Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar
Which of these two photos shows a caterpillar? Who knew that looking like poop could save your life? The orangedog (or giant swallowtail) caterpillar is a master at disguise, as witnessed in this photo. The photo on the right shows the caterpillar larvae, while the photo on the left shows bird feces. Not only does…
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South Carolina Field Update (June 15, 2026): “Freestone” Peaches Are Coming In
After several days of heat and humidity, the weather will be slightly cooler this week. Insect pressure has increased recently, including caterpillars, false chinch bugs, and stink bugs. Disease pressure has also greatly increased. South Carolina farmers can receive a $100.00 stipend for completing a short survey on the 2026 Farmers Market Price Reports. Clemson…
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June Grower Spotlight – Dorr Farms
Where is Daniel visiting this week? Dorr Farms is a family-owned produce farm in Gable, SC. Owners Maynard and Marie Dorr started the farm in 1996 by building two turkey barns and raising poults for Prestage Farms in Cassatt, SC. In 1999, Maynard started a one-acre garden, and then in 2001, Greg Harvey, a former…
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South Carolina Field Update (June 8, 2026): It’s Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Summer
Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-90s this week as we inch closer to the official start of summer. Crops have grown quickly following the recent rain. Small fruits are continuing to harvest well. Keep an eye out for insects and diseases as the heat and humidity ramp up. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week…
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Question of the Week – Bird Damage
What happened to these blueberries Humans aren’t the only things that love blueberries. Birds treated these berries like a buffet. Birds are one of our biggest pests in blueberries. It is pretty common to find fruit with the skin torn and part of the flesh removed. Damage seems to be worse towards the top of…
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South Carolina Field Update (June 1, 2026): More Rain, More Disease, Lots to Harvest
Many parts of the state received more rain last week, leading to flooded fields and increased disease pressure. Watermelons, peaches, blueberries, and numerous vegetable crops are now coming to harvest. Keep a close eye out for cucurbit downy mildew as it usually shows up around the first of June. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week…
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Question of the Week – Guttation
What causes these water droplets to form around the margins of these cantaloupe leaves? This interesting occurrence is known as guttation. Guttation is a biophysiocochemical and physiological phenomenon exhibited in many members of both the plant and fungi kingdoms. The root word “gutta” is Latin for drops and is commonly known as “leaf teardrops”. It is an accurate depiction of the “water” welling up in the plant and seeping from the tips, edges or…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 26, 2026): Disease Management Is A Must Following Heavy Memorial Day Weekend Rain
The Upstate and Midlands received heavy rain over the Memorial Day weekend, totaling 4-5 inches in places. While the Lowcountry and parts of the Pee Dee missed much of the rain, the forecast shows there is still a chance of some this week. Disease is expected to increase greatly, so stay on top of fungicide…
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Question of the Week – Pineberry
Why is this strawberry white? A strawberry that isn’t red? Meet the pineberry. Pineberries (Fragaria × ananassa) may look unusual, but they’re closely related to the strawberries we all know and love. In fact, they share the same genus, though they are considered different species and types altogether. The modern pineberry traces its roots back…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 18, 2026): As Temperatures Rise, Insect Populations Follow Suit
It’s starting to feel like summertime, with temperatures in the 90s this week. Insect populations have been rising, including leafhoppers, cucumber beetles, thrips, squash bugs and leaffooted bugs. Strawberries are still holding on as the blueberry harvest continues and the peach harvest expands. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC…
The South Carolina Grower 