Problem In Novemnber 2018, a new pest of soybeans was identified as Resseliella maxima (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) by Raymond Gagné and Junichi Yukawa, two leading taxonomists on midges from the USA and Japan, respectively. This is a new species that farmers…

Many soybean fields in Kentucky are approaching the R3 (beginning pod) developmental stage, which generally is a time to consider an application of a foliar fungicide to protect against foliar diseases.  In areas of the state that have received frequent…

The sugarcane aphid (SCA) was spotted in Kentucky last week in Fayette and Monroe Counties on sweet sorghum. This invasive pest can cause up to 100% crop loss if left untreated on grain, forage, and sweet sorghum. SCA cannot survive…

Time for foliar fungicide application decisions in corn Corn is moving through growth stages quickly, and the warm, humid weather in many parts of Kentucky has been conducive for foliar disease development. Fungicides are commonly promoted to reduce the impact…

Phyllosticta leaf spot of soybean has been observed in a few fields in western Kentucky recently.  Although the economic risk of this disease is very low, its symptoms resemble those caused by frogeye leaf spot.  On susceptible soybean varieties, frogeye…

Many producers are growing non-GMO corn for niche markets, including distillery and food-grade uses.  Non-GMO corn is very susceptible to damage by European corn borer (ECB) and needs to be scouted periodically during ECB first and second generations. Generally, corn…

Symptoms Symptoms of Fusarium head blight (head scab) are present in Kentucky wheat fields with varying levels of damage being reported.  Heads often are partially affected, with both healthy green and affected bleached areas being present in the same head…