Field Update – 8/5/19

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Summer cover crops are looking good in the Lowcountry. Cowpeas are one of my favorite cover crops for their ability to shade out weeds, particularly nutsedge, and provide the land with nitrogen for the next crop planted. We have had some timely rains to keep everything green and prepare fields for the fall. Some fields are being laid out and prepared for the fall season now. One technique used for weed management is called the stale bed technique. This involves working the soil and bedding up a few weeks to a month before growers plan to transplant. An herbicide or a flame is used once weeds germinate on the bed tops. This process is repeated 1-3 more times before the crop is planted. Because the soil is not disturbed after the initial bedding process, weeds are less likely to germinate once a crop is seeded or transplanted.”

Cowpeas taking off with warm weather and timely rains. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Field being prepared by using the stale bed technique. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We had a few isolated showers throughout the week, but overall we’re still pretty dry in the midlands. Muscadines are ripening and some of the earliest varieties should be ready to pick this week. The first of the fall brassicas are up and growing now. Fall tomato, eggplant, and peppers are looking good. We are seeing some spidermites in tomatoes, so scout closely. If treatments are needed, remember to use high spray volumes to get good coverage and rotate IRAC groups.”

Muscadines are ripening and will be ready to pick very soon. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Kale planted for fall harvest is growing well. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Lalo Toledo reports, “Fall bell peppers and Broccoli are being planted. We are continuing to pick string beans, processing tomatoes, and cucumbers. Field preparations are underway for fall planting for Brassicas. We finally got some rain over the weekend, which will help with the new plantings.

Still picking beans and peas in the midlands. Photo from Lalo Toledo.

Upstate

Mark Arena reports, “Fall webworm or tent caterpillars are showing up on pecans. Breaking the web apart and spraying with an appropriate insecticide is an option.”

Kerrie Roach reports, “Peaches are still coming in strong in the mountains, and the apples are continuing to build. The earliest ‘Ginger Gold’ apples (right photo) are just about finished. ‘Golden Supremes’ (left photo) are still a little low on the sugar (Brix) scale, but will sweeten up a little more this week. We should be picking ‘Galas’ within the next two weeks if the weather cooperates.”

Pee Dee Region

Bruce McLean reports, “Well, it’s starting to look a bit like harvest time for muscadines. We’re seeing some advanced ripening this year due to heat, primarily in Carlos. There’s still some ripening to do, but it won’t be long. The crop looks really good this year… just a bit early. Watermelons, cantaloupe, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers and okra are being harvested in good volumes, and grading out well.

‘Carlos’ muscadines really coloring up. Photo from Bruce McLean.

Seeded watermelons harvested in good volume and condition. Photo from Bruce McLean.

Field Update – 7/29/19

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “We are harvesting the last remaining things in the fields, preparing fields for fall planting, and planting fall pepper and tomato. I found an interesting disease in watermelon this week that is known as bacterial rind necrosis. While it is not entirely known what factors and pathogens cause the disease, it is thought that environmental conditions could increase the presence of this disease. If you have seen this disease, take precaution by rotating fields, staying away from varieties known to have had symptoms in the past, and stay on top of irrigation and nutrient management. I have also seen some spongy squash this week. The combination of heat, high humidity, and poor pollination can all lead to poor quality squash.”

Watermelon with discolored rind from rind necrosis. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Soft squash as a result of poor environmental conditions. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “The weather cooled down a few degrees towards the end of last week and felt nice. Fall tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are in the ground now. Downy mildew was found in the midlands in slicing cucumbers this past week, so folks growing fall cucurbits definitely need to maintain a good spray schedule. Also, late last week, bacterial wilt was confirmed for the first time in hemp. In the future, growers will need to practice good rotation between hemp, tobacco, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.”

Peppers planted for a fall crop. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Industrial hemp plant wilting from bacterial wilt infection. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Lalo Toledo reports, “Bell peppers are being planted in Orangeburg and Clarendon counties. Hemp is growing well and is expected to make a good harvest. Worm damage was found on some hemp plants in Orangeburg county. Collards are also being planted. Mole crickets have been found tunneling in many collard fields.

