Author: Kiersten Wise
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
The disease Curvularia leaf spot, caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata, was first discovered in the United States in 2017. The disease was observed in several fields in Kentucky in 2018, and laboratory diagnosis confirmed the new presence of this new disease. While the impact of Curvularia leaf spot in Kentucky is not yet known, this disease causes yield loss in tropical areas, and is considered to be one of the most important diseases of corn in China. Curvularia leaf spot can be confused wit
Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, often applied in the absence of disease and in contrast to Integrated Pest Management recommendations. Farmers and County Agents need information to help them understand how fungicides should be used, and when they have optimum efficacy against corn diseases. On-farm research trials were established in Henderson County in conjunction with the County Agent to examine the impact of foliar fungicides in comparison to non-treat
The disease Diplodia leaf streak, caused by the fungus Stenocarpella macrospora, has emerged as a prevalent corn disease in Kentucky over the last 3 years. Incidence and severity have increased in corn over this time period. The disease is easily confused with other common foliar diseases, leading to misdiagnosis in field settings. A survey of 18 counties was conducted in 2018 to determine presence of Diplodia leaf streak across the state. County Agents in selected counties were contacted
Author: Travis Legleiter
Following the wide spread injury to soybean and other crops due to off-site movement the EPA mandated that all applicators be trained prior to making dicamba applications in 2017. Following the success of 2017 trainings in increasing the awareness of applicators when applying dicamba, the EPA held the mandate to be continued annually. The extension weed science team worked with ANR Agents and herbicide registrants to schedule 11 trainings across the state from January through
The introduction of multiple new herbicide resistant soybean varieties as well as new herbicide options for control of herbicide resistant weeds has led to the increase need of attention to detail for farmers and applicators. This include attention to detail when making the herbicide applications. The increased use of herbicide like 2,4-D and dicamba late into the growing season has led to a heightened awareness of pesticide drift. At the same time there has been an increased
The application of herbicide and fungicides for control of weeds and plant diseases can be very costly and incorrect applications can lead to exponential cost, crop loss, and potential litigation if drift occurs. The appropriate calibration of a sprayer, nozzle selection, and clean out following are all complicated procedures that can fluctuate depending on the product being applied. The 2018 Spray Clinic was held in July 2018 and featured Dr. Tim Stombaugh, Dr. Kiersten Wise, Dr. Ca
Author: Jonathan Green
Weed management decisions for grain crops, particularly soybean production, has become much more complex as herbicide resistant weeds have become more prominent during the past 10 years. Furthermore, the cost per acre for implementation of good weed control strategies exceeds the combined cost for insect and disease control and can be equivalent to the basic cost for crop seed. Weed control can be one of the highest variable input costs associated with soybean production and can range from
Author: Emily Pfeufer
Cucurbit downy mildew is one of the most aggressive diseases to affect cucumbers, squash, melons, and pumpkins, however, the pathogen that causes this disease does not overwinter in the Kentucky. Each year, the pathogen is blown into the Commonwealth from areas with temperate climates where it can overwinter, including areas to the south, west, and from greenhouse producers to the north. The area the pathogen originates from has implications for which fungicides will be effective against it, as
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
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Many times an Extension agents gets a call that starts with the phrase, I just don't know who to call. That is what Crittenden County ANR agent Dee Heimgartner encounter in Spring of 2019. Heimgartner had a client call about a wasp that had gotten into their house. The client was afraid that if they were stung it would complicate their health issues which included breathing issues.Heimgartner worked with the client by going to the house to retrieve the insect for identification. The client w
Author: Matthew Futrell
Going SocialOne of the great challenges of Land Grant Universities is to deliver information to the nontraditional learner. Through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service all 120 counties in the commonwealth have a brick and mortar connection to the university and its research based information. The greater challenge is how does extension reach clientele that does not come through the door of the local extension office? Let’s go Social!!!S
