Every growing season brings about landscape problems. Boone County experienced a cool wet spring in 2021 which brought on a wide array of landscape problems on ornamental plants,turfgrass, and fruits and vegetables by mid summer. The usually reliable landscape staple blue spruce was devastated by Rhizophaera Needle Cast disease. Throughout the tri-state area this valuable plant was no longer adding value to landscapes. Over 30 specimens were brought to our office for diagnosis. Homeowners, nursery personnel and maintenance companies relied on the Extension Service for its diagnostic and control recommendations. The Boone County office sent 42 samples to the University of Kentucky Plant Pathology lab for microscopic and culture of specific pathogens.

Site visits are oftentimes necessary to adequately determine commercial horticulture issues. This service was rendered 33 times in growing season 2021. The following were diagnosed in 2021. Phytopthora root rot, Anthracnose, Herbicide and chemical damage, Scab and Rust disease, Fireblight, Early and late blight of tomato, root knot nematode, Bacterial spot of pepper and tomato. Several growers tomatoes suffered  yellow shoulders disorder. The Extension Service addressed all of these problems with direct contact with producers and in newsletters, radio programs and social media.

We were not immune from insect problems in 2021 as we had the emergence of Brood X of the cicada. Termites, bed bugs, and numerous other household insects were identified. A heavy outbreak of armyworms did significant damage to lawns, golf courses and parks. Again commercial as well as homeowners received help in the way of identification, alerts, and control recommendations from the Horticulture staff at the Boone County Extension Service.