Coastal Region
Zack Snipes reports, “Very few diseases and insects to report this week. The cooler weather and rain have really made fall planted greens and peas take off. We are still harvesting peppers and even an occasional squash and zucchini. The strawberry crop looks like it has taken root and is off to a good start with the exception of some deer damage here and there. I want to remind everyone of the NC Vegetable Expo which will be taking place in Wilmington, NC beginning on Thursday and going until Saturday. The Farm Bureau Annual Conference is also taking place this week in Myrtle Beach. Be sure to take advantage of these learning opportunities and pick up some last minute pesticide credits.
Midlands
Justin Ballew reports, “The weather last week was very mild and we had a couple light rains. This lead to some good growth on our strawberries and brassicas. Whiteflies are showing up again in low numbers in a few brassica fields and caterpillar numbers remain low. Stay on a regular scouting schedule, though. We’re harvesting lots of good looking collards and kale as well as a few other brassicas. We have some fall strawberries that are blooming now as well.”
Lalo Toledo reports, “We are picking collards and kale this week. Most of the brassica crops look good except for some cold damage. Cold damage has been an issue in the midlands and lower state, particularly on leafy greens. Diamond-back moth populations remain low in our area. Black rot has been spotted in some parts of collard fields (V-shaped lesions on older leaves).
Pee Dee Region
Tony Melton reports, “Insect problems on greens have reduced tremendously with the cooler weather. Dry fall has assisted tremendously in the harvest of processing fall greens. Therefore, only a few turnips and mustard left to harvest and regrowth collards are well on their way and will be ready to harvest around the first of the year. The last of the sweet potatoes will be harvested this week if weather permits. I have seen some spidermites on strawberries especially on the fall bearing crop.
The South Carolina Grower 