Apple and pear trees are at bloom or approaching bloom across Kentucky. Infection by the fire blight bacterium occurs during bloom, thus, protectant antibiotics should be applied when risk is high.  Risk for infection can be assessed using the Fire…

Disease presence last year can indicate a risk for the same disease this year. Many pathogens overwinter on infected plant material or as pathogen survival structures. Poor sanitation practices can lead to an increased risk of these diseases in the…

Black knot is a common, often serious, disease of plums and cherries in Kentucky. Trees in both commercial and residential plantings are susceptible to the disease. Black knot results in knotty growths that, over time, encircle limbs and result in…

Last year’s disease presence can help us evaluate this year’s disease risk. Many pathogens overwinter on infected plant material or as pathogen survival structures. Poor sanitation practices and lack of management can lead to overwintering of many pathogens.  This, thereby,…

Apple and pear trees are at bloom or approaching bloom across Kentucky. Infection by the fire blight bacterium occurs during bloom, thus, protectant antibiotics should be applied when risk is high.  Risk for infection can be assessed using the Fire…

Fire blight is an important disease of apple, crabapple, pear, and flowering pear in Kentucky. Symptoms are often not observed until late spring or early summer; however, initial infections occur at bloom. The pathogen survives winter in dead, dying, and…

Apple and pear trees are approaching bloom. Infection by the fire blight bacterium occurs during bloom, thus, protectant antibiotics should be applied when risk is high. Risk for infection can be assessed using the Fire Blight Disease Prediction Model. Growers…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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.…

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…