Blackleg and bacterial soft rot can cause serious damage to potato crops in commercial fields and residential gardens. Early losses occur when seed pieces decay prior to sprout emergence, resulting in missing hills. Later infections cause stems to decay and…

After the coming and going of Labor Day, it starts to feel like autumn will be here before you know it, with all the fun and delicious things it brings. Autumn also brings us more obvious spiders. This isn’t some…

Proper management of corn is necessary to maximize economic returns, improve soils, and provide long-term viability to farms. This publication discusses the best corn management practices for Kentucky based on years of research at the University of Kentucky, research from…

In the spirit of invasive species awareness, the USDA has declared August as “Tree Check Month.” Specifically, the hope is that people will serve their community by checking for the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), an invasive longhorn beetle pest that…

Rhizoctonia diseases commonly affect vegetable crops, as well as fruit, ornamentals, and agronomic crops. Plant roots and stems primarily become affected, resulting in rot, but foliar blights and fruit rots may also occur. Use of cultural practices and fungicides can…

This year, the Integrated Pest Management School will hold it’s in-person meeting at the McCracken County Extension Office, Paducah on March 8.  Virtual attendees can access the meeting through Zoom; both audiences require registration via Zoom. On-site registration will be…

Diagnosing landscape plant problems can be challenging. However, an assessment of the entire growing site may aid in the diagnostic process. This publication was designed to provide a starting point for determining possible causes behind various plant problems.  The step-by-step…

The type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) you wear when handling pesticides and during pesticide applications depends on the product label for the pesticides being used. After use of PPE, you should wash reusable PPE with soap and water for…

As soybean fields in Kentucky approach the R3 (beginning pod) developmental stage, it 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 rainfall,…

Earlier this month the EPA OPP extended the ‘Annual Fit Test’ option delay until September 30, 2021. This is due to limited availability of required respiratory protection and respirator fit testing.  These options are not a waiver of regulations or…

Diseases are a major concern for greenhouse growers and can be a key limitation to profitable plant production.  Often, growers presume that fungicides are the most important disease management tool at their disposal. However, sanitation is extremely important in helping…

Although soybean rust has not yet been observed in Kentucky this year, it is likely present in the state. Soybean rust was recently reported in southern Illinois (Union County, IL).  From all observations, the Kentucky soybean crop should be at…