Success StoryDevelopment a methodology for estimation of hemp russet populations



Development a methodology for estimation of hemp russet populations

Author: Raul Villanueva

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Hemp

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

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. This method can be used by growers and researchers. In fact, some growers are already using this technique to detect HRM, and some research groups are applying it in their studies. This is a non-destructive, easy to use technique that not only reduce the time and fatigue caused by the long hours necessary to count all mites on one leaf, but it also allows us to postpone counting mites without worries of plant tissue deterioration, mite losses or death. A peer-reviewed manuscript on description and validation of this methodology was published on the Journal of Economic Entomology: https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toad004






Stories by Raul Villanueva


Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

about 10 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it wa... Read More


Building the Impact of the Kentucky Crop Health Conference 2nd year: 2024

about 4 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group continued to build on the su... Read More


Stories by Entomology


Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

Providing Science base Information to Banana Growers of the Dominican Republic on an New Invasive Pest in the Caribbean Region

about 10 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it wa... Read More


Building the Impact of the Kentucky Crop Health Conference 2nd year: 2024

about 4 months ago by Raul Villanueva

The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group continued to build on the su... Read More