There have been several reports of high thrips populations attacking crops and bothering homeowners alike this spring (see KPN June 5, 2018, Thrips Can Be Cause of “Mystery Bites” and “Pool Miseries”). Despite their tiny size, various thrips species are…
Blog Archives
Vegetable and Tobacco Diseases to Scout for: Botrytis Gray Mold
Kentucky vegetable and tobacco growers should be on the lookout for Botrytis gray mold. This disease may occur in fields under humid conditions, but it is most common in greenhouses and high tunnels. Botrytis gray mold can also affect numerous…
Watch for Mites in High Tunnels
There have been several reports of spider mites on high tunnel tomatoes this past week. This coincides with the onset of some much-needed warmer weather in the Commonwealth. Generally, higher levels of mites are more common with warmer weather. Ideally,…
Posted in Greenhouses/High Tunnels
Mite Management in High Tunnels
As the weather begins to warm, mite activity is likely to increase in high tunnels and greenhouses. Due to their small size and cryptic habits, it is usually easier to initially scout for signs of their activity, rather than trying…
Posted in Greenhouses/High Tunnels, Vegetables
Greenhouse/High Tunnel Pest Management: Getting Off to a Clean Start
Controlling arthropod pests in greenhouses can be a challenge since these protected environments provide ideal conditions for development of some common plant pests. Additionally, the structure itself excludes natural enemies from attacking these pests, allowing their populations to develop more…
Posted in Greenhouses/High Tunnels
Managing Aphids in High Tunnels and Greenhouses
One of the more common pest issues across a range of vegetable crops in greenhouses is aphid management. Vegetable production in protected environments is generally used to extend seasons and during these times of the year problems with aphids are…
Posted in Greenhouses/High Tunnels, Vegetables
Diseases to Scout for: Pythium Damping-off and Root Rot
Extended periods of cool, wet weather this spring may have you noticing symptoms of a common pathogen infecting plants: Pythium. This water mold pathogen particularly attacks seeds, seedlings, and young plants (Figures 1 and 2). Pythium is present at low…
