Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-90s this week as we inch closer to the official start of summer. Crops have grown quickly following the recent rain. Small fruits are continuing to harvest well. Keep an eye out for insects and diseases as the heat and humidity ramp up.
Key Takeaways for Growers This Week
- It will be hot this week – Get work done early in the day & drink lots of water
- Disease pressure expected to increase – Maintain spray programs
- Scout cucurbits for downy mildew – It usually shows up the first of June
- Crops coming to harvest – peaches, blueberries, watermelons, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, blackberries, leafy greens, eggplant, peppers
The latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast is available now.
Pee Dee Report
Brad Fowler
- Squash and zucchini are looking good and producing well, but with recent rainfall, it’s a good idea to stay on top of disease management.
- Tomatoes are also continuing to produce, but this week is supposed to bring some pretty hot weather, which can result in poor fruiting. Be sure to keep up with regular irrigation if possible.
- Okra crops seem to be doing fine with no real issues reported. However, it’s important to stay on the lookout for the Cotton Jassid Leafhopper and contact your local Extension office with any questions regarding this pest.
- Muscadines and blueberries continue to look pretty good with no issues reported.
- As a general note, it seems like it’s going to be feast or famine this year for rainfall, so try to be as proactive as possible with moisture management for your fruit and vegetable crops.
Upstate Report
Samantha Brown
- Weather conditions across the upstate have remained warm and humid. Frequent rainfall events and elevated humidity levels have created the perfect atmosphere for disease development.
- Strawberry harvest is winding down, with many of our farms having their last picks of the season this week.
- Blueberries and blackberries harvest has accelerated significantly, with growers reporting good fruit size and strong yields despite our late-season frost. Continue scouting for fruit rots and other fungal pathogens as temperatures begin to rise this week.
- Vegetable crops have responded favorably to this soil moisture and warm temperatures. Regular scouting and timely fungicide applications may be necessary to protect crop quality.
- Conditions have been highly favorable for fungal and bacterial pathogens due to frequent rainfall, extended dew periods, and high humidity. Growers should continue monitoring for early blight, Septoria leaf spot, bacterial diseases, powdery mildew, and various fruit rots depending on crop species.
Question of the Week – Grower Spotlight
Where is Daniel visiting this week?
Answer in the comments below and check back on Thursday to see the answer.
Don’t forget to look at the Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Have a great week!
The South Carolina Grower 