LATEST POSTS
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South Carolina Field Update (April 13, 2026): Insects Are Up, Disease Is Down As Drought Continues
Dry, dusty conditions continue as near-record heat sets in this week. Though overall disease pressure is low, powdery mildew is appearing in multiple crops. The weather conditions are allowing insects and mites to thrive. Clemson Extension agents have been working hard the past year writing a cut flower manual. The new manual will be available…
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Question of the Week – Cold Injury
What happened to these strawberry leaflets? Although the tops of these strawberry leaves look perfectly fine, their undersides are discolored and bronze. The culprit? Cold damage. Only showing up on the underside of the leaf because, as the covers were pulled over the plants, the leaves were folded over. Leaves that came in direct contact…
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South Carolina Field Update (April 6, 2026): Crops Look Good So Long As the Irrigation is Running
Despite the forecast for a stormy Easter, most of the state remains dry after receiving very little rain. Strawberry picking is wide open in the Lowcountry and Midlands and is beginning in the Upstate. Disease remains low, though some dry-weather-related insect and mite problems are emerging. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode…
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Question of the Week – Leopard Moth
What type of moth is this? This is a leopard moth (F: Erebidae). The leopard moth is one of the most widely distributed moth species. The adults are active for only a few days, with the sole aim of reproducing. Pink-orange eggs are laid on the bark of deciduous shrubs and trees, including pears and…
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Spray Coverage and Spider Mite Management
By Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Scouting for spider mites in strawberries will be especially important in the coming weeks as warm, dry weather continues in the lowcountry. The possible rain in the midlands and upstate may help buffer against surging spider mite numbers. Some growers may find themselves needing to spray a miticide. This post…
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South Carolina Field Update (March 30, 2026): Dry Weather Persists as More Growers Begin Picking Strawberries
After a cooler weekend, warm weather will return this week. It’s been very dry, and we’re looking forward to a little rain later this week. More of the state is beginning to pick strawberries, though we aren’t in peak production yet. Spring vegetables are being planted now and are looking good so far. Key Takeaways…
The South Carolina Grower 