LATEST POSTS
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Weekly Field Update – 9/16/24
The Pee Dee region is expecting rain from a potential tropical weather system this week. Fall crops are growing well with fairly low disease pressure. Caterpillar populations are climbing in places. See below for more details. Check out the 2024 SC and GA Strawberry Production Webinar for some timely tips for the upcoming strawberry season.…
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Question of the Week – Milkweed Tussock Moth
What is this crazy-looking thing found on butterfly milkweed? This hairy thing is the caterpillar of the native milkweed tussock moth (Euchaetes egle), also called the milkweed tiger moth. Like the monarch butterfly, the milkweed tussock moth lays it’s eggs on milkweed for its larvae to feed and develop on. The hairs on this caterpillar…
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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…
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Fungus-Based Biological Control Agents: How Useful Are They for Strawberry Disease Management?
From Guido Schnabel, Jeffrey A. Hopkins, Jim Faust, and William Gura Biological control agents (BCAs) are being promoted for disease management in fruits, nuts, and vegetables but very little data is available about their efficacy especially when it comes to preharvest field performance. The Schnabel lab has investigated yeast-like fungi and true yeast BCAs, namely…
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Question of the Week – Timber Rattler
What kind of snake is this and is it poisonous? This is a timber rattler (Crotalus horridus), also known as a canebrake rattler. While snakes are not poisonous, this species is venomous. It is one of 6 species of venomous snakes in South Carolina. Timber rattlers can be found throughout most of the state and…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/3/24
The weather has turned dry over much of the state. Muscadines are coming to harvest as planting begins for some fall crops. Strawberry growers are still scrambling to make arrangements for the rapidly approaching planting season. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check…
The South Carolina Grower 