Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


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


Extension and outreach programs for Kentucky and Surrounded states in 2024

about 1 months ago by Raul Villanueva

I participated in the main extension events that took place at the University of Kentucky-Research a... Read More


New publication on the stink bugs of Kentucky with keys and color images

about 1 months ago by Raul Villanueva

In 2024, we published a peer reviewed manuscript on the stink bug fauna of Kentucky from specimens e... Read More


Stories by Entomology


Pesticide Safety Education Program

about 29 days ago by Tad Campbell

The University of Kentucky Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) develops educational materials ... Read More


Chemical Fertility of Cool Season Grasses

about 29 days ago by Tad Campbell

According to NASS USDA statistics for 2023, Kentucky has over 1.98 million acres of grass hay. Agric... Read More