KY Plant Disease

The Fruit Scout Website provides access to the information found in the Apple, Bramble, Grape, Peach, and Strawberry Scouting Guides all in one place. It can be accessed from any phone, tablet, iPad, or computer. Learn more about this resource in the article at https://buff.ly/4xrW27c

Fruit Scout Website The IPM Scouting Guide publications for fruit crops are available as pdf files and as a mobile friendly Fruit Scout Website. This website provides access to the information found in the Apple, Bram…

Bacterial wilt of cucurbit crops is a common issue for homeowners and commercial producers in Kentucky. Cucumbers and muskmelons (cantaloupe) are highly susceptible to bacterial wilt, while squash and pumpkin are less susceptible. Watermelon is known to be resistant to bacterial wilt. Infected plants quickly collapse, resulting in crop loss. Preventative practices are critical for avoiding yield loss.
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Bacterial Wilt of Cucurbits Bacterial wilt of cucurbit crops is a common issue for homeowners and commercial producers in Kentucky. Cucumbers and muskmelons (cantaloupe) are highly susceptible to bacterial wilt, while squash …

Fruits are often soft, perishable, and particularly susceptible to a range of damage during harvest and storage. A significant percentage of postharvest losses are caused by plant diseases. Under moist conditions or high humidity, these infections can develop into molds, rots, or other decay. Even produce destined for fresh market can develop postharvest diseases during short-term storage.
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Preventing Postharvest Disease Losses in Fruit Crops Fruits are often soft, perishable, and particularly susceptible to a range of damage during harvest and storage. Growers can experience postharvest crop losses from 25 to 50%. A significant percent…

Cedar-apple rust is the most common and economically important rust disease of apple in Kentucky. The pathogen overwinters as galls on cedar and juniper. Removal of these pathogen sources on cedar can later reduce disease incidence on apple. Once apple trees become infected, limited management options are available. https://buff.ly/v5trajc

Cedar-Apple Rust Cedar-apple rust is the most common and economically important rust disease of apple in Kentucky.  The pathogen overwinters as galls on cedar and juniper. Removal of these pathogen sources on …

NEW RESOURCE!! The IPM Scouting Guide for Common Pests and Diseases of Kentucky H**p is available online. Check out this new resource!
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IPM Scouting Guides for Common Problems of H**p Scouting and monitoring crops to determine potential problems before they result in serious economic loss is key to the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.  University of Kentucky Exten…

Bacterial spot is the most common and economically important disease of peppers in Kentucky. The disease occurs in commercial and homegrown production. Disease damage to leaves results in yield reduction, while diseased fruits become unmarketable. Cultural and sanitation practices can help reduce disease severity, but chemical management may be needed to protect plants from infection.
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Bacterial Spot of Pepper Bacterial spot is the most common and economically important disease of peppers in Kentucky. The disease occurs in commercial and homegrown production. Disease damage to leaves results in yield red…

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

Sanitation Recommendations for Small-Scale Field H**p Plantings 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 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.
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EPA Draft Fungicide Strategy: What Stakeholders Should Know 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 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.
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Fire Blight Symptoms Now Visible on Fruit Crops 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 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 of Vegetable Crops 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…