COVID-19 has become a concern for fruit and vegetable growers, especially those expecting to open U-Pick operations in the coming weeks. It is unknown at this time how the virus, quarantines, and closures will affect produce sales. Updates will be shared on the SC Grower each week in regards to this issue. In the meantime, please take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your workers, and customers.
Coastal
Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “I received a couple samples of the aquatic weed Eurasian Watermilfoil this month from irrigation and other water-filled ditches. This invasive weed has been moving South and can block up waterways. Sonar herbicide is effective against this weed. Draining the ditches and allowing the weed to dry out can reduce the viability of this weed as well.”
Zack Snipes reports, “Things are warming up and drying out in the Lowcountry. Everyone is very busy preparing land and planting. Tomato planting will continue this week.”
Midlands
Justin Ballew reports, “Last week was mostly warm and sunny and there’s been lots of pine pollen in the air. Believe it or not, we have some places that are dry and are being irrigated. We have some ripe strawberries around that are ready to pick and I have been pleasantly surprised with the taste so far. It won’t be long before U-Pick operations are open. The dry weather has allowed spider mite populations to pick up and lots of folks have put out miticides. Be sure to scout regularly and stay on top of sanitation.”
Sarah Scott reports, “Most peach trees in the middle part of the state are well into bloom if not beyond. A break in the rain has given growers a chance to get into the field and spray for blossom blight as well as begin herbicide sprays in some orchards. There appears to be very little damage from previous cold nighttime temperatures but we will still have to wait to get the full scope until fruit development begins. Vegetable plastic has gone in later than usual due to muddy, wet field conditions. Spring brassicas are being planted and potatoes are still going in as well.
Pee Dee
Tony Melton reports, “Hurrying to get greens planted before the rain. Most sweet potato beds are in. Picking strawberries, but botrytis is bad because of all the rain and cloudy weather. Some are looking to start planting butterbeans soon to get ahead of the summer heat. Soil temperatures are good but, we never know about late frosts. It looks like we have some thinning of flowers/fruit on peaches with the cold temperatures, however, right now we still have a good crop.”
Upstate
Kerrie Roach reports, “We are starting to see some beautiful peach blooms here in the Upstate. The ‘Belle of Georgia’ blooms are at about 80% in Long Creek as of Thursday. Lots of honeybees were out doing their work.”
The South Carolina Grower 