LATEST POSTS
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Question of the Week – Strawberry Planting/Picking Machine
What is this homemade machine used for? This machine was built to aid in strawberry planting and picking. The driver lies on their stomach and operates it with a switch to move forward and a hand brake to stop. This allows the driver to creep down the row to pick or plant strawberries without bending…
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Managing Spider Mites in Fall Strawberry Fields
By Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist As part of a new SCDA block grant-funded project investigating the nature of spider mite pest problems in strawberries, I have been visiting strawberry farms to sample spider mites on transplant plugs and cutoffs in fields as they emerge with their first leaves. One goal of the project is to…
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South Carolina Field Update (November 2, 2026): Fall Weather Slows Warm-Season Crops
Strawberry planting has largely wrapped up, and some day-neutral varieties are beginning to set fruit. The recent cooler weather has slowed down some of our fall crops. There is a chance of rain in the forecast, and we desperately need it. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Strawberry planting is wrapping up – Continue overhead…
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Question of the Week – Painted Lady
Which species of butterfly is this? This is the painted lady (Vanessa cardui). The painted lady is the most widespread butterfly in the world, found across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Adults migrate long distances each year, beginning from tropical regions in the spring and heading north. The caterpillars feed on over 100 different…
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South Carolina Field Update (October 26, 2026): Strawberry Planting Continues
Strawberry planting continued last week and should start to wrap up this week. The weather so far has been great for planting, though growers should be cautious about plants drying out since we don’t have much moisture in the forecast. Other fall crops are looking great. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Strawberry planting continues…
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Question of the Week – Harlequin Bug
Which insect laid these black and white barrel-shaped eggs? These are the eggs of a harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica). Harlequin bugs are members of the stink bug family that feed primarily on brassicas, such as collards, kale, cabbage, and broccoli, as well as weeds like wild mustard, bittercress, pepperweed, and shepherdspurse. Like the eggs, adults…
