Field Update – 4/6/20

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Justin Ballew

At this point, only a few cities (Columbia, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach) have issued shelter-in-place orders. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, has drafted a Notice of Essential Food and Agriculture Employee form that farms in these areas may fill out for each employee certifying them as an essential employee. They should keep this letter with them while commuting to and from work. Commissioner Weathers also sent this letter to the law enforcement community in regards to his notice.

Coastal

Zack Snipes reports, “A beautiful week of weather for working outside this past week. Our spring crops look great as well as our early summer planted crops. Tomatoes look great and have really jumped. I found some cranberry fruit worm in highbush blueberries last week that all blueberry growers will want to keep an eye out for. Local produce sales are in great demand right now with lots of growers finding new ways to sell to new clientele. Strawberry season is in full swing with U-pick operations having trouble keeping up with demand. I’ve seen lots of makeshift handwashing stations at U-Pick farms, which I applaud growers for. Had a few calls about thrips in strawberry this past week so keep an eye out for damage. In every strawberry field that I was in this past week, I saw hot spots of spider mites. Scout your fields, the entire field, daily and treat the hot spots before you have to treat the entire field. It will save you money on both treatment and potential yield loss.”

Handwashing stations at U-Picks are protecting both growers and customers. This one was set up for around $70. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Thrips damage on strawberry will leave the berry with a bronzed look and the outside of the berry will be hard resembling a plastic coating. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “The weather was a little cooler this past week than the week before. We also had a little rain early in the week and dew several mornings. These were perfect conditions for Botrytis and anthracnose to develop in strawberries and both showed up in a number of places. We have a lot of blooms and green fruit out there right now, so make sure to stay on a good spray schedule and rotate MOA’s. Spider mite pressure remains high in some places. Strawberry yields have not picked up yet and growers are easily selling everything they pick. Brassicas are growing fast in this beautiful weather. Caterpillar pressure is still up requiring widespread sprays. Keep scouting.”

Botrytis developing on a strawberry. Weather conditions have been perfect for Botrytis and anthracnose recently. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Strawberry yields have not picked up yet, but we have lots of blooms and green fruit coming on. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Sarah Scott reports, “Peach trees continue to progress, thinning of fruit is happening for some varieties now. Strawberry crop is beginning to pick up. Cooler night temperatures last week slowed ripening some. Vegetable crops continue to be planted including eggplant and peppers.”

Broccoli plants growing well in Saluda County. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Pee Dee

Tony Melton reports, “Full speed planting processing vegetables. Pickles, green beans, Butterbeans, peas, peppers, tomatoes are being planted. Having trouble getting all the strawberries picked. 2nd Butterbean planting going in. 3rd sweet corn planting going in.”

Upstate

Kerrie Roach reports, “With beautiful skies and warm weather this past week, our upstate market gardeners are beginning to put things in the ground. While a little early for some, others are hedging their bets with multiple plantings over the next few weeks. Apples and peaches are continuing to progress with most apple varieties now in or near full bloom.”

Tomato transplants for sale at a local garden supplier. Photo from Kerrie Roach.

Field Update – 3/30/20

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Justin Ballew

At this time, due to COVID-19, all in-person Clemson Extension meetings have been postponed through June 1st. Keep an eye on the COVID-19 Resources page for updates.

The SCDA’s list of farms offering deliveries and pick-ups has grown significantly in the last week. View or contact LauraKate McAllister to be added to the list here.

Coastal

Zack Snipes reports, “The weather has significantly warmed which has really helped our crops. Strawberries are in peak production and growers are seeing record sales. Other direct market growers are seeing higher sales numbers right now as well. Tomatoes are looking good with no issues. Highbush blueberries are looking like they will have a decent crop and should be coming off soon. I have seen some freeze damage on the earliest varieties of highbush that endured very cold temperatures. Later season rabbiteye blueberries are in full bloom right now.”

San Joaquin highbush blueberry with a good fruit load that should be ready soon. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “The first half of last week was very wet, the second half was very warm. Strawberries are growing well, but harvest volumes haven’t picked up yet. Growers are easily selling everything they pick. Keep scouting for spider mites. After a very easy fall and winter, caterpillar populations are starting to climb in brassica crops. Be sure to get out and scout for those. Sweet corn is also up and growing.

