Black spot is the most common and destructive foliar disease of roses in Georgia. The fungus causes unsightly black lesions on leaves, defoliation, reduced bloom, and weakened plants. Georgia’s warm, humid climate, with frequent spring and summer rains, creates ideal conditions for black spot to develop and spread. This article gives concrete guidance on when […]
Ornamentals grown in Georgia span greenhouse and nursery production, landscape plantings, and specialty cut-flower operations. Viral pathogens represent a persistent and often hidden threat to these crops. Unlike fungal and bacterial diseases, viruses cannot be treated with chemicals after infection; they require proactive prevention, rapid detection, and strict cultural practices to limit spread. This article […]
Heavy rains in Georgia create ideal conditions for many foliar, root, and crown fungal diseases. Warm temperatures, extended leaf wetness, poor drainage, and stressed plants combine to accelerate fungal growth and spore dissemination. For landscape managers, gardeners, and property owners, a systematic evaluation after heavy rainfall helps prioritize actions that prevent loss, reduce chemical use, […]
Companion planting is a practical, low-input strategy for reducing pest pressure while supporting pollinators and beneficial insects. In Georgia, where long, hot summers and humid winters support a diverse set of pests and pathogens, thoughtful plant pairings and bed design can make the difference between chronic pest problems and a productive, resilient garden. This article […]
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that can cause severe damage to vegetable, fruit and ornamental plants. In Georgia home gardens the most common plant-parasitic nematodes are root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and sting nematodes (Belonolaimus spp.). Successful prevention relies on integrated practices tailored to Georgia’s warm climate and long growing season. This article […]
Georgia is synonymous with peaches, but the climate that makes the state ideal for fruit production also favors a suite of diseases that reduce yield, lower fruit quality, and increase production costs. Choosing disease-resistant peach varieties is one of the most effective, long-term strategies a grower can use to improve orchard profitability and sustainability. This […]
Downy mildew (caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis) is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of cucumbers in Georgia. Because it spreads rapidly under favorable weather and can devastate marketable yield, early detection and a decisive, integrated response are essential. This article provides a practical, region-specific action plan: how to recognize downy mildew, immediate […]
Spider mites are a common and destructive pest of vegetables in Georgia. They thrive in the state’s hot, dry summers and can cause rapid decline of many garden and farm crops when left unchecked. Understanding what spider mite damage looks like, how to monitor for it, and how to manage it with an integrated approach […]
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause outsized damage to pepper crops in Georgia. In addition to direct feeding injury–stippling, silvering, scarring–several thrips species are major vectors of tospoviruses such as tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Successful protection requires an integrated approach that combines monitoring, cultural practices, biological control, and carefully targeted insecticide use. […]
Tomato wilt that develops suddenly, sometimes overnight, is one of the most alarming problems a Georgia gardener can face. The sight of healthy-looking vines drooping by morning or collapsing from one day to the next demands a fast, accurate diagnosis and practical steps to protect the rest of the crop. This article explains the common […]
Fire ants are a common and persistent problem for homeowners, gardeners, and property managers across Georgia. These invasive ants can damage turf, sting people and pets, displace native wildlife, and interfere with outdoor activities. Effective management requires a combination of identification, prevention, monitoring, and targeted control measures. This article provides practical, detailed guidance you can […]
Understanding scale insects and why camellias are vulnerable Camellias in Georgia are prized for their glossy evergreen leaves and winter blooms, but those same dense canopies and extended growing season make them attractive to several scale species. Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that include armored scales, soft scales, and “tea scale” (a common pest […]
Powdery mildew is one of the most recognizable and frequent diseases of ornamental plants in Georgia. It appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and buds and can reduce aesthetic value, lower flowering, and weaken plants over time. Understanding why powdery mildew develops on ornamentals in Georgia requires looking at the pathogen biology, […]
Understanding when to treat tomato blight is one of the most important decisions a Georgia home gardener can make. Treat too late and you may lose fruit and vines; treat too early or unnecessarily and you waste time, money, and may promote resistance. This article explains how to recognize blight, how Georgia climate and seasons […]
Georgia lawns face a wide range of fungal and fungus-like diseases driven by the state’s warm temperatures, high humidity, heavy summer rainfall, and diverse turfgrass species. Understanding which pathogens are likely, how they show up, and what cultural and chemical controls work best is essential for home owners, landscape managers, and turf professionals. This article […]
