Weekly Field Update – 9/9/24

Conditions are quite dry across the state. Growers continue to prep strawberry fields and muscadines are coming into harvest. Insect isssues persist and viruses are common in cucurbits this season. See details below.

Check out the 2024 SC and GA Strawberry Production Webinar for some timely tips for the upcoming strawberry season. The webinar is available on-demand now through 10/15/24 and pesticide credits are available to participants. View Details and Register Here

Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below.

Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. 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

Phillip Carnley

• Pumpkins are growing well and have started bouncing back after all the root rot issues from Debbie. There are heightened levels of virus being seen. Make sure to plant varieties that are resistant. 
• Fall sweet corn is looking great with fall armyworms being the biggest issue currently. 
• Leafy greens are loving this cooler weather and so are the grasshoppers and diamondback moths. Most plantings in my area are just a week to a few weeks old. A product like Coragen for long lasting control coupled with organic options like xentari and dipel work great. If caterpillar pressure is still a problem, please consult your local agent. There has been little in the way of foliar issues since we’ve been dry. 
• Okra is still being harvested with decent yields. 
• Strawberry land is being prepped currently for next month’s planting. Make sure to sample for nematodes. Sting nematode is a huge problem for our sandier soils in the Midlands and causes issues with plant productivity. Myself, Andy Rollins, and Zach Snipes will be doing some on farm, in-line fumigation applications and trials. If interested in this kind of application method, please contact one of us and we would be happy answer your questions. 
• Fall cowpeas look great with little in the way insect damage.

Pee Dee

Christiana Huss

• It is dry in the Pee Dee. Many farms haven’t seen rain since the tropical storm 1 month ago.
• Cucurbits are struggling to bounce back after many drowned in the tropical storm. Powdery mildew and mosaic virus have been seen on various ornamental pumpkins. Despite the state of the plants, there are some beautiful gourds being produced. Choosing resistant varieties is the best way to protect against these diseases.
• Strawberry growers are getting ready for planting. Many have started fumigating their fields and purchasing fungicides. Many are worried about neopestalotiopsis, but I am hopeful that we are well prepared to identify the symptoms and apply protectant sprays.
• Collard greens are starting to be planted.
• Eggplant, okra, and peppers are all being harvested in great numbers.

Upstate

Briana Naumuk

• In the Upstate, we are experiencing a moderate drought. There is a forecast for rain this weekend. The drought has been causing some issues with fruit getting to a desirable size.
• Apple season is here in the Upstate. Many orchards had minimal frost damage this year and are looking to have a good harvest. Gala, Granny Smith, Mutsu, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious are all being picked now. A few orchards struggled with bitter rot on Granny Smith earlier in the season. The dry weather and proper spray schedule has gotten rid of the bitter rot.
• Mid-season varieties should be ready to pick in the next few weeks.
• The weather has begun to cool off at night which should help the apples form the anthocyanins needed to produce red coloration.

Andy Rollins

• We’re picking Paulk, Supreme, Fry, and other muscadine varieties. Concerns for contracts for muscadine wine grapes being reduced from NC wineries. Quality is excellent with cool weather allowing for slow ripening. Rot issues have subsided from last week. Sap beetles and wasps remain insect issues. Food safety-wise, baskets should be kept off the ground as pictured below from a research trial. Paulk, a black pollinator, is having slightly higher sugar than Supreme. Supreme (female) appears to have a higher total yield than Paulk but isn’t a large difference. The largest Supreme fruit are larger than Paulk although average size is better with Paulk.
• Strawberry ground being fumigated and prepared for planting. Growers need to make sure the ground has sufficient moisture for adequate shank fumigation. Make sure to fill out fumigation management documentation as needed.  

Question of the Week

What is this crazy-looking thing found on butterfly milkweed?

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