Hemp is growing well in Orangeburg. Photo from Lalo Toledo.

Mole cricket tunneling around collard seedlings can expose young roots to the sun, causing them to dry out. Photo from Lalo Toledo.

Pee Dee Region

Bruce McLean reports, “Last week was a welcomed reprieve from the heat and humidity. Many crops seemed to respond positively from the temperature break, as well. Watermelon, cantaloupe volumes looked very good. Yellow squash, zucchini and cucumbers were well improved from the week before. Okra volume is on the rise, and should be coming off very well in a week or so. Peas and butterbeans, on the other hand, sustained significant damage from the heat and many plantings have dried up. The first of the week looks pretty dry with building temps. By the end of the week, some welcomed rain should be in the forecast.”

Zucchini are doing well in the slightly lower temperatures. Photo from Bruce McLean.

The volume of harvest of okra is rising in the Pee Dee. Photo from Bruce McLean

Field Update – 7/22/19

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “It was another fairly hot week with scattered afternoon showers. We’re about finished with the spring cucurbit and brassica crops and growers are planting some fall brassicas now. Peas, green onions, tomatoes, peppers and some eggplant are being picked now. Still seeing some cutworm damage showing up in hemp. They feed at night, so growers having trouble with cutworms may benefit from night time applications of Dipel or Grandevo directed at the base of the plant.

Peas are being picked in the midlands. Photo from Justin Ballew

Cutworm damage on hemp stem. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “The fall crop of bell peppers are being planted. We are continuing to pick peaches and have started picking Asian pears. Field prep is underway for fall planting of new peach trees. Old orchards are pushed up and the trees burned when they are no longer productive, making way for new orchards for the coming seasons.

Fall peppers are going in the ground in the Ridge Spring area. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Lalo Toledo reports, “Tomatoes have been suffering from many pest and diseases. Most prevalent Southern Blight (White Mold) and Bacterial wilt. Make sure to properly diagnose your pest and/or diseases. Improper identification has led to improper control.”

Tomato plant wilting rapidly from bacterial wilt. Photo from Lalo Toledo

White fungal growth from Southern blight on a tomato stem. Photo from Lalo Toledo

Pee Dee Region

Bruce McLean reports, “This last week’s hot weather has taken a bit of a toll on some crops in the Pee Dee Region. Volumes on cantaloupe, cucumber and peppers were off a bit due to heat related damage. But, cooler weather looks to be in the forecast for this upcoming week. Be on the look out for Downy Mildew in cucurbits. I found some in a field of cucumbers last week. Some fall crops have been planted. The remaining acreage will likely be planted after the temperature break.

Peppers are slowing down from the heat in the Pee Dee. Photo from Bruce McLean

Downy mildew symptoms on a cucumber leaf. Photo from Bruce McLean

Upstate

Kerrie Roach reports, “Many upstate apple growers are having to do some late thinning on orchards hit by hail from one of the many late afternoon summer storms. Picking early varieties like ‘Wolf River’ and some of the Golden Delicious sports. Peaches are in full swing as are all our major summer vegetable crops. As in other areas of the state we have seen many instances of southern stem blight on tomatoes.”

Early apple varieties are being harvested in the upstate. Photo from Kerrie Roach

Field Update – 7/15/19

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Most crops are finished here in the Lowcountry. There are a few crops that are being harvested for the final time this week. Fall watermelon and tomato are in the ground already. I saw some interesting cucumber beetle larvae damage on watermelons this past week. This type of damage will result in loads of melons being rejected by buyers. Crop rotation is a vital component to managing this pest. If you have seen this type of damage, please reach out so we can develop a plan of attack for next season. I attended the Edisto REC Watermelon Field Day this past week and learned about the future of robotics in agricultural production and had the opportunity to taste over 30 varieties of watermelons.

Cucumber beetle larvae damage to watermelon rind. Photo from Zack Snipes

Robotics demo at the Watermelon Field Day at Edisto REC, 7/11/19. Photo from Zack Snipes

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We had some scattered rain over the last week. Some folks are still needing some. We’re winding down on the spring brassicas and cucurbits. This is good because foliar diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew are really increasing with the humidity. We’re still picking tomatoes and have started picking peas. Spider mites are picking up, so scout closely for those. Hemp is growing well, though we’ve seen some seedling disease and cutworm damage in spots.”

