Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Jonathan Larson
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
In May of 2020 there was a New York Time article that focused on the Asian giant hornet, which they dubbed the “murder hornet”. This potentially invasive insect has only been found in the pacific northwest, both in British Columbia, Canada and in the state of Washington. However, the media coverage of this insect unleashed a flurry of people who were afraid they had found it in or near their home. I know that over the course of just two days I had responded to hundreds of inquiries o
Author: Kiersten Wise
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
On July 30 2019, 8 high school teams participated in the first annual University of Kentucky High School Crop Scouting Competition, held at the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton, KY. The contest is modeled after similar competitions held in four Midwestern states. Team leaders were recruited from Kentucky FFA chapters and Kentucky high school agriculture teachers, County Agents, and agribusiness leaders. &nbs
Author: Kiersten Wise
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
Corn nematodes have the potential to be yield-limiting pests of Kentucky corn. However, there have been no previous comprehensive surveys to understand corn nematode distribution in Kentucky. In 2019, 20 Kentucky counties were surveyed by County Agents, with at least three samples collected per county, for a total of 78 samples examined for species and level of plant parasitic nematodes in corn. At least one species of nematode was detected in each corn field, with spiral, lesion, and lance nema
Author: Kiersten Wise
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, and are often applied aerially by fixed-wing or helicopter applicators. Many fields in Kentucky are small and/or bordered by trees, limiting the ability to apply fungicides with commercial aerial application units. Drone applications may be a viable option for application of fungicides in these type of fields. On-farm research trials were established in Adair, Green, and Taylor Counties in conjunction with the County Agents
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
Henderson Pollinator Action GroupPollinators have been a hot topic for several years and rightfully so. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, these hard working animals help pollinate over 75% of all flowering plants and over 75% of our crops. In the United States, pollination by honey bees directly or indirectly contributed to over $19 billion of crop production. All other insects contribute an estimated $10 billion.A recent study of the status of pollinators in North Ameri
Author: Jonathan Green
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
The University of Kentucky Weed Science Herbarium and Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab function to assist county Extension offices with proper identification of weedy plants and to diagnosis crop and plant injury cases. Undesirable plants growing in grain crops, pasture and hay fields, home landscapes, and other sites are either submitted digitally or mailed to the Herbarium for identification. In most cases, a specific weed control recommendation is provided back to clientele who submi
Author: David Hull
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
The concept of doing twilight pasture walks in Gallatin County started in 2019; and because of the popularity of walks, it has remained in our programming repertoire. Because of the negative attention that agricultural chemicals so commonly receive, some landowners are hesitant to apply herbicides to pastures and hay fields. In a effort to help these landowners determine whether or not a herbicide applications is warranted, the Gallatin County Extension Service conducted several Twilight Pa
Author: Travis Legleiter
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
The application of herbicide and fungicides for control of weeds and plant diseases can be very costly when incorrect applications lead to exponential cost, crop loss, and potential litigation if drift occurs. The appropriate calibration of a sprayer, nozzle selection, and maintenance of sprayers are all complicated procedures that can fluctuate depending on the product being applied and type of sprayer being used. The 2019 Spray Clinic was held in July 2019 and featured Dr. Tim Stom
Author: Travis Legleiter
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
The availability of in-depth pest management information for Farmers and consultants in western Kentucky is limited due to most field days involving a multitude of topics that revolve around agronomic's. The first Pest Management Field Day at the UKREC was organized to allow farmers, crop consultants, and industry representatives to gain in-depth insight in to the research being conducted by the University of Kentucky pest management research teams. The field day was held on July
Author: Travis Legleiter
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
Social media has become a predominate method of information transfer in today’ fast paced world of handheld technology. This includes the agriculture world in which farmer use their smart phones and tablets on a regular basis to find timely and concise information about their livelihood. While the use of social media is great for timely information, the scientific world can struggle due to the limitations of social media in which depth and detail of information can be lacking
Author: Emily Pfeufer
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
Kentucky commercial growers produce a wide range of specialty crops, such as vegetables and fruit. In 2017, cash receipts for fruit and vegetable production totaled $41.6 million (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission). Direct sales make up a more than 50% of produce sales in the state (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission), which allows for improved access to local foods. In addition, many home gardeners also grow their own
Author: Emily Pfeufer
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
According to the USDA – NASS State Profile of Kentucky the value of vegetable and fruit production totaled $7.8 million in 2012. In addition, there were 29,963 farms in Kentucky with sales of less than $2,500 each year, which makes up 39% of total farmers in the state. These small-scale growers are faced with the same challenges as large-scale commercial producers, such as diseases, insects, and weeds. These factors can negatively impact yield, reducing farmers’ income and access to
