KY Plant Disease

KY Plant Disease Learn all about plant diseases of fruit, vegetables, and hemp. University of Kentucky Plant Pathology

University of Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Specialist, Dr. Nicole Gauthier, shares information you can use in the form of publications, articles, photos, and research updates.

Plant diseases is field-planted h**p can result in premature leaf drop, bud decay, dieback, decline, and even plant deat...
05/30/2026

Plant diseases is field-planted h**p can result in premature leaf drop, bud decay, dieback, decline, and even plant death. A good sanitation program can help reduce disease in the field. In addition, these practices can reduce the need for chemical controls, which are a limited option for h**p growers. Sanitation can also improve the effectiveness of other cultural practices for managing diseases. https://buff.ly/QeumDYw

Plant diseases in field-planted h**p can result in premature leaf drop, bud decay, dieback, decline, and even plant death. A good sanitation program can help reduce disease in the field. In additi…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft Fungicide Strategy in early May 2026, as part of its ong...
05/29/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft Fungicide Strategy in early May 2026, as part of its ongoing effort to meet requirements under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although the document itself does not impose new requirements at this time, it is important for Kentucky growers, crop consultants, applicators, and other stakeholders because it outlines how future fungicide labels and use directions could change.
https://buff.ly/VaMfhoS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft Fungicide Strategy in early May 2026, as part of its ongoing effort to meet requirements under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This…

Fire blight is the most important disease of apple and pear in Kentucky. Symptoms may now be visible; however, initial i...
05/26/2026

Fire blight is the most important disease of apple and pear in Kentucky. Symptoms may now be visible; however, initial infections occurred at bloom. Removal of these pathogen sources can reduce spread of fire blight and should be completed in late winter while the pathogen is dormant.
https://buff.ly/NeHUFQ9

Fire blight is the most important disease of apple and pear in Kentucky. Symptoms may now be visible; however, initial infections occurred at bloom. The pathogen survives winter in dead, dying, and…

Sclerotinia diseases can infect numerous vegetable crops and can be known by many different names. The most commonly aff...
05/25/2026

Sclerotinia diseases can infect numerous vegetable crops and can be known by many different names. The most commonly affected vegetable hosts include beans (white mold), cabbage (head rot), lettuce (drop), and tomato (timber rot). Vegetable crops in commercial production (field and high tunnel) and home gardens may become infected. Severe infections may result in plant death, leading to significant losses for growers. https://buff.ly/I41sRdH

Sclerotinia diseases can infect numerous vegetable crops and can be known by many different names. The most commonly affected vegetable hosts include beans (white mold), cabbage (head rot), lettuce…

Cane blight occasionally impacts raspberries and blackberries in Kentucky. The disease causes lesions to develop on both...
05/22/2026

Cane blight occasionally impacts raspberries and blackberries in Kentucky. The disease causes lesions to develop on both primocanes and floricanes, and can result in reduced yield and cane death. Fungicides are available; however, sanitation is a critical step in prevention and management.
https://buff.ly/BLcvaFN

Cane blight occasionally impacts homegrown and commercial raspberries and blackberries in Kentucky. The disease causes lesions to develop on both primocanes (current-year canes) and floricanes (sec…

Extension agents & growers may occasionally receive diagnostic reports from the UKY Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory ...
05/21/2026

Extension agents & growers may occasionally receive diagnostic reports from the UKY Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory that indicate, “no disease was found.” This may result from an insufficient sample &/or that the plant problem does not result from an infectious disease. Read on to learn more about this type of diagnosis.
https://buff.ly/wfZgTkG

Extension agents and growers may occasionally receive diagnostic reports from the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory that indicate, “no disease was found.” This may result …

In Kentucky, pest management in home orchards can be challenging, and fungicide and insecticide applications are often n...
05/20/2026

In Kentucky, pest management in home orchards can be challenging, and fungicide and insecticide applications are often necessary for management of certain pests. Fruit bagging, however, can eliminate certain sprays by physically protecting fruit during development.
https://buff.ly/oCqouFQ

In Kentucky, pest management in home orchards can be challenging, and fungicide and insecticide applications are often necessary for management of certain pests. Fruit bagging, however, can elimina…

Dead, curled leaves dangling by fungal “threads” are typical of a disease called thread blight.  This disease is more co...
05/13/2026

Dead, curled leaves dangling by fungal “threads” are typical of a disease called thread blight. This disease is more common in eastern Kentucky, where sites are more prone to heavy fog or lack morning sun. Unlike fire blight, which kills branch tips, thread blight begins on interior portions of trees. https://buff.ly/1vdTmaX

Dead, curled leaves dangling by fungal “threads” are typical of a disease called thread blight. This disease is more common in eastern Kentucky, where sites are more prone to heavy fog or lack mor…

Sanitizing surfaces is a critical step for greenhouse and nursery sanitation. This is particularly important for sites w...
05/12/2026

Sanitizing surfaces is a critical step for greenhouse and nursery sanitation. This is particularly important for sites where disease was a problem in previous crops. Pathogens that cause plant disease can survive in debris, in soil, or on surfaces. Cleaning and sanitizing greenhouses, benches, containers, and tools are important steps in eliminating microscopic propagules that can cause disease in subsequent crops. https://buff.ly/82vuw00)

Sanitizing surfaces is a critical step for greenhouse and nursery sanitation. This is particularly important for sites where disease was a problem in previous crops. Pathogens that cause plant di…

Black rot is a common disease of grapes in Kentucky. Due to the prevalence of this disease, it is also one of the most e...
05/11/2026

Black rot is a common disease of grapes in Kentucky. Due to the prevalence of this disease, it is also one of the most economically important diseases of grapes. Black rot can affect all young, developing, above ground plant tissues. However, fruit infections are the most destructive. Without adequate disease management, both home and commercial vineyards may suffer significant yield losses. https://buff.ly/AHqkJp6

Black rot is a common disease of grapes in Kentucky. Due to the prevalence of this disease, it is also one of the most economically important diseases of grapes. Black rot can affect all young, de…

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