Tag: blueberries
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South Carolina Field Update (May 11, 2026): Insects and Disease Increase as Forecast Shows Warming Trend
As more rain fell in parts of the state last week, disease and insect pressure began to increase. We’re seeing leafhoppers, sap beetles, thrips, and some caterpillars. Various root rots have been appearing in strawberries. Blueberries and other summer crops are looking good. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 4, 2026): Finally, Some Rain!
We finally received significant rainfall late last week and over the weekend. Monitor disease carefully as more rain is forecast for mid-week. Early peach varieties are coming into harvest, as strawberry and blueberry harvests continue. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast is available now. Lowcountry Report…
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South Carolina Field Update (April 27, 2026): Upstate Receives Some Rain As the Midlands and Lowcountry Remain Dry
The Upstate received some rain over the weekend, while nothing much materialized in the Midlands or along the coast. With cooler temperatures and more chances for rain this week, we’ll be keeping a close watch on disease pressure. Insect pests, including scale, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetles, and mites, are causing problems in some areas.…
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Blueberry Pruning in South Carolina
Practical guidelines for maintaining plant vigor, fruit quality, and long-term productivity By Melissa Muñoz, Small Fruit Extension Specialist Why Prune Blueberries? Annual pruning is essential for maintaining blueberry plant health, productivity, and fruit quality. Pruning helps improve berry size, maintain more consistent yields, enhance light penetration and air movement within the canopy, reduce disease pressure,…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/24/25
We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving and is able to enjoy a little time off with friends and family! After some spring-like weather, temperatures are expected to cool down again this week. Fields are very dry right now so growers need to ensure they are watering adequately. Insect and disease pressure is relatively low.…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/17/25
After a cold snap, warm weather is back. Some strawberry growers covered their plants for the cold and are now uncovering to let them soak up the warm weather. Warm season crops were finished of by the cold. Brassica crops are showing a few disease issues as well as some cold-related discoloration. The Mildands region…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/10/25
The weather has quickly turned cold after a fairly warm week. Fall tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits will be finished off this week. Strawberries are looking good so far with few disease or establishment issues. See details below. As we get into strawberry season, check out this year’s Strawberry Webinar Series to brush up on disease…
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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 – 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…
The South Carolina Grower 