Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Virus
What caused the green patterns and discoloration on this pumpkin? The circular patterns and discoloration on this pumpkin are the result of a viral infection. Viruses are common in fall cucurbit crops in South Carolina. Most cucurbit viruses are transmitted by aphids, though one, squash mosaic virus, is transmitted by cucumber beetles. Viruses commonly cause…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/11/24
We finally got some rain this past week. Fall crops are coming along nicely with scattered insect and disease issues. Neopest is showing up in strawberries as plants contiue to establish. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of…
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Question of the Week – Luffa Gourd
What crop is this? This is a luffa gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca). A similar species, (Luffa acutangula) is sometimes also called Chinese okra because of its okra-like shape and pronounced ribbing of its fruit. Both are members of the cucurbit family. Luffas may be harvested for eating while still tender, though the species pictured is very…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/4/24
The weather remains dry with no real relief in sight. Strawberry planting has finished up and the condition of plantings is mixed. Disease levels are low from the dry weather, while insect levels are variable. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out…
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Question of the Week – Joro Spider
What kind of large, colorful spider is this? This is the invasive joro spider (Trichonephila clavata). Joro spiders are native to East Asia and were first found in Northern Georgia in 2014. Since then, they have been spreading across the Southeast and are common in the Upstate of South Carolina and making their way into…
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Weekly Field Update – 10/28/24
Conditions remain dry across the state requiring lots of irrigation for fall crops. Strawberry planting is winding down as the last few plant shipments arrive. Insect and disease issues are variable across the state. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the…
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Question of the Week – Sandblasting
Why does this tomato appear scarred on one side but normal on the other? This tomato is scarred on the side facing the prevailing winds. It was found on the outside row, next to a dirt drive row and an open field. It had also not rained in quite a while, so it was very dusty and…
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Weekly Field Update – 10/21/24
Fall weather has arrived and strawberry planting is in full swing. Conditions have been dry across the state since Hurricane Helene. Diseases and insects are showing up in places as the fall growing season progresses. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out…
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Preparing for Your Tax Preparer
By Kevin Burkett, Extension Agribusiness Associate This time of year is busy as summer comes to a close, children have returned to school, harvest is in full swing, and we anticipate busy days in the fall and winter months. Another item for your to-do list is meeting with your tax professional. This appointment is often…
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Question of the Week – Tachinid Fly Eggs
What is on the head and back of this leaffooted bug? The oblong, white objects on this leaffooted bug (Leptoglossus oppositus) are eggs of a parasitoid fly (Trichopoda pennipes), which will hatch and consume the leaffooted bug. Usually when we discuss parasitoids in pest management we are referring to small wasps, but flies in the…
The South Carolina Grower 