Diamondback moth caterpillar on the underside of a broccoli leaf. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Sweet corn up and growing. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Sarah Scott reports, “Fruit is developing nicely on peach trees with little to no signs of cold damage at this time. Vegetable transplants are going in now including squash, bell peppers, and eggplant. Strawberry harvest has begun. Spider mite populations are slightly high right now.

Peaches are developing well. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Newly transplanted squash plant. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Pee Dee

Bruce McLean report, “It has just about turned into summer with temperatures (over the last few days) in the mid and upper 80s… and the crops have really responded. Muscadines have started leafing out across the region, with some early flower development occurring. Later blueberry varieties (like Tifblue, Onslow and Powderblue) are blooming heavily, while earlier varieties of blueberries have completed flowering, or getting near to completion. Strawberries are blooming and fruiting heavily, and there are some light volumes being picked now. Angular leaf spot is showing up on some strawberries. This is due to the wet conditions that we have been experienced, this year. Spider mites are still being found in strawberries. So, regular scouting is necessary.”

A syrphid fly visiting a strawberry flower. Photo from Bruce McLean.

Tony Melton reports, “Growers are preparing land, bedding, and planting before this rain gets here. Most early sweetcorn is planted. Sweet potato beds are sprouting – along with weeds- kill the weeds now. Fresh market tomatoes and pepper are being planted. I have seen a lot of ugly strawberries from cinch bugs, stinkbugs, thrips, boron deficiency, etc. Butterbeans are being rapidly planted. Processing tomato and pepper land has been treated with Vapam- always follow all label directions. Cabbage is beginning to cup. There is more demand than strawberry supply right now.”

Upstate

Kerrie Roach reports, “Growers are trying to stay ahead of the game with some social distance mowing. No freeze damage spotted so far on apples or peaches in the Long Creek/Mt. Rest area. Bloom is very erratic and varies from tree to tree. Picture is of Mike Ables, with Ables Orchard bush hogging and a granny smith in full bloom.”

Mike Ables of Albes Orchard bush hogging weeds. Photo from Kerrie Roach.

A syrphid fly visiting a Granny Smith bloom. Photo from Kerrie Roach

Field Update – 3/23/20

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Justin Ballew

COVID-19 continues to be a major concern for produce farmers and consumers. We’ve put together a new tab labeled “COVID-19 Resources” which includes a number of resources from Clemson, SC Dept. of Agriculture, SC Farm Bureau, and Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. Additions are being made regularly, so check back often.

Also, AgriSafe is offering a webinar this afternoon titled “What Ag Producers Need to Know About COVID-19.” If you are interested in participating, click here.

Coastal

Zack Snipes reports, “Amid the COVID-19 outbreak the weather has really helped out our crops here in the Lowcounty. Strawberries are pushing out with great flavor and size after a break the past few weeks. Tomatoes are still being planted and look great with the warm sunny weather we have had. Winter and early spring crops are being harvested and look beautiful right now. I have seen some brassica fields beginning to bolt with the longer days and warming weather so get them out of the fields soon. If you are having trouble selling produce consider contacting LauraKate McAllister to be put on the SC Dept of Ag “Find Local Farm Fresh Food During COVID-19” list.

Clemson Extension will be posting on social media and the Home Garden Information Center about this webpage so your farm will want to be highlighted there. Clemson Extension is here to help everyone through this time so feel free to reach out to us.”

Strawberries are coming along in the Lowcountry. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Tomatoes are being planted and look good so far. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “The weather was beautiful last week and crops in the field are developing fast. Some of our strawberry growers have begun picking. Once yields pick up a little, most are still planning to have U-pick, with some precautions. Early reports are that sales have been good despite concerns that coronavirus would hurt demand. Spider mites have still been showing up, so keep scouting regularly. The drier weather last week slowed disease down, but moisture is returning to the forecast this week, so don’t let up on spray programs.”

