LATEST POSTS
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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 –…
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Question of the Week – Hornworm Egg
What is the green, shiny thing on this eggplant? This is the egg of a tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). If you’ve ever grown tomatoes or eggplant, you’ve probably seen these large, green worms with a long horn on their rear end. Hornworms are a common pest of crops in the Solanaceae family. Because of their…
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South Carolina Field Update (September 14, 2026): Muscadine Harvest Picks Up As Apple Harvest Begins
Warm temperatures persist, and scattered rain came late in the week. Apple harvest has begun in the very northwest corner of the state. Muscadine harvest is picking up with good yields and quality being reported. Disease incidence is increasing in several crops, so scout and treat accordingly. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Apple harvest…
