Livingston County ANR played a pivotal role in resolving a critical issue at Sugar Creek Flower Farm, a commercial flower farm operating in the county. The owner reached out with an urgent problem: thousands of zinnias, just beginning to bloom, were showing deformed flowers. Despite the rest of the plant appearing healthy and no visible bugs, the flowers were abnormal, and there were small piles of fine dirt around the plants. Desperate for a solution, she contacted Livingston County ANR for help.

Upon receiving her email and photos, Livingston County ANR swiftly acted. Adam requested plant and soil samples, which were immediately sent to the plant diagnostic lab in Lexington. Recognizing the urgency, he contacted Dr. Nicole Gauthier, an Extension Plant Pathologist, who visually inspected the samples and ruled out yellow aster as the cause. Suspecting a mite issue, Dr. Gauthier recommended involving Dr. Larson from Extension Entomology. Their combined expertise led to the identification of an eriophyid mite infestation causing petal deformities in the zinnias. Although samples were still on the way to the diagnostic lab, the team provided an expedited diagnosis and recommendation to the grower, ensuring a timely intervention.

With the clear diagnosis and effective treatment plan provided by Adam and Extension specialists, the farmer implemented the recommended treatments. As a result, the problem was swiftly resolved, and Sugar Creek Flower Farm was able to open a week later with healthy and marketable flowers. This successful collaboration between Livingston County ANR, Dr. Gauthier, Dr. Larson, and the diagnostic lab not only saved Sugar Creek’s zinnia crop but also ensured the continued success of their business.