees, it can result in reduced blossoms, weakened trees, and increased risk for winter injury. Cherry Leaf…
Posted in Fruit, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Bramble Scout Website
The publication An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Brambles in Kentucky was first introduced in 2018 as an online/paper version. In order to improve access to this important scouting guide, a mobile website was developed. The Bramble Scout website…
Posted in Fruit
Grape Scout Website
The publication “An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Grape in Kentucky” was first introduced in 2019 as an online/paper version. In order to improve access to this important scouting guide, a mobile website was developed. The Grape Scout…
Posted in Fruit
Orange Rust: Non-Curable Disease in Brambles
Orange rust of brambles can be a concern for Kentucky blackberry and raspberry growers. The first symptoms are often noticed in early spring when newly formed shoots appear weak and spindly. Once infected, the pathogen spreads throughout the entire plant.…
Posted in Fruit
Fire Blight Symptoms Now Visible on Fruit Crops
Fire blight is the most important disease of apple and pear in Kentucky. Symptoms may now be visible; however, initial infections occured at bloom. The pathogen survives winter in dead, dying, and diseased wood and in cankers. Removal of these…
Posted in Fruit
Cane Blight of Brambles
Cane blight occasionally impacts homegrown and commercial raspberries and blackberries in Kentucky. The disease causes lesions to develop on both primocanes (current-year canes) and floricanes (second-year or fruiting canes) and can result in reduced yield and cane death. Fungicides are…
Posted in Fruit
Cedar-Hawthorn Rust
Cedar-hawthorn rust is a common disease of apple, crabapple, hawthorn, and ornamental pear in Kentucky; it also affects quince, mountain ash, pear, and serviceberry. The pathogen overwinters as galls on its alternate hosts, cedar and juniper. Removal of these galls…
Posted in Fruit, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Strawberry Scout Website
The publication An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Strawberry in Kentucky was first introduced in 2016 as an online/paper version. In order to improve access to this important scouting guide, a mobile website was developed. The Strawberry Scout…
Posted in Fruit
