Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Corn Smut
What is Zack cooking this week? Corn smut (Ustilago maydis) is quite the unattractive name for a very delicious fungus. In my opinion, a more fitting and fancier name is given to the delicacy in Hispanic cultures—huitlacoche or Mexican truffle. The fungus overwinters in the soil and infects corn ears via the silk. The fungus then…
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Weekly Field Update – 8/25/25
We received more rain over most of the state last week which is holding up some field operations. Two-spotted cotton leafhoppers have been found in most okra and eggplant fields on the coast. Disease remains high also. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of…
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Question of the Week – Yellow Watermelon
Why did this watermelon get so sunburned? This is no sunburn. It’s a watermelon with a yellow rind! At the recent Watermelon Field Day, we had the opportunity to look at and taste many new and existing lines of watermelons in the field. This one yellow-rind watermelon named Tropical Apollo caught my attention. At first…
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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…
The South Carolina Grower 