Strawberry picking has begun in the midlands. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Pee Dee

Tony Melton reports, “Started planting Butterbeans and snap beans to beat the heat. Also planting Squash and other cucurbits from seed. There aren’t enough strawberries right now to meet the demand as everyone wants the first strawberries.”

Upstate

Kerrie Roach reports, “Upstate peaches are bursting with blooms and many apple varieties are starting to show silver and even green tip stages. We are excited about the season and are continuing to monitor temperatures. More rain again today.”

Stages of apple blooms. Photo from https://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/tree-phenology-dates-and-degree-day-events/

Peach blooms at Bryson’s Orchard in Long Creek, SC. Photo from Reba Butts.

Field Update – 3/16/20

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Justin Ballew

COVID-19 has become a concern for fruit and vegetable growers, especially those expecting to open U-Pick operations in the coming weeks. It is unknown at this time how the virus, quarantines, and closures will affect produce sales. Updates will be shared on the SC Grower each week in regards to this issue. In the meantime, please take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your workers, and customers.

Coastal

Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “I received a couple samples of the aquatic weed Eurasian Watermilfoil this month from irrigation and other water-filled ditches. This invasive weed has been moving South and can block up waterways. Sonar herbicide is effective against this weed. Draining the ditches and allowing the weed to dry out can reduce the viability of this weed as well.”

Eurasian watermilfoil foliage. Photo from Dr. Matt Cutulle.

Zack Snipes reports, “Things are warming up and drying out in the Lowcountry. Everyone is very busy preparing land and planting. Tomato planting will continue this week.”

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “Last week was mostly warm and sunny and there’s been lots of pine pollen in the air. Believe it or not, we have some places that are dry and are being irrigated. We have some ripe strawberries around that are ready to pick and I have been pleasantly surprised with the taste so far. It won’t be long before U-Pick operations are open. The dry weather has allowed spider mite populations to pick up and lots of folks have put out miticides. Be sure to scout regularly and stay on top of sanitation.”

Sandy soils in the midlands have dried out and these young collards have started to wilt. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Strawberry harvest will begin soon in the midlands. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Sarah Scott reports, “Most peach trees in the middle part of the state are well into bloom if not beyond. A break in the rain has given growers a chance to get into the field and spray for blossom blight as well as begin herbicide sprays in some orchards. There appears to be very little damage from previous cold nighttime temperatures but we will still have to wait to get the full scope until fruit development begins. Vegetable plastic has gone in later than usual due to muddy, wet field conditions. Spring brassicas are being planted and potatoes are still going in as well.

Peach trees near full bloom. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Pee Dee

Tony Melton reports, “Hurrying to get greens planted before the rain. Most sweet potato beds are in. Picking strawberries, but botrytis is bad because of all the rain and cloudy weather. Some are looking to start planting butterbeans soon to get ahead of the summer heat. Soil temperatures are good but, we never know about late frosts. It looks like we have some thinning of flowers/fruit on peaches with the cold temperatures, however, right now we still have a good crop.”

Upstate

Kerrie Roach reports, “We are starting to see some beautiful peach blooms here in the Upstate. The ‘Belle of Georgia’ blooms are at about 80% in Long Creek as of Thursday. Lots of honeybees were out doing their work.”

Honeybee foraging peach blooms. Photo from Kerrie Roach.

Field Update – 1/6/20

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Justin Ballew

Statewide

We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year! Please keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab for several spring production meetings and conferences coming up around the state.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We’ve gotten a lot of rain over the last 30 days, including around an inch and a half late last week. The weather was warm in the afternoons for most of the week also. Our corps are going well, though spider mites seem to be picking up in strawberries. Mites are easy to forget about this time of year, so be sure to get out there and scout. We should have 3 branched crowns on our strawberries at this point, but we are a little behind in several fields. Caterpillar populations remain low and the brassicas we are harvesting look great. Sclerotinia white mold is showing up in some brassica fields following all the recent moisture we’ve had. This is a good reminder to use a crop rotation of at least 3 years.

