LATEST POSTS
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Question of the Week – Lesser Cornstalk Borer
What is this critter that was found in a cowpea stem? This small caterpillar is a lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus)(LCB). LCBs are not commonly found in cowpeas, although they are listed as a host. LCB typically prefers soybeans, peanuts, or corn. Usually, the first symptoms are wilting and plant collapse. Physical symptoms are not…
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South Carolina Field Update (October 5, 2026): Fall Weather Brings Fall Harvests
Though we didn’t receive as much rain as we expected over the weekend, the cooler weather has been a treat. Fall harvests of pumpkins, sweetpotatoes, squash, brassicas, and peppers are looking good. Diseases have been picking up in places on brassicas and cucurbits. New training resources for strawberry planting crews were published last week, including…
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Question of the Week – Bacterial Leaf Blight
What caused the irregular necrotic spots on this mustard? These irregular spots are a symptom of bacterial leaf blight (Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis). This bacterial disease of brassicas is most serious on mustard and turnip. Bacterial leaf blight typically appears in the fall or spring and can spread to healthy plants through splashing rain. This…
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South Carolina Field Update (September 28, 2026): Strawberry Prep Continues as Fall Temps Arrive
We had a beautiful week of weather and even some rain in places. Strawberry land prep continues, and some day-neutral varieties have already been planted. Disease pressure remains low overall, though some bacterial spot and powdery mildew issues are present in places. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Strawberry field prep continues – some day-neutral…
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Question of the Week – Synthetic Auxin Herbicide
What caused this foliar deformation on sweetpotatoes? This deformation was caused by the drift or volatilization of a synthetic auxin herbicide (including 2,4-D, dicamba, clopyralid, aminopyralid, triclopyr, etc.), though the exact culprit was not known. The damage was pretty evenly distributed across the field, suggesting volatilization from a nearby field is the more likely cause.…
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South Carolina Field Update (September 21, 2026): Muscadines begin to tail off as strawberry preparations accelerate.
The current week has given a taste of fall, with cooler mornings. Muscadine harvesting is finishing for processing cultivars and continues for some fresh market cultivars. Fall crops are developing well with the emphasis being placed on preparing for strawberry planting. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Muscadine harvests are coming to an end –…
