UKy Extension Entomology

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Pest Alerts

Entfacts are concise publications that deal with information and recommendations on insect problems. You can browse the entire set or use key words to search for specific information on topics ranging from butterfly gardens to stinging caterillars and beyond.

Kentucky Pest News
This newsletter contains articles written by Extension Specialists in Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science on insects, diseases and weeds that affect Kentuckians. You can use key words to search KPN issues for articles on specific topics.

Insect Management Recommendations for Field Crops and Livestock
All information and recommendations in the Ky Crop and Livestock Pest Management Recommendations are time-sensitive and apply only to Kentucky.

4H & Youth Entomology
Grade-specific sections for students, parents, and educators. Each is filled with entomology information, educational resources, and a special section devoted to Kentucky 4H Entomology Resources.

Kentucky's Pesticide Safety Education Program This page provides resources and information for certified private and commercial pesticide applicators in the Commonwealth.

Entomology for Master Gardeners
Basic information on subjects covered in the Master Gardener training program.

Integrated Pest Management in Kentucky
Information available from this site includes an overview of the Ky IPM program along with crop manuals and fact sheets, weather and degreeday models, and picture sheets.

Top 10 Lists from The Insect Identification Lab
These lists contain the most common arthropods sent to the Insect Identification Labs in Princeton and Lexington.

Arthropod Activity Notes
Historical information is being compiled here. It includes detections of new species in the state along with information from newsletters and reports concerning significant insect activity.

Crop Profiles for Kentucky
Crop profiles were prepared to help the USDA and EPA obtain complete production information for various commodities. They also provide a look at current research activities directed at finding replacement strategies for pesticides of concern.

Applied Research Programs
Results of applied research conducted by UK extension entomologists is available through this page.

Nearby infestations of the emerald ash borer pose a significant threat to Kentucky. You can keep up with the situation in the Commonwealth by visiting the Kentucky Emerald Ash Borer web page. If you suspect an infestation, call the EAB Hotline at (866) 322-4512.

The UK IPM program maintains a Kentucky Soybean Aphid web page.

The hemlock wooly adelgid has been found infesting hemlocks in southeastern Kentucky.

Timely Topics

Eastern Emerald Ash Borer Found in Kentucky

This news release provides information on EAB infestations found recently in the Commonwealth.

Bagworm eggs are hatching, now is the time to check landscape plants for signs of these destructive caterpillars. They attack both deciduous trees and evergreens but are especially damaging to juniper, arborvitae, spruce, pine and cedar. Large populations of bagworms can strip plants of their foliage and eventually cause them to die. More information is available in Entfact 440 Infestations often go unnoticed because people mistake the protective bags for pine cones or other plant structures. You can get help with insect identification from your local Cooperative Extension office.

Extension programs in Kentucky are designed "to help people help themselves". Extension entomology educational programs and applied research projects are developed to provide county extension agents and their clientele with information and tools needed to identify problems, evaluate their severity, and to provide alternative solutions from which sound management practices can be selected. Examples of groups impacted by our programs are: farmers, livestock producers, commercial horticulturists, homeowners, pest control operators, food service establishments, hospital personnel, and the wood preservation industry. Integrated Pest Management concepts are promoted and incorporated into all programs as applicable and serve as the foundation for program development. Programs and training materials are prepared for 4H/youth agents to foster an interest in science through entomology.

Our programs provide comprehensible and timely information which will allow Kentuckians to make effective, economical, and environmentally sound arthropod management decisions. We strive to provide the knowledge base required to make long term impacts on problems, while efficiently addressing short term solutions to individual or local problems. Every effort is made to insure that extension clientele understand the biological and ecological impact of the problem addressed and a range of available options for that problem that include, but are not limited to, pesticides.

Program Goals

To develop educational programs based on contemporary research publications, extension literature, and current data on arthropod activity that is available in IPM and insect identification databases. This information must be available in an efficiently deliverable format that will allow rational and effective management decisions.
To become a national leader in the transfer of timely information on arthropod management. This includes such topics as practical control of pests, techniques to conserve desirable species, and an increased public understanding of science and environmental issues through entomology.
To develop and implement simple, yet accurate methods for evaluating and improving programs.

Program Objectives

To develop educational programs addressing the needs of Kentuckians that are widely recognized for their creativity and high quality.
To increase in service training opportunities for county agents that will allow them to respond to entomological and pest management topics in their counties
To use well-designed applied research to provide answers to arthropod management.
To use a variety of innovative and traditional techniques to deliver high quality educational materials in an efficient and expedient manner.
To maintain high quality educational programs that are designed to stimulate interest in science and entomology among Kentucky youth.

Extension Entomology Program Responsibilities

Ric Bessin: Corn, vegetables, fruit

Doug Johnson*: IPM coordinator, small grains, soybeans and stored grain

Patty Lucas*: IPM Specialist

Blake Newton: 4H and Youth Programs

Mike Potter: Structural pest control, urban, medical, horticulture and turf entomology

Lee Townsend: Tobacco, forages, veterinary entomology and pesticide safety education

S-225 Ag Science North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
Phone: (859) 257-5955
Fax: (859) 323-1120

*Western Ky Research & Education Center
Princeton, KY 42445-0469
Phone: (270) 365-7541
Fax: (270) 365-2667

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