Sclerotinia white mold developing on collard leaves. Photo from Justin Ballew

A cluster of spider mites on the upper edge of the underside of a strawberry leaf. Photo from Justin Ballew

Lalo Toledo reports, “We have seen ‘Sclerotinia stem rot’ on brassicas increase in the last couple days. This moist weather helps promote stem infections that spread rapidly downward to decay roots and expand upward wilting leaves, resulting in plant collapse. We have observed a white, cottony growth near the soil line. Disease development is generally favored by abundant soil moisture and temperatures ranging from 10-25°C (50-77°F). It is important to implement good sanitation practices and long rotations to non-host crops. Cultivate to help promote good soil drainage. Fungicide application are also available. Refer to Vegetable handbook. Remember to rotate fungicide groups.

Wilted collards caused by Sclerotinia development on the stem. Photo from Lalo Toledo.

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports seeing spider mites in most strawberry fields. “Fall strawberries covered in hoop houses or just covered outside are doing well and producing well. Selling out the few remaining regrowth collards and greens. This week should be dry enough to start bedding land for spring greens to allow weeds to emerge and kill using stale-bed-culture. Stale-bed-culture is my favorite way to destroy most of the weeds before planting any crop.”

Bruce McLean reports, “Even though the calendar says January, it’s been feeling a bit more like April here lately. The remaining brassica crops look really good (for the most part). Cabbage, collards, turnips and broccoli are still in good supply. Pest pressure has been extremely low this season. Strawberries are looking very good as well. The recent heat is pushing blooms a bit. I haven’t seen anyone dragging the row covers out yet, so blooms are getting bitten on these coldest nights. No worries… they’ll be plenty more blooms to take their place. I’ve not seen any significant pests on strawberries, either.

The recent heat has really pushed the broccoli out. Photo from Bruce McLean.

Strawberries are looking very good this season in the Pee Dee. Photo from Bruce McLean.

Upstate

Kerrie Roach reports, “We’ve had cold weather along with lots of precipitation in the Upstate over the last few days. There were even some flurries up in the mountains. Pruning for apples is going to commence over the next few weeks. The SE Apple Growers Association Meeting is this week Tuesday and Wednesday in Asheville, NC, and many of our SC growers will attend.”

Field Update – 12/16/19

Posted on December 16, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Statewide

Dr. Matt Cutulle shared the photos below of a direct seeded collard weed control study. “Below is the untreated check (Left) and a plot treated with Treflan (Pre-plant incorporated) and Dual Magnum (Post-applied when collards are at least 3 inches in height). This is approximately 9 weeks after seeding. Main weed is corn spurry.”

Treflan PPI and Dual Magnum POST (right) provided good weed control in direct seeded collards as compared to the untreated check (left). Photo from Dr. Matt Cutulle.

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “The mild temperatures and rain have helped our crops out. The collard crop is looking great for the Christmas and New Year’s harvest with very little insect or disease damage. Strawberries are looking good as well with excellent fall growth and color. Strawberry plants should be about the size of a baseball cap this time of year. Blueberry plants have turned a beautiful deep red color and are beginning to get some chill hours going into winter dormancy. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season spent with family and eating lots of SC GROWN products.”

Strawberries should be about the size of a baseball cap this time of year. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We had decent growing weather again last week. Steady rain fell all day Friday and we saw 6.5 inches at my house. Luckily, the sandy soil soaked most of it up. Growers are continuing to harvest brassicas and they look great right now (very little insect damage). We are still battling spidermites in some strawberries.”

Collard harvest is looking great in the midlands. Photo from Justin Ballew

Yellowing and mottling on strawberry leaves from spider mite feeding damage. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “4-8 inches of rain fell across Aiken and Edgefield Counties last week causing standing water and some flooding. Collards, broccoli and root crops are still being harvested. Fields are still being cleared and prepped for peach tree plantings.”

Flooded peach orchard following the rain Friday (12/13) Photo from Sarah Scott.

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports, “Fresh Market collards are selling rapidly. Many growers are re-growing the first cut collards of September/October to have them ready for second cut for New Years because they are running out of first cut collards. Turnip roots are getting large and need to be sold if tops are to remain. Turnip roots alone are a cheap commodity. The last of the processing turnips tops and mustard are being harvested this week and all that will be left is second cut collards to be harvested. Hopefully the rain helped to control spidermites on strawberries.”

