Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Kudzu Bug
What are these insects on pole butterbeans? The insects pictured are bean plataspids, Megacopta cribraria (F.), commonly known as “kudzu bugs.” They are an invasive plant pest from Asia. First reported in the US in 2009 near Atlanta, GA, they are now found from Louisiana to Virginia and are reported from all counties in South…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/22/24
Scattered rain fell over the weekend. Peppers and okra are coming as watermelon harvest finishes up. Disease and insect pressure remains high, and planning for strawberry planting is beginning. 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 the SC…
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Question of the Week – Planthopper
What left the fluffy, white deposit on this zinnia stem? This fluffy material was left by a flatid planthopper. Flatid planthoppers feed on a variety of ornamental plants. The ¼” long adults appear to be wedge shaped and laterally flattened when viewed from above. This appearance is created by their large, angular front wings which they…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/15/24
A few areas recieved rain over the last week, contributing to increases in disease and fruit split. Sun scald and blossom end rot are becoming common, and insect pressure remains high. 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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2023 Crop Stats: Asparagus, Broccoli, and Eggplant
In fall of 2023, Extension Agents throughout South Carolina surveyed growers on specialty crop acreage for the year. The goal was to identify the counties of production, acreage, and observable market prices for the year. In this round of surveys, data was collected for 14 fruit and vegetable crops. Asparagus, broccoli, and eggplant are listed…
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Question of the Week – Spider Mites
What caused the stippling on this eggplant leaf? This damage was caused by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urica). While spider mites are often included in discussions of insect management, they actually have 8 legs, making them more closely related to spiders. Typically, two-spotted spider mites can be found feeding on the underside of the leaves.…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/8/24
Scattered rain this past weekend brought some much needed relief to parts of the state. Insect pressure remains high in places and disease pressure is climbing. Harvest of several summer crops is starting to slow as preparations for fall crops are beginning. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so…
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Question of the Week – TSWV
What is going on with this Roma tomato? The tie-dye appearance of this tomato is due to it being infected by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). TSWV is an important virus of tomato, pepper, eggplant, peanuts, tobacco, etc. that causes significant yield loss to affected plants. The virus is transmitted by thrips feeding. While TSWV…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/1/24
We hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day later this week! Parts of the state received some much-needed rain over the past several days. Hot weather is causing many crops to come to harvest faster than normal. Insect pressure is high, as is blossom end rot, and other heat-related issues. See details below.…
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2023 Crop Stats: Blueberries, Blackberries, and Snap Beans
In fall of 2023, Extension Agents throughout South Carolina surveyed growers on specialty crop acreage for the year. The goal was to identify the counties of production, acreage, and observable market prices for the year. In this round of surveys, data was collected for 14 fruit and vegetable crops. See the first three below.
The South Carolina Grower 