Author: Justin Ballew
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White Mold is Active so Spray Now
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath and Extension Associate Justin Ballew The freezing weather the week of January 21, 2025, was just what the Sclerotinia white mold fungus was waiting for. While cold temperatures discourage most animals from being active, freezing temperatures trigger Sclerotinia sclerotia (the survival structures in soil) to germinate, produce tiny mushrooms,…
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Fruit & Vegetable Price Data Project
From Kevin Burkett, Clemson Agribusiness Associate In 2025, Clemson University is coordinating a project to collect price data for direct marketed fruits and vegetables grown in South Carolina and sold at South Carolina farmers markets. This project aims to gather interest from farmers markets that may be willing to participate. Based on funding there may be…
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Weekly Field Update – 2/10/25
Warm weather last week really pushed some things along. Spider mites are showing up in strawberries all over the state. Strawberry growers will likely begin spring fertigation this week. Be aware of the potential for disease development as moisture returns this week. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so…
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Question of the Week – Thrips and Mites
What is causing the discoloration on these strawberry plants that were found for sale at a popular chain store? The foliage of these plants shows symptoms of infestation of both spider mites and western flower thrips. Whether you are buying plants for large-scale commercial use or just for home, always check for pests—insects, mites, and…
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Weekly Field Update – 2/3/25
As temperatures warm up this week growers are keeping eye out for mite and disease issues. Agents urge growers to sanitize brassica fields to avoid secondary disease infections, like white mold, following widespread cold damage. Some strawberry growers are thinking about starting spring fertigation. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab…
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Question of the Week – Cold Damage
What is wrong with the leaves of this Lacinato kale? This kale is showing symptoms of cold damage on the older leaves. Lacinato kale seems to be a little more sensitive to the cold than curly varieties like Winterbor or Darkibor. Luckily, the new growth is fine, meaning the plant will grow out of this…
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Weekly Field Update – 1/27/25
Snow fell over most of the state last week with the Costal and Pee Dee regions seeing the most accumulation. Cold weather make for icy conditions over much of the week as the snow melted slowly during the day, then turned to ice overnight. While the weather held up a lot of work, growers will…
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Question of the Week – Minute Pirate Bug
What is the tiny critter on this pumpkin blossom? This tiny black and white insect is a minute pirate bug (Orius insidiosus.), also called the insidious flower bug. Minute pirate bugs are beneficial insects and are excellent predators of small soft-bodied pests, such as thrips, mites, aphids, whiteflies, scale, and even small caterpillars. They are…
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Weekly Field Update – 1/21/25
The Weekly Field Updatesare back for 2025! We hope the year is off to a good start for everyone. This week, growers are preparing for the cold and some possible snow/ice in parts of the state. Strawberries are a mixed bag with root rot, crown rot, and Neopest showing up in places. Brassicas are showing…
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2024 Year in Review
We hope everyone had a great Christmas! As another year comes to a close, here is a look back at some of the most notable events and articles from 2024. Have a happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you back in 2025. Weather The weather in 2024 made for a tough year for…
The South Carolina Grower 