Author: Justin Ballew
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Weekly Field Update – 8/18/25
Though more rain fell last week, warm temperatures returned. Fall planting continues and establishment is going well. Disease pressure remains high as regular rain continues. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our winter/spring meetings. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC…
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Preliminary Tomato Pricing Data From SC Farmers Market Price Reporting Project
From Kevin Burkett, Clemson Agribusiness Associate Vine-ripe juicy tomatoes are always a summertime favorite and one that can even cause a bit of competition. This can range from seeing who can grow the largest, who has the best variety, how oddly shaped one may appear, and of course which one makes the best tomato sandwich.…
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August Grower Spotlight – The Happy Berry
Where is Briana visiting this week? For this month’s Grower Spotlight, Briana is visiting a farm in the Upstate. The Happy Berry is nestled in the hills of Six Mile. The farm was started in 1979 with the goal of providing locally grown produce, while keeping the environment in mind. Walker Miller is the man…
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Weekly Field Update – 8/11/25
Rain and cooler temperatures continued for most of the week. As a result, disease pressure is high right now, so be sure to stay on top of management programs. The invasive two-spot cotton leafhopper was found in multiple crops near the coast last week. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab…
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Question of the Week – Northern Mockingbird
What type of bird made its nest in this blackberry bush? This nest, and blue eggs with brown speckles, are that of the Northern mockingbird. Northern mockingbirds are the state birds of Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Their breeding range stretches from Southeast Canada, south to the Greater Antilles, and west to California. The species is…
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Weekly Field Update – 8/4/25
Temperatures have cooled down nicely and rain is plentiful. Planting for fall crops continues around the state. The weather is perfect for disease development including downy mildew, Southern blight, and anthracnose. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our winter/spring meetings. Also, check out…
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Question of the Week – Pickleworm
What is going on with this cucumber? The hole and gelatinous material are clear evidence that the cucumber was recently attacked by a pickleworm. Pickleworms are caterpillars and the larva of pickleworm moths (Diaphania nitidalis). They feed on the flower buds and fruits of cucurbit crops including cucumbers, squash, zucchini, and melons. The young caterpillars…
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2024 FarmGate Data Now Available
South Carolina specialty crop stats from the 2024 season are now available on the Clemson Extension FarmGate page. Crop data collected in 2024 includes apples, bell peppers, cabbage, cut flowers, Irish potatoes, kale muscadines, okra, pecans, pumpkins and winter squash, specialty peppers, sweetpotatoes, turnips, and yellow squash. Here is a glance at the top specialty…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/28/25
Well, its hot. Parts of the state received rain this past week, while others have been dry for most of the month. Some growers are applying kaolin products to reduce sunscald on developing fruit. Fall crops are beginning to go into the ground. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically…
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Question of the Week – Armillaria Root Rot
What is developing at the base of this peach tree? The picture illustrates the fruiting bodies of the Armillaria root rot fungus, which is often a good sign of the disease. Armillaria root rot, also referred to as oak root rot, is caused by the pathogen Desarmillaria caespitosa in the Southeast. The symptoms of armillaria…
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