The current absence of rains has been affecting hemp transplants in Kentucky. In research plot transplants at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, more than 100 plants were lost out of nearly 600 hundred transplants. Thus, farmers are producing new seedlings to replace these plants.
As young plants growing outside are scarce due to the drought, some insects are moving to enclosed growing areas (such as high tunnels) to feed on young plants. In this particular case, a species of short-horned grasshopper, the Carolina grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina), was observed feeding on emergent hemp seedlings. The hind membranous wings of this grasshopper are distinctive: black except for the yellow outer border. This grasshopper is a strong flier and frequently is seen hovering or in a zig-zag, fluttering flight of courtship.
This insect consumed all hemp leaflets and even the stem; however, in many cases the only part of the seedling left in the cell was the main stem (Figure 3).
To protect against grasshoppers in hemp transplants, farmers may use pyrethrin or neem; however, these products may not have long lasting efficacies. Conventional insecticides are not registered in hemp. Probably, installing a screen as a barrier might be one alternative farmers may use.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops