Author: Raul Villanueva
Major Program: Hemp
On September 8, 2022, the Hemp working group of the University of Kentucky conducted an in-person field day after a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic of 2020 and 2021. The event was divided into two sessions: one was the field day with presentation and walk tours and a second was a “hands-on” workshop. For the field day presentation there were several speakers: Ms. Doris Hamilton from KDA, Drs. Bob Pearce (Plant and Soil Science), Tyler Mark (Agricultural Economics), Nicole Gau
Multidisciplinary work on the Identification and Publication of an Entomopathogenic Fungus Harmful to the Hemp Russet Mite in Kentucky.This is a collaborative work of three departments: Entomology, Plant pathology and Plant and Soil Science. Since 2020, Dr. Villanueva observed mortalities of hemp russet mites in hemp leaves infested with this key pest. In 2021, Dr. Viloria isolated the fungus, samples were sent to the laboratory of Dr. Gauthier who identified this entomopathogen. Several studies
Author: Robert Pearce
The University of Kentucky has established itself as a leader in research in numerous aspects of hemp production, Extension specialists and researchers coordinated and facilitated the 2022 Hemp Field Day and Educational Workshops. The goal of this event was to share research with hemp growers and those connected to the hemp industry as a way to improve knowledge of hemp production and processing. During the 2022 field days, a new format was used that provided an afternoon of hands-on worksh
I Have coordinated a National hemp dual-purpose cultivar trial on behalf of the S-1084 Hemp multi-state group since 2019. In 2023, 17 universities participated growing a common set of 12 hemp cultivars in 20 locations across the country. My group solicits and receives seed from hemp industry collaborators, distributes it to participating locations, and coordinates the collection of data. Currently, we are working with collaborators at the University of Florida to analyze the data col
Hemp russet mite (HRM) is a serious pest of indoor hemp production. Detection of this mite usually occurs when the populations are high, and the damage is irreversible. This eriophyid mite is not visible with naked eyes neither using a 10X magnifier lens. After laboratory and field studies, Villanueva’s program determined that HRM population can be accurately estimated through pictures of basal and middle sections of the central hemp leaflet using a portable handheld stereo microscope. Thi
From November 9th to 11th, 2022 a team of scientist from the University of Kentucky’s Hemp working group delivered science base information to personnel, consultants, and entrepreneurs of Costa Rica. These presentations were requested by the Costa Rica government to implement a hemp program in that country. During the first two days of this event presentations were delivered in person by Drs. Tyler Mark, Tom Keene, and Raul Villanueva: and through digital media by Drs. Nicole Gauthier and
Corn earworm (CEW) is a polyphagous pest that attacks industrial hemp causing damage to the inflorescence. We are monitoring arthropod pests and their natural enemies since the industrial hemp returned to Kentucky agricultural fields. The latter group of insects is of grand significance considering the short list of registered pesticides for hemp. Currently, we have identified two tachinid flies (Winthemia rufopicta and Lespesia aletiae) in collaboration with Dr J. Stireman from Wright Universit
