Author: Justin Ballew
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New Downloadable Guide for Scouting and Spraying Spider Mites in Strawberries
By Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are the key economic pest of strawberries in South Carolina. They are common in both conventional and organic production systems and reduce the number of berries produced. Spider mites can come into fields on transplants, or blow into fields from nearby host plants or adjacent…
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South Carolina Field Update (March 16, 2025): Developing Strawberries At Risk of Frost Injury
After another week of warm weather, multiple nights are forecast to dip below freezing. This comes as strawberries and blueberries across the state are in full bloom, with strawberry harvest rapidly approaching. Other cool-season crops are progressing well. See details below. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Help Clemson Collect Local Pricing Data Clemson University…
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Blueberry Pruning in South Carolina
Practical guidelines for maintaining plant vigor, fruit quality, and long-term productivity By Melissa Muñoz, Small Fruit Extension Specialist Why Prune Blueberries? Annual pruning is essential for maintaining blueberry plant health, productivity, and fruit quality. Pruning helps improve berry size, maintain more consistent yields, enhance light penetration and air movement within the canopy, reduce disease pressure,…
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March Grower Spotlight – Strawberry Hill
Where is Andy visiting this week? Andy is visiting Strawberry Hill USA, located in Chesnee, SC. Strawberry Hill is owned and operated by James and Kathi Cooley and their 4 daughters. This large produce farm grows 100 acres of strawberries, approximately 800 acres of peaches, and some commercial blackberries. They also grow a variety of vegetables,…
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Weekly Field Update – 3/9/26
Warm weather and rain will have crops growing quickly this week. This is also a recipe for disease development. As strawberries, blueberries, and other small fruits progress, stay on top of disease management and scout closely. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our…
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Question of the Week – Cold
What caused the darkened (black-looking) patches on these strawberry leaves? This darkening occurred where the row covers were contacting the leaves during a cold event. While plants throughout the field sustained minor foliar burns from the cold, the row covers successfully protected the crowns. The new growth looks fine, and the plants will quickly grow…
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Weekly Field Update – 3/2/26
After some rain and warm weather, crops will begin moving quickly this week. Now is a good time for strawberry tissue sampling and disease resistance screening. With more rain in the forecast, make sure you’re staying on top of disease control programs. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so…
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Question of the Week – Aphids
What is all over the underside of these strawberry leaflets? These leaflets are infested with aphids. Finding aphids on strawberry plants is common this time of year, especially on plants that have been covered to protect them from the cold. Aphids rarely warrant an insecticide treatment. Even at the level shown in the picture, beneficial…
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Weekly Field Update – 2/23/26
After a taste of spring weather, the week is off to a cold start. Many growers have begun spring fertilization in strawberries and will begin protecting flowers and fruit from the cold. We are seeing an increase in insect and disease pressure around the state. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events…
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Strawberries Showing Signs of Gray Mold After the Freezing Temperatures
Lindsey Thiessen and Guido Schnabel South Carolina is warming up following several bouts of freezing temperatures. Many used frost-protection covers to keep fruit crowns from freezing. To add some additional stress following the freezing temperatures, growers are reporting significant gray mold presence after frost protection covers have been removed. Gray mold is caused by a…
The South Carolina Grower 