Category: Question of the Week
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Question of the Week – Spider Wasp
In this battle, who is the aggressor and who is the victim? In this battle, the wasp is the aggressor and the spider is the victim. The predatory spider wasp, in the family Pompilidae, stings and paralyzes this golden silk orb-weaver spider (Trichonephila clavipes) to provide a food source for its larva. Once the wasp…
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July Grower Spotlight – Chattooga Belle
Where is Briana visiting this week? Chattooga Belle Farm is a 200-acre farm located in Long Creek. The farm has a variety of produce throughout the seasons, including apples and peaches, muscadines, scuppernongs, table grapes, and blueberries. They also have a variety of exotic fruits, such as persimmons, pawpaws, mayhaws, arctic kiwis, and figs. You…
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Question of the Week – Bee Fly
What kind of bee is this? Though this looks like a bee, it is actually a fly, a bee fly (family Bombyliidae). But you’ll have to let it land in order to see the difference. If you look closely, you’ll see it has only one pair of wings, whereas bees have two pairs. Their similar…
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Question of the Week – Choanephora
What kind of caterpillar is on this okra leaf? This caterpillar-looking thing is not a caterpillar at all. It is, in fact, a small okra pod that is infected with the fungus Choanephora cucurbitarum. This pathogen is also common in squash, cukes, and eggplant. This is a very common issue in okra, especially after rain. I was…
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Question of the Week – Wheel Bug
What is this mean-looking critter? The wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) is one of the most recognizable assassin bugs. It may be a mean-looking critter with a scary family name, but the wheel bug is beneficial. This unique insect is named after its gear-like “wheel” along its back. As one of the largest assassin bugs, it…
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July Grower Spotlight – Coosaw Farms
Where is Anna Sara visiting this week? Anna Sara is visiting a farm that was founded in 1983 during an agricultural depression by a man with a big vision. Mr. Bradley O’Neal and his wife, Louise, wanted to build a long-lasting legacy that would outlive the family and benefit the public by providing flavorful, nutritious,…
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Question of the Week – Brown Rot
What’s going on with this peach? This peach is completely covered with brown rot (Monilinia fructicola). Brown rot is one of the most significant diseases of peaches, plums, and nectarines. As the fruit is consumed by the fungi, it shrivels up into what’s known as a “mummy”. Mummified fruit falls to the ground and remains…
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Question of the Week – Japanese Beetle
Which insect caused the feeding damage to this collard leaf? While this chewing-type damage looks similar to caterpillar feeding damage, it was actually caused by a Japanese beetle. The hind end of the culprit is visible below. Japanese beetles are active and easy to find right now, feeding on a range of plants from roses…
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Question of the Week – Phytotoxicity
What caused the spots on these watermelon leaves? These mysterious brown spots were observed in several fields that had recently been treated by an airplane. At first glance, the small brown lesions resembled symptoms of a foliar disease. However, several observations suggested a non-pathogenic cause. The spots were only found in fields that had received aerial applications. Within affected fields, the…
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Question of the Week – Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar
Which of these two photos shows a caterpillar? Who knew that looking like poop could save your life? The orangedog (or giant swallowtail) caterpillar is a master at disguise, as witnessed in this photo. The photo on the right shows the caterpillar larvae, while the photo on the left shows bird feces. Not only does…
The South Carolina Grower 