Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Squash Beetle Trenching
This week, the question was: Why is a portion of this squash leaf discolored? The light-colored tissue we see here is the result of squash beetle behavior known as “trenching.” Trenching cuts off (at least temporarily) the translocation of cucurbitacin defense compounds, to preserve the palatability and quality of the squash foliage feeding site. The beetles…
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Hurricane Ian Preparation Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Crops
Hurricane Ian is approaching the Southeast and is expected to bring significant amounts of rain and heavy winds to South Carolina over the weekend. The latest forecasts show Ian making landfall south of Tampa, FL, and traveling northeast towards the Atlantic, then northward through western South Carolina. In preparation for the storm, please be safe…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/26/22
Coming up this week, there are a couple more waste pesticide collection events: Lexington on 9/27 and York on 9/28. See more details on the Upcoming Events page. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see this week’s Question of the Week and check back on Thursday for the answer! Statewide…
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Question of the Week – Large Leaf Spot
This week, the question was: What is wrong with this chestnut leaf? This leaf is showing symptoms of a fungal disease called large leaf spot (Monochaetia sp.) that affects oaks and chestnuts. The appropriately named spots may reach 2 inches wide and stretch across the entire leaf, killing large amounts of tissue. This disease is…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/19/22
Coming up this week, there are a couple waste pesticide collection events: St. Matthews on 9/20 and Hollywood on 9/21. See more details on the Upcoming Events page. Also, join Clemson’s Agribusiness team at noon on 9/21 as they discuss Southern Dairy Business (SDBII) Grants and evaluating business ventures. Register here. Be sure to scroll…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/12/22
For anyone growing leafy greens and brassica crops, please take a moment to fill out this survey from weed specialist Dr. Matt Cutulle gauging interest in developing non-herbicide weed management techniques: CLICK HERE For strawberry growers making last-minute variety selections, check out the NC Strawberry Association’s latest newsletter. There is some really good info on…
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Question of the Week – Paraquat Drift
This week, the question was: What are the spots on this squash leaf? These spots are from a small amount of paraquat drift that occurred while the adjacent field was being sprayed in preparation for planting. Paraquat is a contact-only herbicide, so this damage will not spread to new growth. This small amount of damage…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/6/22
Coming up this Friday (9/9) is the 2022 SC Farmer Resource Rodeo from 9 am-4:30. This will be a good opportunity for newer farmers to connect with organizations that provide resources to farmers in SC. Visit scnewfarmer.org to register. For anyone growing leafy greens and brassica crops, please take a moment to fill out this…
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Fusarium Wilt on Okra
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath. Late summer is the time of year when Fusarium wilt shows up on okra. Because the fungus travels in the xylem, external symptoms are visible on all above-ground plant parts. Although the main stem may remain partially green, side branches turn brown, and pods dry completely. To diagnose Fusarium…
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Question of the Week – Unmanaged Apple Issues
This week, the question was: Can you name one problem with this apple? A quick glance at this ‘Gala’ apple shows signs of bitter rot, sooty blotch, and fly speck to name a few. The point of this question of the week is not really to name specific pests or pathogens but to talk about…