Anthracnose lesions on a cucumber leaf. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “Hot and dry weather along the Ridge. Conditions have been favorable for increased spider mite and stink bug activity.

Stippling from spider mite feeding damage on peach leaves. Photo from Sarah Scott

Upstate

Andy Rollins reports seeing some blackberry tips wilting from raspberry cane borers. “If you see this, they need to be cut off 6 inches below the 2 girdled lines you see below. This material can be composted or you can just squish them. Insecticide sprays can be helpful but only when applied before symptoms appear. It is a type of beetle larvae that is feeding on the stem before becoming an adult. Commercially, there would have to be a major infestation to warrant the extra labor. Normally this won’t be present in a regularly sprayed crop.”

Stem girdling from raspberry cane borer. Photo from Andy Rollins

Raspberry cane borer larva inside of blackberry stem. Photo from Andy Rollins

Kerrie Roach reports Ginger Gold apples are being harvested in the upstate.

Ginger Gold apples from the upstate. Photo from Kerrie Roach

Pee Dee

Bruce Mclean reports, “Well, it looks like another hot week is on tap for us this week. Squash, watermelons, cucumbers, cantaloupes, peas and peppers are coming off in good volumes. Quality looks especially good on these crops. Blueberries and sweet corn are finishing up. Starting to see some disease in muscadines. If you are seeing leaf spots in them, it may be time to evaluate and adjust your spray program. Also, starting to see early ripening of fruit. Be on the look out for fruit rot.

Muscadines ripening. Photo from Bruce McLean

Black rot lesions on muscadine leaf. Photo from Bruce McLean

Tony Melton reports, “Cucumbers having hard time setting fruit in the heat – getting many nubbins (crooked fruit). Parthenocarpic varieties seem to handle the heat better than regular pollinated varieties. Processing tomato harvest is progressing quickly and about ½ complete. Processing pea harvest will begin this week – thousands of acres ahead to harvest. Processing hot pepper harvest has begun and will continue for a month.

Field Update – 7/8/19

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Don’t forget to check out the “Upcoming Events” tab for events around the state.

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “It’s hot in the Lowcountry! We are just about finished on all summer crops. Bell peppers and rabbiteye blueberries should finish up this week. We are still picking some okra and hot peppers. Keep an eye out for worms in the coming weeks. I am seeing some basil downy mildew on basil. I have seen lots of ant and cricket damage on recently planted hemp.”

Basil downy mildew. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Cricket chewing damage on hemp stem. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “It’s been hot and humid. Some lucky folks have gotten some isolated showers, but overall, we need rain badly. The humidity is allowing powdery mildew to pick up on cucurbits and pickleworms are showing up heavy in some fields. Hemp is doing well so far. We are seeing some mite, caterpillar, and cutworm activity.”

Powdery mildew on a squash leaf. Photo from Justin Ballew

Pickleworm in the middle of a squash. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “The peach crop in the Ridge is looking good. Varieties are getting ready a couple weeks early and there is an abundance of fruit being picked.”

Peaches are coming in early on the Ridge, but are looking good. Photo from Sarah Scott

Pee Dee Region

Bruce McLean reports, “The recent rain showers have really helped the area crops. Cantaloupe and watermelons are seeing some good volumes coming out of the field. Mid season cucumbers are looking good as well. A consistent volume of peas are being picked and looking great. Sweet corn volumes are starting to fall off as the season is winding down. Muscadines are starting to size pretty well, and are looking very good.”

Cucumbers are looking good. Photo from Bruce McLean

Muscadines are sizing up. Photo from Bruce McLean

Tony Melton reports, “Butterbean harvest will be in full swing this week and it seems this week and next maybe our total spring harvest. Processing peas will begin harvest this week if rains hold off. Processing peppers are being harvested and will continue for next 4 weeks. Also, processing tomatoes are being harvested and will continue for 4 weeks. Harvest of second planting of pickles for processing will begin this week. Last of the collards for processing will be harvested this week.”

