Weekly Field Update – 8/14/23

Check out upcoming meetings on the Upcoming Events tab, and don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast.

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see this week’s Question of the Week, and check back on Thursday for the answer.

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes

• It has been a brutally hot and humid week in the Lowcountry.
• Hot peppers are loving this heat and coming in at great volumes.
• I have seen some sun scalding on fruit due to lacking a plant canopy.
• Poor nutrition in some cases (not having enough foliage) or diseases such as bacterial spot and phytophthora weaken the plant, so there are fewer leaves to provide shade. One grower had applied kaolin clay to help with the “sunburn.” Another product that can be used is calcium carbonate (SunShield).  These are good choices for both fruit and newly set transplants this time of year.  Flowers can bring great revenue to farms and add instant curb appeal.               

Flowers can provide great revenue and curb appeal. (Z. Snipes)

Midlands

Rob Last

• It has been another hot and humid week in the Midlands, with variable amounts of rainfall ranging from 0.66” to 1.57”
• Weather conditions are perfect for pest and disease outbreaks in remaining summer crops and early planted fall crops.
• Whiteflies are present in some crops of fall watermelons.
• If in doubt scout, scouting will help monitor progressions and aid in timely management.
• Preparations for fall crops continue at pace, with some early planted leafy greens emerging.

Fall watermelons maturing. (R. Last)

Question of the Week

What caused the hole in the side of this cucumber? (Nothing is wrong with the color. This cultivar is called Silver Slicer.)

Answer in the comments below and check back on Thursday to see the answer.