Author: Justin Ballew
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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…
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May Grower Spotlight – Watsonia Farms
Where is Sarah visiting this week? Watsonia Farms is a fourth-generation, organic fruit and vegetable farm located in Monetta, SC. Founded in 1918 by Joseph H. Watson, Sr., the farm started out growing asparagus. Watson also helped form the Monetta Asparagus Association, which helped the region become known as the “asparagus capital of the world”…
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Farmers’ Market Price Reports Now Available
By Kevin Burkett, Agribusiness Associate Clemson Extension is continuing a project to collect farmers’ market price data across the state. While some wholesale data is available from the South Carolina State Farmers Market in Columbia, this project aims to collect previously unknown or unreported direct, local, urban and rural data. Local farmers’ markets play an…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 11, 2026): Insects and Disease Increase as Forecast Shows Warming Trend
As more rain fell in parts of the state last week, disease and insect pressure began to increase. We’re seeing leafhoppers, sap beetles, thrips, and some caterpillars. Various root rots have been appearing in strawberries. Blueberries and other summer crops are looking good. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC…
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Question of the Week – Stink Bug Damage
Why is this developing peach bleeding this gummy substance? The clear, gummy substance on this developing peach is called gummosis. Gummosis occurs when the fruit has been damaged mechanically or by disease, cold, or insects. The most likely culprit here is stink bugs. Damage may take more than a week to appear, so it is…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 4, 2026): Finally, Some Rain!
We finally received significant rainfall late last week and over the weekend. Monitor disease carefully as more rain is forecast for mid-week. Early peach varieties are coming into harvest, as strawberry and blueberry harvests continue. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast is available now. Lowcountry Report…
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Question of the Week – Fire Blight
What’s causing this apple shoot tip to wilt and droop? This picture shows very early symptoms of fire blight disease on a young apple shoot. Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a disease that affects apple trees and can move quickly through young, tender growth. Early on—like in the shoot shown here—the…
The South Carolina Grower 