Author: Justin Ballew
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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…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/18/23
Recently, the results of the 2022 Farm Gate survey were posted showing data for several crops grown in SC. In the coming weeks, we will be collecting data for 2023 on a new set of crops. Extension Agents from around the state will be contacting growers to ask about this data. Our goal will be…
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Question of the Week – Snake Bean
This week, the question was: What will develop from this this hairy-looking flower? I recently visited a community garden and was stumped when the groundskeeper asked me if I knew what plant this crazy looking flower belonged to. After I blanked for some time, I was informed that this flower belongs to the Python Snake Bean…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/11/23
Recently, the results of the 2022 Farm Gate survey were posted showing data for several crops grown in SC. In the coming weeks, we will be collecting data for 2023 on a new set of crops. Extension Agents from around the state will be contacting growers to ask about this data. Our goal will be…
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Question of the Week – Passionflower
This week, the question was: What is this crazy looking flower? This is a passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). Passion flower is fast-growing vine that is native to the Southeast. It shows up on the edges of fields and wooded areas, and many grow it in their yards as an ornamental. The flowers are attractive to…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/5/23
Recently, the results of the 2022 Farm Gate survey were posted showing data for several crops grown in SC. In the coming weeks, we will be collecting data for 2023 on a new set of crops. Extension Agents from around the state will be contacting growers to ask about this data. Our goal will be…
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Files for the Farm Business
From Extension Agribusiness Associate Kevin Burkett. Sometimes, in Extension, a farmer will ask what kind of recordkeeping system is required for the farm. It is an interesting question and one that can have several layers. If we think of all the records that a farm might be required to have, it can be a lot.…
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Question of the Week – Root-knot Nematodes
This week, the question was: What is wrong with these okra roots? The galling on these roots was caused by root-knot nematodes (RKN). We see nematodes build up in the soil when susceptible crops are planted in the same fields or beds year after year. Crop rotation is an important management strategy, but there is…
The South Carolina Grower 