Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Aphid Mummies
What is on the underside of this strawberry leaf? These round, tan objects are aphid mummies, the remains of aphids that have been parasitized and killed by tiny wasps. Due in part to parasitoid wasps, insecticide treatments are rarely needed for managing aphids in strawberries. These wasps prey upon aphids by inserting an egg into…
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Updated Fungicide Recommendations to Manage Alternaria Leaf Spot (Black Spot) on Brassicas
By Tony Keinath, Clemson Plant Pathologist Despite some unusually cold weather in January and February, Alternaria black spot is active on overwintered brassicas. Although the brassica Alternaria fungus (Alternaria brassicicola) present in South Carolina supposedly prefers warm temperatures, I doubt that old information is accurate today. Growers should be on the lookout for tan to…
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South Carolina Field Update (March 23, 2026): Cold Damage Being Assessed as Strawberry Harvest Begins
Parts of the Upstate saw some cold damage to fruit crops last week, while the rest of the state largely escaped. Strawberries are ripening well, and harvest is beginning in places. Spring vegetable planting will begin on a larger scale soon. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange…
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Question of the Week – Lady Beetle Larva
What is this wild-looking critter? This is a lady beetle larva. While it might look strange and undesirable, it’s actually a good thing to find in the field. These larvae, like the adults, have quite an appetite and can help control certain pest populations, especially aphids. Encouraging beneficial insects by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticide applications is…
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New Downloadable Guide for Scouting and Spraying Spider Mites in Strawberries
By Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are the key economic pest of strawberries in South Carolina. They are common in both conventional and organic production systems and reduce the number of berries produced. Spider mites can come into fields on transplants, or blow into fields from nearby host plants or adjacent…
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South Carolina Field Update (March 16, 2025): Developing Strawberries At Risk of Frost Injury
After another week of warm weather, multiple nights are forecast to dip below freezing. This comes as strawberries and blueberries across the state are in full bloom, with strawberry harvest rapidly approaching. Other cool-season crops are progressing well. See details below. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Help Clemson Collect Local Pricing Data Clemson University…
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Blueberry Pruning in South Carolina
Practical guidelines for maintaining plant vigor, fruit quality, and long-term productivity By Melissa Muñoz, Small Fruit Extension Specialist Why Prune Blueberries? Annual pruning is essential for maintaining blueberry plant health, productivity, and fruit quality. Pruning helps improve berry size, maintain more consistent yields, enhance light penetration and air movement within the canopy, reduce disease pressure,…
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March Grower Spotlight – Strawberry Hill
Where is Andy visiting this week? Andy is visiting Strawberry Hill USA, located in Chesnee, SC. Strawberry Hill is owned and operated by James and Kathi Cooley and their 4 daughters. This large produce farm grows 100 acres of strawberries, approximately 800 acres of peaches, and some commercial blackberries. They also grow a variety of vegetables,…
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Weekly Field Update – 3/9/26
Warm weather and rain will have crops growing quickly this week. This is also a recipe for disease development. As strawberries, blueberries, and other small fruits progress, stay on top of disease management and scout closely. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our…
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Question of the Week – Cold
What caused the darkened (black-looking) patches on these strawberry leaves? This darkening occurred where the row covers were contacting the leaves during a cold event. While plants throughout the field sustained minor foliar burns from the cold, the row covers successfully protected the crowns. The new growth looks fine, and the plants will quickly grow…
The South Carolina Grower 