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.