Diagnosing whether a problem in vegetable crops is caused by a nutrient deficiency or by disease is a critical skill for growers in Georgia. Similar visual symptoms can arise from very different causes, and management strategies differ widely. This article presents a systematic, practical approach to distinguishing nutrient issues from pathogen or pest problems, with […]
Georgia gardeners face a mixture of intense summer heat, periodic drought, and a wide range of insect and disease pressures. Choosing plants that combine drought tolerance with natural pest resistance reduces maintenance, water use, and pesticide dependence. This article presents practical plant choices, traits to look for, planting and care strategies, and specific recommendations for […]
Georgia’s warm, humid climate is ideal for many shade trees and for the fungi that attack their leaves. Fungal leaf spots are a common, recurring problem for oaks, maples, sycamores, sweetgums, dogwoods and other shade trees across the state. Left unmanaged, repeated infections reduce tree vigor, create unsightly canopies, and in severe cases contribute to […]
Gardening in Georgia presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. The long growing season, humid summers, and a wide range of native plant communities mean both pests and helpful insects thrive. Designing your garden to favor beneficial insects pays dividends: healthier plants, reduced need for chemical controls, improved fruit and seed set, and stronger […]
Sooty mold is a black, powdery fungal growth that colonizes the sticky honeydew left behind by sap-feeding insects. In Georgia citrus, it is a common and visible sign of an underlying pest problem. While the fungus itself does not invade plant tissues, a heavy coating can reduce photosynthesis, lower fruit quality, and make trees look […]
Bacterial spot is a common and economically important disease of pepper plants (Capsicum spp.) in Georgia and other warm, humid regions. It is caused primarily by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and related Xanthomonas species. Recognizing the disease early and distinguishing it from similar problems allows growers, home gardeners, and extension personnel to respond effectively with cultural, chemical, […]
Sap-sucking insects–aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and related pests–are a major challenge for Georgia gardeners. The state’s long growing season, warm winters in many areas, and humid summers create favorable conditions for these pests and for the fungi that grow on their honeydew. Controlling them organically requires an integrated approach: early detection, cultural adjustments, […]
Gardening in Georgia is rewarding: warm temperatures, long growing seasons, and a wide selection of plants thrive here. Those same conditions, however, favor fungal pathogens that cause powdery mildew, leaf spots, blights, rusts, and root rots. This guide provides a practical, in-depth approach to preventing fungal diseases in Georgia gardens, with concrete steps you can […]
Gardening in Georgia means dealing with a long growing season, warm winters in many areas, and a wide variety of insect species. Some of these insects are beneficial pollinators or predators, while others are persistent pests that can quickly damage vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, and turf. This guide explains how to identify the most common Georgia […]
Peach leaf curl (Taphrina deformans) is one of the most damaging diseases of peaches and nectarines in Georgia. Left uncontrolled, it can severely reduce tree vigor and fruit yield for multiple seasons. Successful management depends on timing: fungicides must be applied before the pathogen infects buds and newly emerging leaves in cool, wet weather. This […]
Georgia’s nursery industry is a major component of the state’s agricultural economy and a critical source of landscape plants for homeowners, municipalities, and commercial developers across the Southeast. Nurseries concentrate diverse plant species, move plant material frequently, and operate many vectors for insect transfer (trucks, containers, tools, people). Those factors make nurseries uniquely vulnerable to […]
Bacterial leaf spot is a frequent and economically important disease on many vegetable crops in Georgia. Correct diagnosis is the foundation of effective management. This guide provides a step-by-step, practical approach that growers, crop scouts, and crop consultants can use in the field and when interacting with diagnostic laboratories. Emphasis is placed on symptoms, sampling […]
Growing attractive, long-lasting summer beds in Georgia means designing for extreme heat, high humidity, and the fungal and bacterial pressures that come with them. Choosing disease-resistant annuals is the first and most effective step toward beds that stay healthy and colorful through mid-summer and beyond. This article covers plant choices, site preparation, cultural practices, and […]
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are microscopic roundworms that attack plant roots, causing galls, reduced nutrient uptake, stunting, and serious yield loss in vegetables. In Georgia’s warm, humid climate these nematodes thrive and can be a chronic problem for home gardeners and small-scale growers. This article explains how to identify root-knot nematode problems, and provides practical, […]
Soil testing is one of the most cost-effective, science-based practices a vegetable grower in Georgia can use to prevent disease, improve yields, and reduce unnecessary inputs. Disease in vegetable beds is rarely caused by a single factor; it is the result of interactions among soil chemistry, physical structure, biology, and crop management. A consistent soil […]
