| Jamee Hubbard (PhD, 2004) studied biology and management of calico scale, an invasive soft scale that severely weakens and kills ornamental and shade trees. Calico scale is a regulatory concern in nurseries, and is particularly destructive on Kentucky horse farms where susceptible trees (maples, sweetgum, honeylocust, others) are planted beside pastures and roadsides. | |
 | Kentucky's equine industry suffered catastrophic economic loss in 2001?2003 when about 1/3 of the foal crop was lost to early- or late-term abortions (Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome). Subsequent research linked MRLS to mares' inadvertent ingestion of eastern tent caterpillars, an irruptive pest that reached outbreak status during the MSLS epidemic. Our lab investigated novel approaches for managing tent caterpillars with minimal risk to horses, helping farm managers to alleviate subsequent losses from MRLS. |
 | Here, a student monitors tent caterpillar egg hatch on wild cherry trees. |
 | Graduate Student Carl Redmond presents a research update at a meeting of Extension agents and tree care professionals held on a horse farm. |