Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Melonworm
This week, the question was: What made the hole in this squash blossom? This hole was most likely made by a melonworm. A hole this size is actually an exit hole chewed by the worm on its way out to pupate. Before that, the worm was inside the bloom feeding on the reproductive parts of…
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Weekly Field Update – 10/16/23
All three installments of our Strawberry Webinar Series are now live. The first presentation will be available until 10/20, so don’t let this opportunity to earn pesticide credits slip away. Check out upcoming meetings on the Upcoming Events tab, and don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites,…
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Question of the Week – Fasciation
This week, the question was: What is going on with this squash? This squash is showing abnormal growth known as fasciation. Fasciation is the abnormal development of a meristem, or growing point. The cause of this condition is not well understood, but is most commonly thought to be associated with genetic mutation, hormonal imbalances, environmental…
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Weekly Field Update – 10/9/23
All three installments of our Strawberry Webinar Series are now live. The first presentation will be available until 10/20, so don’t let this opportunity to earn pesticide credits slip away. Check out upcoming meetings on the Upcoming Events tab, and don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites,…
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Question of the Week – Whitefly Damage
This week, the question was: What is causing the light colored discoloration on these zucchini plants? This discoloration is known as Squash Silverleaf Disorder (SSL) and is the result of immature whiteflies feeding on the squash leaves. SSL reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, leading to stunting and reduced yields. Whiteflies can become significant pests…
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Weekly Field Update – 10/2/23
This week, our Strawberry Webinar Series continues with a presentation on managing cold events. There is also a Fall Farm Safety Day for Women on 10/4 and a Waste Pesticide Collection Event happening 10/7 in York. Don’t miss these events! Check out upcoming meetings on the Upcoming Events tab, and don’t forget to look at…
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Clemson Extension is Hiring
Clemson Extension currently has two Horticulture agent positions open. Horticulture agents provide direct assistance and expertise to clientele seeking horticulture-related information through grower visits, phone calls, office walk-ins, emails, and other sources. The agents will deliver horticulture education through a variety of strategies including in-person classes, workshops, demonstrations, online courses, publications, mass media, social media,…
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Question of the Week – Luffa
This week, the question was: What is this odd brown thing? This is a luffa gourd. Contrary to popular belief, luffa is a plant in the cucurbit family and not a sea sponge. This plant is very vigorous and prolific and does extremely well in SC. When picked young, the tender fruit can be eaten…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/25/23
Clemson and UGA have teamed up to offer a Strawberry Production Webinar Series. Each week, for 3 weeks, a pre-recorded presentation will be sent to registrants. Topics include weed management, neopest, and managing cold events. participants will have one month from the date of release to watch the presentation and earn pesticide credits. Participants can…
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Question of the Week – Virus
This week, the question was: What is wrong with this squash? This squash is showing symptoms of a virus. There are numerous viruses that affect cucurbit crops, which may be transmitted in a variety of ways, such as, by insect (aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles), through seed, or mechanical damage. Symptoms may include mottled or mosaic…
The South Carolina Grower 