LATEST POSTS
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It’s Time to Spray Asparagus for Purple Spot
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath. Last October, purple spot was found on asparagus ferns in South Carolina. Information about the disease can be found in this excellent fact sheet from Oklahoma State. Because of the 6-month pre-harvest interval for fungicides sprayed on asparagus, it’s time for asparagus growers to scout their fields or make…
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Question of the Week – Paper Wasp
This week, the question was: What is going on here? A friendly game of tag? This sulphur butterfly caterpillar probably wishes this was just a game of tag, but this predaceous paper wasp is going to use it to feed its larvae. Paper wasps are common insects in the garden and around structures, where they…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/5/22
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! Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Disease pressure is likely to continue to increase given the recent welcome rainfall. Gummy stem blight can be found in cucurbit fields along with…
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Question of the Week – Turmeric
This week, the question was: What is this crop being grown on John’s Island, SC? This is turmeric. This plant is grown for its swollen roots (rhizomes) which will be dug and harvested in the fall. Turmeric is a close relative of ginger that is a traditionally popular ingredient in Asian, African, and Caribbean dishes.…
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Biopesticides (Seem to) Perform Poorly Against Black Spot on Kale
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath. As part of a USDA Organic Transitions Program grant, we tested 10 biopesticides on organic kale ‘Oldenbor’ to see if any product controlled Alternaria leaf spot, a.k.a. black spot. Unfortunately, none look promising as no biopesticides reduced black spot compared to the nontreated control based on repeated greenhouse trials…
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Weekly Field Update – 6/27/22
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! Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “It is hot and very, very dry in the Lowcountry. We desperately need some rain on the coast. Many irrigation ponds are at very…
