Statewide
Dr. Tony Keinath reported downy mildew being found on cucumbers in Bamberg County this past week. He cautioned all cucumber, cantaloupe, and watermelon growers to begin preventative sprays, if they are not already doing so. Refer back to this post for more info.
Coastal Region
Zack Snipes reports, “We finally got some much needed rain in the Lowcountry. I expect to see some disease to show up this week. Growers should be scouting all crops and spraying when needed. Downy mildew was found on cucurbits this week so be aware that you may see it in your fields as well. We had a great field day this week at the Coastal Research and Education Center.”
Midlands
Justin Ballew reports, “We had thunderstorms come through late in the week and it’s rained every day since. We needed it badly. Sweet corn and tomato picking has begun and they are looking good. We’re seeing a few stink bugs in sweet corn, but nothing severe. Powdery mildew is showing up on some cucurbits now that moisture has returned. Downy mildew could show up at any time here, so keep an eye out for that and stay on a good preventative spray schedule.
Sarah Scott reports, “Rain fall amounts range from 1 inch to over 5 throughout Aiken,Saluda and Edgefield Counties which will give irrigation systems a much needed break. Flea beetles are showing up on peppers.”
– Adult flea beetle and damage to pepper plant. Photos from Sarah Scott
Pee Dee Region
Tony Melton reports, “Pythium has been awful with all the heat. Bad on snapbeans, cucumbers, etc. Southern stem blight has been awful on tomatoes and peppers with the heat. Black rot has taken over some kale, cabbage, collard fields. Sensation strawberry has had very poor yields this spring but is still bearing in the heat. Pickleworm is hear and is worse in yellow squash, then cucumbers, and then zucchini. The heat caused the flowers to fall on the early planted butterbeans causing all the early plantings to come together with the later planting then with the rain and cooler temperatures all plantings are setting now. It appears we may have butterbeans but all plantings will come in at the same time causing problems with marketing.”
The South Carolina Grower 