Several insects thrive in decaying organic matter, so compost bins usually provide all the resources that they need. Maggots are an important part of the nutrient recycling process. Black soldier fly maggots are among the most disturbing of the “decay…
Pine Sawflies Are Active Now
Time to check for pine sawflies. Second generations of the redheaded and introduced pine sawfly are active now and can cause significant defoliation if not detected early. Female wasps insert their eggs into needles at the top of the tree,…
Posted in Landscapes
Update to Commodity Assignments in UK’s Extension Plant Pathology Team
Extension agents and stakeholders, please note that the UK Extension Plant Pathology Team has shifted several major responsibilities. Going forward, those Extension responsibilities that directly affect crop producers and affiliated professions are listed below. Paul Vincelli: Turfgrasses and forest trees…
Posted in Announcements
Strawberry Viruses
There are several virus diseases that can affect strawberry. They occur rarely or infrequently, but transmission via imported cuttings can occur. This fall, we have seen suspect viruses in planting stock. The viruses strawberry mottle virus (SMoV) and strawberry mild…
Posted in Fruit
2017 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
Soybean Stem Borer: An Unnoticed Bug That May Cause Problems during Harvest and Reduce Yields in Soybeans
Biology & Phenology of Dectes Stem Borer in Kentucky The adult Dectes stem borer, Dectes texanus texanus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a long horned beetle approximately 3/8 inch long and gray in color. It has long, slender antennae that can be…
Posted in Grains
Armillaria Root Rot – A Threat to Stressed Landscape Trees
Tree stress can come from numerous factors, including weather, mechanical damage, insects, or poor growing conditions. These stresses make plants more susceptible to the plant disease Armillaria root rot. This fungal disease is also known as shoestring root rot, mushroom…
Posted in Landscape Trees & Shrubs
