Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Growing Under Plastic
What is going on with this strawberry plant? This plant was growing under the plastic where it was deprived of sunlight. It seems that with each strawberry season we find new issues with the crop. Whether it is a disease, virus or new insect pest, strawberries keep us on our toes. From a distance this strawberry…
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Weekly Field Update – 4/21/25
Warm, dry weather has set in around the state, though we have some rain in the forecast this week. Disease levels have been low, but that could change with moistre. Mite populations are climbing with the dry conditions. Planting of spring crops is wrapping up. See details below. The American Farmland Trust is accepting applications…
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April Grower Spotlight – Atkinson Farms
Where is Christiana this week? In this month’s grower spotlight, Christiana is visiting Atkinson Farms, a roadside fruit and vegetable stand in Mullins, SC. They one of the only commercial strawberry growers in Marion County, making them a beloved choice among locals. Atkinson Farms has operated for over 100 years through several generations of Atkinsons. Like…
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Weekly Field Update – 4/14/25
Strawberries, as well as other spring crops, are growing like gangbusters. Peaches are being thinned and some early blueberries are sizing up. As the weather warms this week, keep a close eye out for spider mites. 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 – Opossum
What happened to this strawberry? This strawberry was eaten by a possum, or more accurately, opossum. Opossums are the only marsupial native to the US. They are another common wildlife pest that loves strawberries, though unlike deer, they prefer the fruit. In this field they left tracks on several rows of plastic while they foraged. This…
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Weekly Field Update – 4/7/25
The warm weather has made strawberries, peaches, and blueberries jump. Strawberries are in full swing now and it’s a great time to visit the U-Picks. Moisture in the forecast this week is likely to bring an increase in disease pressure. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t…
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Cucurbit Downy Mildew Fungicide Trial Report for Fall 2024: Part 1, Pickling Cucumber
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath In fall 2024, fungicide programs were tested on ‘Gershwin’ pickling cucumber to find out which programs worked best. Eight fungicide programs (plus a non-sprayed control) were used with various combinations of chlorothalonil (Bravo), Ranman, and Orondis Opti (Orondis + Bravo pre-mix). Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) symptoms were noticed on…
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Question of the Week – Pawpaw
What tree makes this unusual-looking flower? This is the flower of the Hoosier banana. Not familiar with the Hoosier banana? Well, you may be more familiar with the pawpaw. The pawpaw is one of my favorite trees for several reasons. First, it is the largest native fruit to North America and a must have for any gardener…
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Weekly Field Update – 3/31/25
Spring is off to a warm start. The weather has been dry, but we finally have some rain in the forecast. Strawberry picking is beginning in parts of the state. So far disease has been low, but spider mites are present in places. Other crops are growing well. See details below. Clemson Extension is working…
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Question of the Week – Chinese Mantid Ootheca
What is this thing that looks like a piece of foam stuck to a blueberry cane? This is the ootheca, or egg mass, of the Chinese mantid (Tenodera aridifolia). Chinese mantids are nonnative predatory insects that much larger than the native Carolina mantid. Mantids are generalist predators that will prey on just about any insect…
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