Upstate

Kerrie Roach reports, “In apple news, we are about 2 weeks from picking the early golden varieties and about 4 weeks out from Galas. Hail damage is wreaking havoc at many orchards, and we are hoping for some clear weather for a few weeks to finish out the prime growing season. Peaches have finally come in and are looking good right now. Later varieties of peaches at many orchards in the upstate are seeing between a 70-80 percent crop loss.”

Field Update – 7/1/19

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Everyone is busy in the Low country harvesting summer crops. This should be a big week for us in the field and at local markets and roadside stands as July 4 approaches. The tomato crop is either finished or finishing up this week.”

A variety of tomatoes from the coast. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “It’s getting hot here in the midlands and it’s getting dry too. Harvest is still going strong on a number of crops. We have a reduced blueberry crop because of the hot, dry weather back in May, but picking is going on now. Lots of hemp has been planted in the last two weeks and is growing well.”

Hemp going in the ground in the midlands. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “We are picking several summer varieties of peaches along the Ridge, many varieties coming in early. Freestone peaches are beginning to ripen and become available. A second population of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs is near its peak based on high numbers found in traps across the Ridge. Be on the lookout for egg masses, generally in groups of 28 eggs. (picture) BMSB damage from earlier populations causes distortion as fruit ripens. Damage goes beyond skin into flesh.

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) eggs. Photos from Sarah Scott.

BMSB damage within the peach flesh. Photo Sarah Scott

Pee Dee Region

Bruce McLean reports, “Harvest for many vegetable crops are rolling right along. Watermelons and cantaloupes are starting to see some volume. Early season rabbiteye blueberries are starting to wrap up. Mid and late season rabbiteyes are looking good. Heat and dry weather is starting to have an impact on crops, even those with irrigation. Growers are adjusting irrigation schedules to compensate for the increased heat and the lack of rain.”

Rabbiteye blueberries looking good. Photo from Bruce McLean

Zucchini wilting in the heat. Photo from Bruce McLean

Tony Melton reports, “Downy Mildew is showing up in later planted cantaloupes, cucumbers, and squash. First planting of cantaloupes and watermelons are winding down. Processing peas are drying and will be terminated soon for harvest. Butterbeans that reset pods after heat at the beginning of June will begin harvest this week. Sweet potato planting is winding down many of the first planted are laid-by. Pepper and eggplant harvest has begun.”

Field Update – 6/24/19

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Summer crops are looking good and we are continuing with harvests. It seems like every crop is coming in right now from basil to zucchini. We have had mild temperatures and just the right amount of rain.

Shishito peppers. Photo from Zack Snipes

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We had a few storms last week that brought rain to most of the midlands. Everything is growing well and we are really benefiting from the timely rain and mild temperatures. Growers are harvesting collards, kale, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and sweet corn.”

Bacterial soft rot on a collard stalk that was severely stressed by the hot, dry weather back in May. The inner stalk has turned to mush and has a strong odor. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “Potatoes are being dug around Aiken. Conditions have been favorable for blackberry leaf rust. Plants that are affected will show small orange colored spots, or pustules on the undersides of leaves and on shoots. Pustules can appear on undersides of leaves as well. In severe cases defoliation can occur and a lack of vigor in canes. Refer the Small Fruit Consortium website for information on control and management.”

Leaf rust pustules on the upper side of a blackberry leaf. Photo from Sarah Scott

Freshly dug potatoes. Photo from Sarah Scott

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports, “Tomatoes are ripening. Sweet potatoes are mostly planted and lay-by has begun. Some peas are ready for harvest and the last of the collards are being harvested.”

