Tag: anthracnose
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South Carolina Field Update (July 6, 2026): Triple Digit Heat Index

Another hot week in SC with little to no rain across much of the state. Insect pressure continues to be relatively high in areas and if we get afternoon thunderstorms, as predicted, disease pressure may also be on the rise with increased moisture. A reminder that if you plan to apply for the South Carolina…
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South Carolina Field Update (June 29, 2026): Heat For the 4th

It’s going to be a hot week as we prepare for Independence Day. But the weather will be perfect for enjoying some cold watermelon and juicy peaches. Watermelon harvest is going strong with high yields reported. Disease is popping up in places as rain has created favorable conditions. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Lowcountry…
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South Carolina Field Update (June 22, 2026): Watermelon Season Is Here

Watermelon harvest is wide open as summer officially begins. Disease and insect pressure have increased since most of the state has received some rain. Sunscald is appearing on some crops with sparse canopies to protect them from the sun. Vascular diseases are becoming a problem in crops across the state. South Carolina farmers can receive…
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South Carolina Field Update (June 15, 2026): “Freestone” Peaches Are Coming In

After several days of heat and humidity, the weather will be slightly cooler this week. Insect pressure has increased recently, including caterpillars, false chinch bugs, and stink bugs. Disease pressure has also greatly increased. South Carolina farmers can receive a $100.00 stipend for completing a short survey on the 2026 Farmers Market Price Reports. Clemson…
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Spray Strategies for Strawberry Disease Control in South Carolina

Guido Schnabel, Extension Plant Pathologist Disease management is essential for growing high-quality strawberries in plasticulture. While Botrytis fruit rot (BFR) is a disease you can expect every year, Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) and the more recently introduced Neopestalotiopsis fruit and crown rot (Neo-P) may or may not appear (Fig. 1). This largely depends on how…
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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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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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Why Reusing Watermelon Plastic for Watermelon is a Very Bad Idea and Other Plant Pathology Horror Stories

From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath Extension agents have recently received some questions from growers about reusing plastic from a spring watermelon crop for a fall watermelon crop. This scenario is what I call a classic plant pathology “horror story.” It is literally the worst thing a watermelon, cantaloupe, or cucumber grower could do for…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/21/25

Another hot, humid week has passed. Growers are prepping fields for fall crops, and some planting has begun. As dry weather has set in, mites are becoming a problem in places. Disease pressure remains high in a variety of crops. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/14/25

It has been hot and humid around the state. Several thunderstorms have come through the state bringing some much-needed rain. Plenty of disease is present, including gummy stem blight, anthracnose, and downy mildew. Piercing/sucking insects are causing damage as well. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t…