Trap counts for major insect pests are provided by the Kentucky IPM Program. Traps are located at the UK Research and Education Center in western Kentucky and the UK Spindletop Farm in Lexington. Below are trap counts for the current…
Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot Being Observed in Some Soybean Fields
In parts of the state where wet weather has continued through the season so far, one of the diseases being observed is Phytophthora root and stem rot, which is caused by the oomycete (aka water mold) pathogen Phytophthora sojae. This…
Posted in Grains
Southern Rust Confirmed in Kentucky
Southern rust of corn, caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora, was confirmed in Caldwell and Daviess counties in Kentucky on July 20, 2020. We typically confirm southern rust in Kentucky in mid-July, so the timing of these findings is on…
Posted in Grains
Phomopsis Twig Blight & Stem Canker of Blueberry
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…
Posted in Fruit
Stress and Decline in Woody Plants
Woody trees and shrubs may exhibit decline resulting from the stresses that can occur during their lives. Stress may be the result of improper plant or site selection, incorrect planting or maintenance practices, or poor soil conditions. Injury from equipment,…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Boxwood Blight
Boxwood blight can be devastating to American boxwood cultivars, which are common in the Kentucky landscape. Complete defoliation can occur within a week and plants can die within a single growing season. Use of tolerant cultivars, cultural practices, and fungicides…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Asian Longhorned Tick: A New Tick in Town
Ticks are always a concern for those of us who like to go outside to hike or hunt and for those of us who work in outdoor settings. Ticks are annoying blood thieves and they are also potent disease vectors,…
Posted in Human Pests, Livestock Pests
Black Spot of Rose (PPFS-OR-W-10)
Black spot is the most common and serious disease of roses in Kentucky, affecting susceptible cultivars in greenhouse production and outdoor plantings. This one page fact sheet covers symptoms, cause, disease development, and management options. Black Spot of Rose (PPFS-OR-W-10)…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
2020 Insect Trap Counts
Trap counts for major insect pests are provided by the Kentucky IPM Program. Traps are located at the UK Research and Education Center in western Kentucky and the UK Spindletop Farm in Lexington. Below are trap counts for the current…
Posted in Insect Trap Counts
Apple Bitter Rot Season is Upon Us
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.…
Posted in Fruit
Apple Scout Website
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…
Posted in Fruit
Dogwood Powdery Mildew
Dogwood is a popular landscape tree throughout Kentucky. However, once infected with powdery mildew, trees can develop an unattractive appearance. The disease is most prevalent during periods of high humidity and in landscapes with reduced air circulation. Some cultivars are…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Managing Mosquitoes
As we move into the heart of the summer months, mosquito activity often begins to increase. That can mean more hungry mosquitoes searching for blood meals! There are a number of practices we can adopt to reduce the number of…
Posted in Human Pests
Laurel Wilt Disease & Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (PPFS-OR-W-28, FORFS-20-01, ENTfact-459)
Laurel wilt is a newly discovered fungal disease first detected in Kentucky in 2019. While research is ongoing to determine the impact and distribution of both the pathogen and its insect vector (redbay ambrosia beetle), this disease is being considered…
Posted in Featured Pubs & Videos
Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Highlights
The following plant disease highlights have been compiled from samples submitted to the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories from July 1 to July 14, 2020. Diagnostic samples of agronomic crops have included Rhizoctonia crown rot, Lepto leaf spot,…
Posted in Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