Upstate

Andy Rollins reports, “Orange isn’t a good color to be seeing in your blackberry plants! Be on the look-out for leaf rust in Blackberry and get it properly identified. Over the last 2 weeks I have found this on 3 farms in the upstate and one in the midlands with another agent. This light orange colored leaf rust isn’t as destructive as the orange rust that can be found in the early spring on the ‘Navaho’ variety especially but it does deserve your attention. Spores can be found on the top and bottom of leaves so look closely sometimes it’s hard to see. There is a another leaf rust that has yellow colored spores. If you are still picking fruit, Rally or a generic product containing the same active ingredient ‘myclobutanil’ can be used but as always read and follow the label. Tilt (propiconazole) is labeled also but has a 30 day PHI. So, I would use Rally then follow with Tilt when I was finished picking. Hopefully this will help keep your blackberry patches clean. There maybe other options for organic growers also but I am not sure how effective they would be. NARBA (North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association) has a good article on this here https://www.raspberryblackberry.com/is-it-blackberry-leaf-rust-or-orange-rust/ .

Leaf rust pustules on underside of blackberry leaf. Photo from Andy Rollins

Field Update – 6/17/19

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “We received a good amount of rain last week. Some farms got just the right amount while others received 15 inches or more. I am seeing disease now that the rain has passed in all crops, especially the tomato and cucurbit crops. Keep on top of your spray programs to finish the season out. I am also seeing some cracking in heirloom, cherry, and grape tomatoes because of the rain. Stink bugs are increasing in number and tomato growers should scout their crops for them and make adjustments to insecticide programs. On Friday I visited a farm that had buckwheat strips beside the cash crop. They had, by far, the least amount of insect pressure on their cash crops as a result of providing a beneficial insect refuge.

Stink bugs nymphs on a tomato. Photo from Zack Snipes

This buckwheat strip planted in the row middle provides refuge for beneficial insects. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “The first half of the week was rainy, but by the end of the week, irrigation systems were running again in places. The temperatures have been pretty mild for mid June. Vegetables are growing fast since the rain and we’re picking sweet corn, green onions, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and zucchini now. We’re continuing to scout for downy mildew as it’s been found in several places on the coast now. It’s only a matter of time before it shows up here, so stay on top of spray programs. Hemp is also going in the ground.

Squash is growing fast. Photo from Justin Ballew

Hemp transplants ready to go to the field. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “After a long period of dry weather, the recent rains have stirred up some cases of anthracnose in peaches and plums. Orchard floor and perimeter management of leguminous hosts and wild Prunus species can help prevent spread of this disease. Refer to the Southeastern Peach, Nectarine, and Plum Pest Management and Culture Guide for chemical recommendations to use pre-harvest. Peaches harvested in the Ridge are starting to get some size on them and are looking good.

Anthracnose on a peach. Photo from Sarah Scott

Peaches harvested on the Ridge are looking good. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports, “Only 1 farmer had butter beans to harvest. They were planted on March 23 and sneaked-by those last frosts. After these the next harvests will be in July because of the heat causing flower drop and reset during the cool week of June 10. It is drying out quickly and we will need another rain this week to keep crops going. Collards are really doing well since the cool spell gave them relief from the heat. Southern peas are flowering and need to be sprayed for cowpea cucurlio. Snapbeans took a real hit from the heat and there will be poor yields except for later planted ones the flowered during the cool spell.

Field Update – 6/10/19

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Statewide

Dr. Tony Keinath reported downy mildew being found on cucumbers in Bamberg County this past week. He cautioned all cucumber, cantaloupe, and watermelon growers to begin preventative sprays, if they are not already doing so. Refer back to this post for more info.

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “We finally got some much needed rain in the Lowcountry. I expect to see some disease to show up this week. Growers should be scouting all crops and spraying when needed. Downy mildew was found on cucurbits this week so be aware that you may see it in your fields as well. We had a great field day this week at the Coastal Research and Education Center.”

Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath discussing watermelon diseases at the Coastal REC Field Day. 6/5/19. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We had thunderstorms come through late in the week and it’s rained every day since. We needed it badly. Sweet corn and tomato picking has begun and they are looking good. We’re seeing a few stink bugs in sweet corn, but nothing severe. Powdery mildew is showing up on some cucurbits now that moisture has returned. Downy mildew could show up at any time here, so keep an eye out for that and stay on a good preventative spray schedule.

Sweetcorn ready for harvest. Photo from Justin Ballew

These tomatoes will be harvested soon. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “Rain fall amounts range from 1 inch to over 5 throughout Aiken,Saluda and Edgefield Counties which will give irrigation systems a much needed break. Flea beetles are showing up on peppers.”

