Tag: Brassicas
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Question of the Week – Harlequin Bug
Which insect laid these black and white barrel-shaped eggs? These are the eggs of a harlequin bug (Murgantia histrionica). Harlequin bugs are members of the stink bug family that feed primarily on brassicas, such as collards, kale, cabbage, and broccoli, as well as weeds like wild mustard, bittercress, pepperweed, and shepherdspurse. Like the eggs, adults…
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South Carolina Field Update (October 19, 2026): Fall, is that you?
Cooler temperatures have arrived and the break from the heat is welcomed. Armyworms and fire ants are on the rise so keep an eye out for pests and act quickly if you find either in your fields. New training resources for strawberry planting crews were published recently, including English and Spanish-language planting videos. Key Takeaways…
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South Carolina Field Update (October 12, 2026): Hurricane Isaias Brings Rain As Strawberry Planting Begins
Hurricane Isaias brought some steady rain over the weekend. As a result, keep an eye on disease pressure in fall crops. Strawberry planting has begun in places. New training resources for strawberry planting crews were published recently, including English and Spanish-language planting videos. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week New strawberry planting training resources available…
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South Carolina Field Update (October 5, 2026): Fall Weather Brings Fall Harvests
Though we didn’t receive as much rain as we expected over the weekend, the cooler weather has been a treat. Fall harvests of pumpkins, sweetpotatoes, squash, brassicas, and peppers are looking good. Diseases have been picking up in places on brassicas and cucurbits. New training resources for strawberry planting crews were published last week, including…
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Updated Fungicide Recommendations to Manage Alternaria Leaf Spot (Black Spot) on Brassicas
By Tony Keinath, Clemson Plant Pathologist Despite some unusually cold weather in January and February, Alternaria black spot is active on overwintered brassicas. Although the brassica Alternaria fungus (Alternaria brassicicola) present in South Carolina supposedly prefers warm temperatures, I doubt that old information is accurate today. Growers should be on the lookout for tan to…
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Weekly Field Update – 1/20/26
Welcome back to the SC Grower! This is our first update of 2026, and we’re looking forward to a great year. After some warm weather, temperatures will be cooler for the next week. Strawberries are developing well with various insect and disease issues around. Continue to scout regularly even though we’re in the middle of…
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Weekly Field Update – 12/1/25
This will be our final update of 2025. We hope every one has a safe and happy holiday season and we’ll see you back in 2026! The state remains dry, though there is some rain in the forecast for this week. Strawberries are growing slow in places and have growers thinking about covering to accumulate…
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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…
