Success StoryKentucky Pest Alert System Project for Nursery Producers



Kentucky Pest Alert System Project for Nursery Producers

Author: Traci Johnson

Planning Unit: Todd County CES

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Plan of Work: Strengthening Agriculture Production, Management, and Marketing Skills

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Specialists for University of Kentucky Plant Sciences and Entomology began a research project in 2022 to create a pest alert system for nursery producers.  In past surveys, nursery growers had indicated that pest scouting was a priority in their operations.  This project was begun to provide timing of pest emergence information, help growers be aware of pests in their area, and develop an alert system that enabled pest management when pests were easier to kill and cheaper to manage.

The Oldham County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent worked with a local tree nursery and University of Kentucky Extension to collect data during the 2022 growing season.   This included:

  • Monitoring and downloading temperature data from a datalogger installed at the nursery
  • Scouting every 7 – 10 days through growing season for insect and disease pests present
  • Sending samples to specialists for identification
  • Documenting pest presence with photos
  • Keeping nursery producer notified of documented pests

Extension specialists and agents will continue collecting data from multiple nursery locations across Kentucky in 2023.  Specialists plan to fully implement the pest alert system in 2023.

 






Stories by Traci Johnson


Strengthening Farm Operations in Oldham County

Strengthening Farm Operations in Oldham County

about 3 years ago by Traci Johnson

Programs and services that strengthen farming operations are a priority for the Oldham County Extens... Read More


Researching Cereal Rye’s Potential in Kentucky

Researching Cereal Rye’s Potential in Kentucky

about 3 years ago by Traci Johnson

University of Kentucky researchers have been looking at cereal rye as a crop for Kentucky farmers fo... Read More


Stories by Todd County CES


Cook Together, Eat Together

Cook Together, Eat Together

about 3 years ago by Jill Harris

It has been reported that cooking more meals at home is related to increased fruit and vegetable con... Read More


The Power of Your Pantry

The Power of Your Pantry

about 4 years ago by Jill Harris

Early during the pandemic, many people found their grocery stores temporarily out of certain food pr... Read More