– Adult flea beetle and damage to pepper plant. Photos from Sarah Scott

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports, “Pythium has been awful with all the heat. Bad on snapbeans, cucumbers, etc. Southern stem blight has been awful on tomatoes and peppers with the heat. Black rot has taken over some kale, cabbage, collard fields. Sensation strawberry has had very poor yields this spring but is still bearing in the heat. Pickleworm is hear and is worse in yellow squash, then cucumbers, and then zucchini. The heat caused the flowers to fall on the early planted butterbeans causing all the early plantings to come together with the later planting then with the rain and cooler temperatures all plantings are setting now. It appears we may have butterbeans but all plantings will come in at the same time causing problems with marketing.”

Field Update – 6/3/19

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Statewide

Dr. Tony Keinath reports,”Powdery mildew was found on watermelon at the Coastal REC on May 30. Typical symptoms of powdery mildew on watermelon are distinct yellow spots, although the spots may be indistinct yellow blotches rather than round spots. The symptoms seen this week included more browning than is typical for the size of the spots, perhaps due to unusually hot weather. To manage powdery mildew on watermelon and other cucurbits, click here. Powdery mildew-resistant cultivars of cucumber and cantaloupe are holding up well, but squashes with partial resistance to powdery mildew should be sprayed.”

Yellow spots include more browning than usual for powdery mildew. The hot weather probably contributed to this. Photo from Dr. Tony Keinath.

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Another week without rain for most of the Lowcountry. The irrigated crops that have gotten enough water and look great including tomato, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and squash. We are at the beginning of tomato, melon, rabbiteye blueberry, and blackberry harvest. Blueberry growers will want to look out for anthracnose fruit rot in harvested berries. There is nothing that can be done this year but we can work on spray programs for next year. The tomato crop looks great except for the usual bacterial wilt and southern blight. I heard of a few hot spots of spider mites last week so scout regularly especially during this hot and dry period.”

Anthracnose in blueberries. The photo on the right shows berries that were just picked. The berries on the left were picked 3 days prior to the photo being taken and stored at room temperature. You can see the orange spore masses on some of the berries. Photos from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports,”Last week was another hot, dry week. It’s been 23 days now since we’ve had rain that amounted to anything more than a brief sprinkle. Irrigation systems are not getting much rest. Squash and zucchini yields have suffered some, most likely because bee activity decreases when it is extremely hot and dry. We have some blueberries that are suffering because the drip system is not able to keep up with the water demand. Other irrigated crops like sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are looking fine. We need rain pretty badly, though.

Collards just outside of the reach of the end gun are wilting and the bottom leaves are drying out. Photo from Justin Ballew

Blueberries are showing signs of drought stress in the Midlands. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “Things are busy and man has it been HOT! I’ve been speaking with Brett Blauuw, entomologist from UGA, about what to expect when the temps dip back down to “normal” as far as the pest outlook is concerned and here are some notes from our conversation:

Scale insects tend to become inactive at temperatures greater than 90, but they will continue to develop at night when the temperatures dip back down. The activity should decrease compared to a ’normal’ spring where it’s in the 80s. We still have a couple of weeks before we see another peak abundance of scale crawlers.
Stink bugs don’t mind the heat much. The adults that emerged from overwintering are dying right now, so the numbers are declining but, they have laid eggs and the nymphs will be developing. In a couple of weeks we should expect another large number of BMSB adults.
Plum curculio is also more abundant and active this year. Still catching adults down in Fort Valley, so that is another concern.
Thrips, unfortunately love hot, dry climates, so right now is the perfect weather for them. For organic producers, Entrust is an affective product.”

The South Carolina Grower

Fruit and Vegetable News for Growers and Agribusinesses in South Carolina

Category Archives: Weekly Field Updates

Field Update – 8/5/19

Field Update – 7/29/19

Field Update – 7/22/19

Field Update – 7/15/19

Field Update – 7/8/19

Field Update – 7/1/19

Coastal Region

Midlands

Pee Dee Region

Field Update – 6/24/19

Field Update – 6/17/19

Field Update – 6/10/19

Field Update – 6/3/19