Diseases are a major concern for greenhouse hemp growers, and they can be a factor that limits the profitable production of plants. The warm, humid greenhouse environment provides optimal conditions for reproduction of many pathogens. A good sanitation program can…

Powdery mildew can affect numerous plants, including fruit, vegetable, and agronomic crops, as well as woody and herbaceous ornamentals. Kentucky hemp is also susceptible to this disease. Plants infected early in the season can be seriously damaged, while those affected…

Hemp is often considered a disease-free plant. However, research is being done to determine whether certain pathogens can increase to problematic levels in the field. Should disease become a significant problem in field-planted hemp, the result can be premature leaf…

In 2018, there were significant increases in confirmed cases of southern blight in hemp.  The fungal disease affects a wide range of plant species, as well as hemp. When stems and roots become infected, plants can wilt, decline, and/or die,…

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is grown both outdoors and in greenhouses.  Outdoor-grown hemp is susceptible to infection by leaf spot fungi that affect other crops and nearby plants, especially during periods of extensive rain or high humidity.  There are three primary…

The Grower’s Guide to Kentucky Hemp Production webinar was conducted on May 5, 2020. Sessions from this webinar were recorded and are now available online. These videos provide information for growers of all experience levels. This series includes presentations from…

Hemp is an emerging crop within the U.S. and around the world. Previously, this crop was classified as a Scheduled 1 controlled substance within the U.S., which limited its production. However, The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) allowed for…

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…

For the 2020 growing season, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has a list of pesticides registered for commercial hemp in the following link: Pesticide Products Registered for Industrial Hemp in Kentucky. This link should be checked periodically as new…

Helicoverpa zea (formerly Heliothis zea) is an insect that affects many crops and is known with different common names, depending on the crop it affects: cotton bollworm, soybean podworm, tomato fruitworm, or corn earworm. The larva of this noctuid moth…

Problem During the last 2 weeks of July, several hemp samples were received and evaluated by specialists at the University of Kentucky (Lexington and Princeton).  Hemp russet mites (Aculops cannabicola, Acari: Eriophyidae) (Figure 1) were observed on nearly all of…