Calculations for the application of fungicides and insecticides to commercial orchards are often complicated and can be downright confusing. While these mathematical exercises may leave many scratching their heads, they are critical to the success of a spray program. Over-application…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

There are several species of leafhoppers that are pests of apples:  white apple leafhopper, rose leafhopper, and potato leafhopper. Potato leafhopper is a migratory pest that commonly attacks alfalfa in early summer, but on occasion, can be a serious problem…

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…

In Kentucky, pest management in home orchards can be challenging, and fungicide and insecticide applications are often necessary for management of certain pests. Fruit bagging, however, can eliminate certain sprays by physically protecting fruit during development.  This method can be…

Cedar-apple rust is the most common and economically important rust disease of apple in Kentucky.  The pathogen overwinters as galls on cedar and juniper. Removal of these pathogen sources on cedar can later reduce disease incidence on apple. Once apple…

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…