Last Year’s Hemp Diseases Equal This Year’s Disease Risk

KIOM LEONBERGER AND DR. NICOLE GAUTHIER

PRINCETON, KEN.

   Disease presence last year can indicate a risk for the same disease this year. Many pathogens overwinter on infected plant material or as pathogen survival structures. Poor sanitation practices can lead to an increased risk of these diseases in the upcoming season. A summary of hemp samples submitted to University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories in 2020 are displayed here. The most common diseases were leaf spots and root, crown, and stem rots (Figure 1).

   Assessment of diseases likely to occur during the growing season provides the opportunity to utilize preventative management measures. 

   The University of Kentucky Plant Pathology Department provides numerous publications with additional information and management options for these diseases. County Extension agents also provide information on disease diagnosis and management. ∆

   KIM LEONBERGER: Plant Pathology Extension Associate, University of Kentucky

   DR. NICOLE GAUTHIER: Plant Pathology Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

Figure 1:

A summary of hemp disease samples submitted to UK Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories in 2020.