Field Update – 12/2/19

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Very few diseases and insects to report this week. The cooler weather and rain have really made fall planted greens and peas take off. We are still harvesting peppers and even an occasional squash and zucchini. The strawberry crop looks like it has taken root and is off to a good start with the exception of some deer damage here and there. I want to remind everyone of the NC Vegetable Expo which will be taking place in Wilmington, NC beginning on Thursday and going until Saturday. The Farm Bureau Annual Conference is also taking place this week in Myrtle Beach. Be sure to take advantage of these learning opportunities and pick up some last minute pesticide credits.

Peas growing well on the coast. Photo from Zack Snipes

Still harvesting some peppers on the coast. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “The weather last week was very mild and we had a couple light rains. This lead to some good growth on our strawberries and brassicas. Whiteflies are showing up again in low numbers in a few brassica fields and caterpillar numbers remain low. Stay on a regular scouting schedule, though. We’re harvesting lots of good looking collards and kale as well as a few other brassicas. We have some fall strawberries that are blooming now as well.”

Day neutral strawberries blooming as they grow. Photo from Justin Ballew

Lalo Toledo reports, “We are picking collards and kale this week. Most of the brassica crops look good except for some cold damage. Cold damage has been an issue in the midlands and lower state, particularly on leafy greens. Diamond-back moth populations remain low in our area. Black rot has been spotted in some parts of collard fields (V-shaped lesions on older leaves).

Cold damage on older leaves. Photo from Lalo Toledo

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports, “Insect problems on greens have reduced tremendously with the cooler weather. Dry fall has assisted tremendously in the harvest of processing fall greens. Therefore, only a few turnips and mustard left to harvest and regrowth collards are well on their way and will be ready to harvest around the first of the year. The last of the sweet potatoes will be harvested this week if weather permits. I have seen some spidermites on strawberries especially on the fall bearing crop.

Field Update – 11/25/19

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Things are looking good in the Lowcountry. We are harvesting lots of produce right now just in time for the holidays. I have seen some cold damage on some brassicas but other than that very few issues to report.”

Freshly harvested tumeric. Photo from Zack Snipes

Cold damage on brassica. Photo from Zack Snipes

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “The weather has been pretty mild over the last week and we have had some rains. We’re picking some really good looking collards and kale right now. Caterpillar populations remain low in most places, though there are some hot spots around. Lots of folks have been asking about necrotic lower leaves on brassicas that have appeared since the temperature dipped into the 20’s the week before last. In most cases this is only cold damage. We can see some secondary fungal development on the damaged tissue, but its not really concerning. Just pick those leaves off, the new growth will be fine.

Lower collard leaf damaged by the cold. New growth will be unaffected. Photo from Justin Ballew

Sarah Scott reports, “Peach fields are being prepped for new plantings. A levee plow is used to create berms to plant the trees on top of. Growers have adapted this technique to increase tree life due to soil borne disease issues.”

Planting peach trees on a berm reduces the risk of soil borne diseases. Photo from Sarah Scott

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports, “Still digging processing sweet potatoes even though tops are dead. A good portion of fresh market collards were sold over weekend. All processing turnips, mustard, and collards have been harvested at least once and some twice. For a summary of vegetable research conducted at the Pee Dee Rec in 2019, see this PDF: 2019 PDREC Farm Research19.”

Upstate

Mark Arena reports seeing some premature pecan germination. “We can see this when the trees do not receive enough water to complete shuck splitting and the nuts remain lodged in the husk for an extended period. Combine this with warm late season temperatures after nut ripening is complete and the addition of rainwater accumulating in the shuck, which provides ample moisture to innate rooting. Affected nuts are considered inedible. Proper irrigation and shaking the trees in the easiest remedy for this condition.”

Premature pecan germination. Photo from Mark Arena

Field Update – 11/4/19

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Statewide

Dr. Matt Cutulle cautions growers to be careful with late planted greens. “If getting out late with greens planting I would be careful with applying treflan pre-plant herbicides, as cold soil temperatures can facilitate injury.”