Squirrels are a common and persistent problem for fruit growers in Georgia. The state’s mild winters and abundant hardwoods support large populations of Eastern gray and fox squirrels that feed on buds, flowers, fruit, and bark. Damage can range from cosmetic fruit loss to structural harm that weakens trees and invites disease. This article explains […]
Powdery mildew is one of the most recognizable and common fungal diseases of crape myrtles in Georgia. Identifying it early and understanding its life cycle, preferred conditions, and practical control measures will help you protect the ornamental value and long-term health of these trees and shrubs. This article describes the visual symptoms to watch for, […]
Tomato hornworms are among the most visible and destructive caterpillars in Georgia gardens and farms. For organic growers — from backyard gardeners in Savannah to small-scale commercial producers in the mountains — controlling hornworms without synthetic insecticides requires an integrated approach that combines monitoring, cultural practices, biological controls, exclusion, and targeted organic sprays. This article […]
Blossom-end rot (BER) is one of the most common and frustrating problems for tomato growers in Georgia. It appears as a sunken, leathery, brown to black spot on the blossom end of developing fruit and can ruin entire crops if conditions are right. Understanding why it occurs, how Georgia’s climate and soils contribute to it, […]
Hot summers in Georgia create ideal conditions for many insect pests to reproduce rapidly and stress plants at the same time. Successful garden management during heat waves requires a mix of monitoring, cultural adjustments, biological controls, and careful use of products. This article outlines concrete, practical strategies to prevent and respond to heat-related pest surges […]
Root rot is one of the most common and damaging problems for Georgia landscapes. Warm temperatures, heavy seasonal rainfall, slow-draining soils, and a variety of pathogenic organisms create ideal conditions for root rot organisms to thrive. This article explains the biology and common causes of root rot in Georgia, how to diagnose it early, and […]
Scale insects and mealybugs are two of the most common and persistent pests on Georgia houseplants. Both can quietly build populations and damage foliage, stems, and roots while producing sticky honeydew and promoting sooty mold. Knowing when to treat, which methods to use, and how to prevent reinfestation will save plants and reduce the need […]
Vegetable production in Georgia faces persistent pressure from a suite of viral pathogens that reduce yield, quality, and marketability. Viruses differ from bacteria and fungi in being obligate intracellular agents that require living hosts and often depend on insect vectors or contaminated seed and tools for transmission. Effective management requires accurate identification, understanding of epidemiology, […]
Accurate diagnosis of fungal leaf spots is the first step toward protecting shade trees in Georgia landscapes. Misidentifying the cause can lead to unnecessary treatments, wasted resources, and continuing tree decline. This article guides you through a systematic, field-tested process to recognize, sample, and interpret fungal leaf spot problems on common urban and suburban shade […]
Mulch is one of the most effective landscape management tools for Georgia homeowners and professionals who want healthier plants and fewer soil-borne diseases. Used correctly, mulch moderates soil temperature, reduces moisture fluctuations, suppresses weeds, and greatly reduces soil splash that spreads root and foliar pathogens. Used incorrectly, mulch can trap moisture against stems, create anaerobic […]
Citrus trees in Georgia face recurring pressure from scale insects and the secondary problem of sooty mold. Scale pests suck sap, reduce tree vigor, blemish fruit and excrete honeydew that feeds black sooty mold. Effective protection combines regular monitoring, cultural practices that reduce pest pressure, biological control, and carefully timed treatments. This article gives practical, […]
Growing vegetables in Georgia presents a mix of opportunity and challenge. The state’s long warm season, abundant rainfall in spring and summer, and mild winters allow multiple plantings and high productivity. Those same conditions, however, favor many plant pathogens and pest vectors. Choosing disease-resistant vegetable varieties is one of the most practical, cost-effective and environmentally […]
Gardening in Georgia gives you a long growing season and a rich palette of native plants that support beneficial insects. Beneficial insects–pollinators, predators, and parasitoids–do vital work: they pollinate fruit and vegetable crops, suppress pests, and contribute to ecosystem health. To attract and sustain them, you need a plan that provides nectar, pollen, shelter, and […]
Powdery mildew is one of the most recognizable fungal diseases of roses in Georgia and across the southeastern United States. It can quickly reduce flower quality, weaken canes, and make a once-beautiful rose bush look dusty and unhealthy. This article explains what powdery mildew looks like on roses, why it appears in Georgia gardens, how […]
Scale insects are a common and persistent pest of ornamental trees and shrubs in Georgia. They suck plant sap, weaken hosts, excrete sticky honeydew that leads to sooty mold, and in heavy infestations can cause branch dieback or death of small trees. Successful management requires correctly identifying the type of scale, monitoring life stages, timely […]
