Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Pecan Leaf Phylloxera
What caused the galls to form on this pecan leaf? These galls were caused by an insect called the pecan leaf phylloxera (Phylloxera notabilis). These are tiny aphid-like insects that feed on immature pecan tree foliage. Due to their size, the insects themselves are rarely seen. The feeding damage causes rapid growth of the affected…
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Weekly Field Update – 6/3/24
As the weather continues to warm up, strawberry harvest wraps up, tomatoes and peppers are coming on strong, and cucurbit harvest is beginning. Read more 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 Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t…
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Question of the Week – Black Swallowtail
What is munching on this dill? This caterpillar is the larval form of the Eastern black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius). This is a beautiful species of butterfly that is common in the Southeast. Host plants for black swallowtails include members of the carrot family (Apiaceae), such as dill, parsley, celery, and fennel, as well as…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/28/24
We hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. This week, we have a virtual Produce Safety Rule Training for any that needs this required training. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below.…
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Question of the Week – Rice Trunk
What is this piece of equipment used for? This piece of equipment is called a trunk and was historically used to manipulate the water levels in rice fields along the coast of South Carolina. The fields could be flooded or drained by adjusting the height of the doors (attached to the bottom of the three…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/20/24
This week, check out the Transitioning your Business to the Next Generation Workshop put on by Clemson’s Agribusiness Team on Thrusday, 5/23. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t forget to look at our…
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Question of the Week – Stink Bugs
What has caused this gelatinous substance to ooze from a developing peach? This gelatinous substance is often called “gummosis” and can be caused by a number of things, such as disease, mechanical damage, cold damage, or insect damage. In this case, the most likely cause is stink bug feeding damage. When stink bugs feed on…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/13/24
Cucurbit downy mildew was found in the state this past week on cucumbers in Charleston. All commercial cucurbit growers need to be on the look out and start preventative fungicide applications, if not already started. 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 – Killdeer
Which common bird made it’s nest underneath this cucumber plant? These eggs were laid by a killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)who gets its name from their characteristic “kill-dee kill-dee” call heard as they fly over grassy fields. They should be a welcomed guest on farms since they eat mostly insects including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. Since their…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/6/24
Our Spring meeting season is winding down, but keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Be sure…
The South Carolina Grower 