Warm temperatures persist, and scattered rain came late in the week. Apple harvest has begun in the very northwest corner of the state. Muscadine harvest is picking up with good yields and quality being reported. Disease incidence is increasing in several crops, so scout and treat accordingly.
Key Takeaways for Growers This Week
- Apple harvest has begun in the Upstate – numerous varieties available
- Muscadines are coming to harvest – yield and quality are good so far
- Disease pressure is building – affecting okra, tomatoes, pecans
- Agent Bruce McLean returns to Clemson Extension – see his first report below
Pee Dee Report
Brad Fowler
- We’re still experiencing some issues with black spots on both the stems and pods of okra, and we are working to figure out exactly what it is.
- I’ve seen what looks like root rot in fall tomatoes, so be sure to stay on top of soil moisture without going overboard with watering.
- I did see an issue the other day with what appeared to be phytotoxicity on cantaloupe due to a fungicide application. Make sure to follow the label instructions, especially when mixing fungicides, to avoid damage.
- Most of our other fall vegetables are looking pretty good as of right now, with no major issues to report.
Bruce McLean
- I got a chance this week to walk through a muscadine vineyard. The variety was Noble (a high-yielding, small- to medium-sized black grape primarily grown for juice and wine production), and the grower was interested in seeing how close to harvest he was. To determine this, you need to look at a few different things: (1) the progression of the coloration of the muscadines, (2) the brix (or percentage of sugars) of the fruit, (3) the amount of fruit that has already shed from the vines, and (4) impending tropical weather that may be in the forecast. The vast majority of the fruit was fully colored black and was mostly soft. Brix readings (measured by a refractometer) were from 12.4 (on the low end) to 19.2 (on the high end), with the vast majority of the fruit falling within the 15.0-15.6 range. I estimated the average Brix was 15.4. Harvest should be ASAP. There was little to no recent fruit that had dropped on the ground (under the vines). And, there is no impending tropical weather event in the short-term forecast. Most wine or juice processors target around 15 Brix, though some allow slightly higher Brix readings. Juice that has an average Brix of less than 13 or greater than 17 is often discounted because of either not being sweet enough or being too sweet (…and referred to as being ropey). Noble is a variety that allows for a delayed harvest because of its ability to hang for an extended period. Carlos (another widely grown juice and wine variety), on the other hand, does not hang for long and will drop from the vine with the slightest vibration or shaking by a machine harvester. Often, the recommendation for one variety does not necessarily apply to the other variety. Also, there was very little disease or insect pressure observed.
- A pecan orchard I walked through had surprisingly little to moderate pecan scab pressure, even on susceptible varieties with no fungicide spray program. I cannot quite say that is the case for everyone around the Pee Dee. Depending on when you received rain and the amount and duration, the amount of disease you are experiencing could vary. Nut fill was also surprisingly good (for the orchard to be on a deep, sandy site and in a droughty year). There was some large limb breakage from recent wind events during thunderstorms. But, all in all, it looked like this may be a good crop this year for the grower.
Upstate Report
Briana Naumuk
- Here in the Upstate, we have experienced a hot, humid start to September, followed by scattered rainfall. The coming week is expected to remain warm. Forecast highs are generally in the mid-80s to low 90s, with the best chance for scattered thunderstorms late in the week.
- Use irrigation where rainfall has missed, avoid harvesting wet fruit when possible, and increase disease scouting after rain.
- Muscadine harvest is underway across the Upstate, with good crop quality reported so far. Continue harvesting fully colored, sweet fruit frequently and remove damaged or overripe berries. Following rain and humid weather, scout closely for black rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and fruit rots.
- Apple harvest has begun in Oconee. Mutsu, Crimson Crisp, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady are currently ready. Harvest is looking good right now. Later-season varieties will begin to be ready over the next month. Growers should continue to scout for insect pests and disease
- Fig harvest is winding down, but may continue into mid-September in protected, actively growing sites. Harvest figs when they soften, droop, and reach full color. Pick promptly to reduce souring, splitting, insect damage, and fruit loss. Make sure figs are healthy and getting enough water as we begin to think about cooler temperatures to ensure that they can fend off frost and freeze.
Question of the Week
What is the green, shiny thing on this eggplant?
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 