Peach production in Georgia is a long-standing agricultural tradition, but growers at every scale face recurring outbreaks of bacterial spot. This disease can defoliate trees, scar fruit, reduce yields and marketability, and complicate production schedules. Understanding why peach trees in Georgia are particularly vulnerable requires looking at the causal bacterium, the regional weather patterns, tree […]
Lace bugs are one of the most common and persistent insect pests of azaleas in Georgia. Their feeding causes stippling, bronzing, and premature leaf drop that can drastically reduce the ornamental value of shrubs. Successful control requires accurate identification, timely monitoring, sound cultural practices, and targeted treatments when necessary. This article gives practical, step-by-step guidance […]
Southern blight is one of the most destructive soilborne diseases home gardeners and small-scale growers in Georgia face. It attacks the crown and roots of many common vegetable crops, causes rapid collapse, and leaves behind persistent, mustard-seed sized sclerotia that can survive for years in soil and organic debris. Preventing southern blight requires an integrated […]
Overview and purpose Azalea lacebug (Stephanitis spp.) is one of the most common and damaging insect pests of azaleas and some rhododendrons in Georgia landscapes. This article provides practical, science-based guidance on when to treat lacebug infestations in Georgia — from early detection and monitoring to thresholds that justify treatment, choice of control tactics, timing […]
Invasive pests in Georgia comprise a wide range of organisms — insects, pathogens, plants, and animals — that damage native trees, shrubs, understory plants and the ecological processes that sustain them. This article describes the major categories of invasive pests affecting Georgia’s native flora, profiles the most consequential species and syndromes, explains how they spread […]
Understanding and diagnosing soil-borne diseases is essential for maintaining healthy lawns and gardens in Georgia. Warm, humid climates combined with heavy clay soils, poor drainage, and intensive landscaping make many parts of Georgia prone to pathogens that live in the soil. This article provides a clear, step-by-step diagnostic approach, practical field techniques, and evidence-based management […]
Choosing the right plants for a Georgia landscape is one of the most powerful preventive strategies against recurring pest problems. Native species evolved with local insects and pathogens and often maintain balanced relationships with them, supporting predators and parasitoids that suppress pest outbreaks. This article provides concrete plant recommendations, seasonal design principles, and practical management […]
Georgia fruit growers face a mix of challenges: hot, humid summers that favor fungal pathogens and a range of wood-boring insects that attack trunks, scaffold limbs, and roots. This article explains how to identify the common culprits, outlines integrated cultural, biological, and chemical defenses, and provides a practical seasonal calendar and checklist to protect orchard […]
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a flexible, science-based approach to managing pests that emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and the least-toxic control methods. For Georgia home gardeners dealing with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and a wide range of insects, diseases, and weeds, IPM is not just an ecological ideal: it is a practical strategy that improves […]
Sooty mold is a common and highly visible problem on ornamentals across Georgia. The black, powdery coating on leaves and stems looks alarming, reduces plant vigor, and undermines landscape aesthetics. Correct identification and a practical, integrated response will remove the symptom and prevent recurrence. This article explains what sooty mold is, why it appears on […]
Early blight is one of the most common fungal problems affecting vegetable gardens and commercial plantings in Georgia, especially on tomatoes and potatoes. Knowing what to look for, how the disease develops in our warm, humid climate, and which management practices actually reduce disease pressure can mean the difference between a usable harvest and major […]
Gardening in Georgia presents a paradox: warm weather lengthens the growing season while also accelerating insect pest populations. Aphids and whiteflies are two of the most common sap-feeding pests in Georgia landscapes and vegetable gardens. They reproduce quickly, cause direct feeding damage and vector plant viruses, and their sticky honeydew leads to sooty mold. This […]
Tomato blight is one of the most common and frustrating problems for home gardeners and commercial growers across Georgia. Warm, humid summers and unpredictable rainfall combine with a variety of fungal and bacterial pathogens to create ideal conditions for foliage and fruit diseases. This article explains what “blight” really means, the pathogens most often involved […]
Georgia landscapes present a combination of warm temperatures, high humidity, and seasonal rainfall that favor many plant pathogens. Preventing diseases requires an integrated approach that combines proper plant selection, soil and water management, cultural practices, sanitation, and targeted chemical or biological controls when necessary. This article provides practical, detailed guidance you can apply across ornamentals, […]
Gardening in Georgia gives you a long growing season and a wide choice of vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. The downside is a long season for pests as well. This guide focuses on common garden pests in Georgia, how to identify them, and practical, effective treatments that fit an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Emphasis is […]