Tag: gummy stem blight
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South Carolina Field Update (August 10, 2026): Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper Found
Thunderstorms brought rain to parts of the state last week, while others had a chance to dry out. Disease pressure has increased due to recent moisture. The two-spotted cotton leafhopper was found in Charleston last week. Keep an eye out for this pest and report any sightings to your local Extension Agent. South Carolina farmers…
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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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Weekly Field Update – 7/28/25
Well, its hot. Parts of the state received rain this past week, while others have been dry for most of the month. Some growers are applying kaolin products to reduce sunscald on developing fruit. Fall crops are beginning to go into the ground. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically…
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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…
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Weekly Field Update – 7/7/25
After some rain and wind in the Pee Dee from Tropical Storm Chantal on Sunday, the week is off to a hot start. Watermelons, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, etc. are being harvested. Disease and insect pressures are climbing. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of…
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Weekly Field Update – 6/30/25
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 Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Be sure to scroll all the…
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Weekly Field Update – 6/23/25
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 Grower Exchange Podcast below. Don’t forget to look at our Resources tab for links to crop handbooks, helpful websites, and related blogs. Be sure to scroll all the…
The South Carolina Grower 