There are several species of aphids attacking apples, and among them, woolly apple aphid is the most difficult to manage. Unlike other aphids, this species attacks trees above and below ground, but it is the damage you don’t see that…

Peach leaf curl results in disfigured leaves during spring and summer; twigs and fruit may also become infected. Successful management of peach leaf curl begins in fall or early spring, even though symptoms are not seen until leaves emerge. Peach…

Autumn has arrived in Kentucky, and it is time to focus on fruit, orchard, and vineyard sanitation. Good sanitation practices can help reduce disease-causing pathogens.  Good sanitation practices can help reduce disease-causing pathogens.  These organisms can survive for months or…

Kentucky apple growers are faced with numerous plant disease issues throughout growing seasons. These diseases limit grower profits by reducing yield and increasing input costs. Diseases of Greatest Concern to Growers While diseases of concern may vary from orchard to…

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…

During the past 10 years, orchard practices in Kentucky have changed dramatically. Many of these practices contributed to conditions conducive for diseases and pests. Growers began to shift from traditional plant spacing to high density plantings, increasing tree stress and…

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.…