Weekly Field Update – 9/5/23 – The South Carolina Grower

Recently, the results of the 2022 Farm Gate survey were posted showing data for several crops grown in SC. In the coming weeks, we will be collecting data for 2023 on a new set of crops. Extension Agents from around the state will be contacting growers to ask about this data. Our goal will be to calculate a total value for each crop in order to highlight the importance of agriculture in SC, track agricultural trends, obtain research funding, and provide information to our legislators who influence agricultural policy. No personal or identifying data will be published. Revisit the reports from 2022 to see an example of what will be released.

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.

Midlands

Rob Last

After the storms in the Midlands, crops are looking good with minimal damage. The low country is very wet still.
Following the rain, diseases will be increasing both bacterial and fungal pathogens.
I am picking up some Southern blight in tomatoes along with downy mildew in cucurbits.
Please remember to check transplants for disease issues, particularly black rot in brassicas. It is easier to reject diseased plants before transplanting than manage an existing issue. In the case of many bacterial diseases, management options are very limited.

Diseases are starting to pick up, like this Southern Blight. (R. Last)

Pee Dee

Brittney King

The tropical storm last week brought 4-6 inches of rain throughout my counties, so there was some flooding in low lying areas of fields. Pumpkin vines suffered some damage from the wind gusts, but have seemed to bounce back. A lot of debris was thrown into fields by the wind.
Scouting should be done regularly, but especially after an event like a hurricane that can weaken a crop and increase its vulnerability to insects and disease.

Upstate

Andy Rollins

In cucurbits, we are finding downy mildew and phytophthora. In pumpkin, we are seeing major issues with stem rot from phytophthora on one farm. It has been traced to irrigation ponds where water is being distributed across multiple fields. The extended cool, wet spring is thought to have contributed. Zampro, Orondis Gold, Ridomil and phosphites are all options, but need to be used preventively, as efficacy decreases when the disease has already established a foothold.
Strawberry growers are fumigating now. Make sure to fill out your fumigant management plan before beginning. Take your time and the check system for leaks beforehand. Make sure you remove your filter and clean or replace. Most of all be careful, as these materials are too dangerous to not treat with respect.
Harvest of muscadine has begun although still slow.