Tag: crown rot

• South Carolina Field Update (March 23, 2025): Cold Damage Being Assessed as Strawberry Harvest Begins

  

  Parts of the Upstate saw some cold damage to fruit crops last week, while the rest of the state largely escaped. Strawberries are ripening well, and harvest is beginning in places. Spring vegetable planting will begin on a larger scale soon. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange…

  Justin Ballew

  March 23, 2026

  Weekly Field Updates

  bloom, boron, clemson extension, cold, Cold damage assessment, cool weather, crown rot, crowns, Disease, harvest, Insects, planting, pruning, row covers, scout, scout for spidermites, scouting, south carolina, spider mites, spring, Strawberries, strawberries nearing harvest

• South Carolina Field Update (March 16, 2025): Developing Strawberries At Risk of Frost Injury

  

  After another week of warm weather, multiple nights are forecast to dip below freezing. This comes as strawberries and blueberries across the state are in full bloom, with strawberry harvest rapidly approaching. Other cool-season crops are progressing well. See details below. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Help Clemson Collect Local Pricing Data Clemson University…

  Justin Ballew

  March 16, 2026

  Weekly Field Updates

  bloom, boron, clemson extension, cold, cool weather, crown rot, crowns, Disease, Insects, planting, protecting strawberries from cold, pruning, row covers, scout, scout for spidermites, scouting, south carolina, spider mites, Strawberries, strawberries nearing harvest, Weekly Field Updates

• Weekly Field Update – 3/9/26

  

  Warm weather and rain will have crops growing quickly this week. This is also a recipe for disease development. As strawberries, blueberries, and other small fruits progress, stay on top of disease management and scout closely. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our…

  Justin Ballew

  March 9, 2026

  Weekly Field Updates

  alternaria, aphids, bloom, boron, botrytis, clemson extension, cold, cool weather, crown rot, crowns, Disease, fall crops, fertilizer, Insects, planting, pruning, row covers, scout, scouting, south carolina, spider mites, Strawberries, Weekly Field Updates

• Weekly Field Update – 3/2/26

  

  After some rain and warm weather, crops will begin moving quickly this week. Now is a good time for strawberry tissue sampling and disease resistance screening. With more rain in the forecast, make sure you’re staying on top of disease control programs. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so…

  Justin Ballew

  March 2, 2026

  Weekly Field Updates

  alternaria, aphids, bloom, boron, botrytis, clemson extension, cold, cool weather, crown rot, crowns, Disease, fall crops, fertilizer, Insects, Peaches, planting, pruning, row covers, scout, scouting, south carolina, spider mites, Strawberries, Weekly Field Updates

• Weekly Field Update – 2/23/26

  

  After a taste of spring weather, the week is off to a cold start. Many growers have begun spring fertilization in strawberries and will begin protecting flowers and fruit from the cold. We are seeing an increase in insect and disease pressure around the state. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events…

  Justin Ballew

  February 23, 2026

  Weekly Field Updates

  alternaria, aphids, bloom, boron, botrytis, clemson extension, cold, cool weather, crown rot, crowns, Disease, fall crops, fertilizer, Insects, Peaches, planting, pruning, row covers, scout, scouting, south carolina, spider mites, Strawberries, Weekly Field Updates

• Question of the Week – Phytophthora Crown Rot

  

  This week, the question was: What has caused the dark brown discoloration in the crown of this strawberry plant? This dark reddish/brown discoloration in the crown is a typical symptom of Phytophthora crown rot. The first observable signs of this disease include wilting and browning of the leaves in the field. Phytophthora is most serious…

  Justin Ballew

  February 2, 2023

  Question of the Week

  crown rot, Disease, disease management, phytophthora, Question of the Week, Strawberries