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “We are finishing up with summer crop harvests of cucumber, squash, and beans and harvesting fall crops like broccoli, collards, root crops, and lettuces. The rains and, at times, cooler weather have helped our fall crops. This past week I found some really cool beneficial insects in our Lowcountry brassica fields. When scouting take note of any beneficials in your fields and know that they are providing lots of pest control for you. Black rot in brassica has started showing up pretty regularly with the recent rains and lower temperatures. Crop rotation, using clean seed and transplants, and sanitation (removing of diseased tissue) can help with control of this disease. Many farms are seeding cover crops this time of year. Cover crops like clover can be grown to increase soil biomass, produce nitrogen, suppress weeds, and provide nectar and pollen for our beneficial insects.”

Black rot showing up in brassicas after the recent thunderstorms. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Planting cover crops. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We got some rain from thunderstorms last week and the weather has turned significantly cooler since. We are seeing a few spidermites on strawberries. Keep an eye out for those. We don’t normally see a lot spidermites this early, so don’t let them catch you not paying attention. Caterpillar populations are still low on brassicas and disease has been relatively low also. A few false chinch bugs have been reported on mustard and turnip. We’re cropping kale and collards and still picking some last minute fall squash, zucchini, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes.”

Two-spotted spider mites on the underside of a strawberry leaf. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Still picking some last minute eggplant. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Sarah Scott reports, “Lower temperatures have brought a few light frosts to the area with scattered damage to tender vegetation. We continue to harvest broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, sweet potatoes, spinach and collards.”

Broccoli head developing in the midlands. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Bacterial soft rot on pepper. Photo from Sarah Scott.

Pee Dee Region

Tony Melton reports, “Bacterial leaf diseases of brassicas have been terrible this fall, maybe due to heat we had early – processing greens had to be harvested early to meet grade. I have found millions of False Cinch Bugs on brassicas especially turnips – imidacloprid is a good control without killing beneficial insects. Farmers (especially row crop farmers) need to be rotating from products containing chlorantraniliprole to other active ingredients – I have noticed a reduction of the length of control with these products. Frost is here – protect.

Field Update – 10/28/19

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Justin Ballew

Coastal Region

Zack Snipes reports, “Strawberries have been planted in the Lowcountry. Some rain throughout the week has really helped them take. Already seeing deer tracks in fields without fencing. I scouted a few fields and found enough juvenile spider mites to warrant a spray. We need to stay on top of the mites this season. Please scout your fields and take necessary measures to manage them.”

Strawberry transplants are getting established. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Deer tracks show that deer are already browsing in strawberry fields. Photo from Zack Snipes.

Midlands

Justin Ballew reports, “We had a few showers come through the midlands last week. Strawberry planting has wrapped up and the young transplants are getting established well so far, as we’ve had pretty favorable weather lately. Fall brassicas are looking great and worm pressure is still a little below average. Fall crops of cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, green onions, eggplant, squash and zucchini are still being harvested.”

Broccoli head developing well. Photo from Justin Ballew.

Pee Dee Region

Bruce McLean reports, “Brassica (cabbage, collards, turnips, broccoli, etc.) and strawberry planting has finished. The crops look very good. Okra and squash will finishing up soon. Downy mildew is still a challenge on squash. Brassica insect pressure has been relatively light, except for aphids which have been moderate in limited locations. Continue to scout regularly.”

Cabbage looper feeding on a cauliflower leaf. Photo from Bruce McLean.

Tony Melton reports seeing lots of worms and moths. “I have seen sweet potatoes stripped by stripped armyworms, armyworms, loopers and velvetbean caterpilars in greens, and millions of corn earworm moths in peas. Also false chinch bugs are loving the turnips, kale, and mustard. Strawberries are getting established. ”

Worms of all kinds are wreaking havoc in the Pee Dee. Photo from Tony Melton.

The South Carolina Grower

Fruit and Vegetable News for Growers and Agribusinesses in South Carolina

Tag Archives: harvest

Field Update – 4/6/20

Field Update – 3/30/20

Field Update – 3/23/20

Field Update – 3/16/20

Field Update – 1/6/20

Field Update – 12/16/19

Field Update – 12/2/19

Field Update – 11/25/19

Field Update – 11/4/19

Field Update – 10/28/19