Month: August 2024
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Question of the Week – Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
What is this critter found on a rose of Sharon leaf? This is a juvenile brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)(Halyomorpha halys). The BMSB is a native to Asia and was first reported in South Carolina in 2011. It is a pest of numerous agricultural crops including peaches, tomatoes, corn, and beans. They are also a…
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Weekly Field Update – 8/26/24
Strawberry growers are scrambling to find disease-free plants. Late-season disease and insect pressure is picking up and muscadines and other fall crops are nearing harvest. See details below. Researchers from universities across the Southeast are seeking to expand the number of crops on the MyIPM app for Vegetables. In order to do this, feedback is…
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2023 Crop Stats: Bulb Onions, Citrus, Grape and Cherry Tomatoes
In fall of 2023, Extension Agents throughout South Carolina surveyed growers on specialty crop acreage for the year. The goal was to identify the counties of production, acreage, and observable market prices for the year. In this round of surveys, data was collected for 14 fruit and vegetable crops. Bulb onions, citrus, and grape and…
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Question of the Week – Armyworms
What is causing this lawn to turn brown even though it has received over 5 inches of rain so far this month? This lawn is infested with fall armyworms (Spodotera frugiperda). In just a few days, the armyworms ate all the leaf blades, leaving little more than just stems. While multiple species of warm season…
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Dramatic Neopestalotiopsis Disease in Strawberry Nurseries
From Phil Brannen (UGA Plant Pathologist) and Guido Schnabel (Clemson Plant Pathologist) Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot and leaf spot is already making headlines for this coming 2024-2025 season. As many strawberry producers are aware, some nurseries are already “ringing the alarm bells”. There is a major pass through to strawberry nurseries and producers through use of…
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Weekly Field Update – 8/19/24
The Coastal and Pee Dee regions have been drying out from Tropical Storm Debby. Fall crops are being planted in many areas. Peach harvest is coming to a close and muscadine harvest will begin soon. Disease pressure has really kicked up. See details below. Growers may continue document any crop or infrastructure impacts from Tropical…
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SC Grower Exchange-August Deep Dive: Weed Management in SC
On this month’s deep dive, Extension agent Zack Snipes chats with Dr. Matt Cutulle about weed management in South Carolina. They discuss how cutting edge science and the modernization of agriculture is attracting non-typical students to the agriculture field. Dr. Cutulle gives some insight into how to change our mindset when managing problem weeds.
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Question of the Week – Carolina Mantid
What insect is hiding in plain sight in this photo. The insect right in the middle of the photo that looks like a woody stem is a Carolina mantid (Stagmomantis carolina). The Carolina mantid is a native to South Carolina and is our official state insect. A few recognizable features of mantids include the long…
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2023 Crop Stats: Cantaloupe, Green Onions, Tomatoes(Beefsteak)
In fall of 2023, Extension Agents throughout South Carolina surveyed growers on specialty crop acreage for the year. The goal was to identify the counties of production, acreage, and observable market prices for the year. In this round of surveys, data was collected for 14 fruit and vegetable crops. Cantaloupe, green onions, and beefsteak tomatoes…
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Weekly Field Update – 8/12/24
The coastal region and Pee Dee saw lots of rain and flooding in places from Tropical Storm Debby last week. As field conditions improve this week, please document any crop or infrastructure impacts from the storm by using the ESF-17 form. The information collected will be used to estimate the statewide agricultural impact of TS…
The South Carolina Grower 