LATEST POSTS
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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…
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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…
The South Carolina Grower 