Tag: Strawberries
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South Carolina Field Update (August 24, 2026): Two-spotted Cotton Leafhopper Spreads as Temps Cool

The two-spotted cotton leafhopper was found in two more counties last week. The weather has cooled down a bit, and the forecast shows a good chance of rain. Be proactive with disease management this week as moisture will be conducive to disease development, including powdery mildew and anthracnose. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Statewide…
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South Carolina Field Update (August 17, 2026): Triple-Digit Temps Expected as Strawberry Prep Begins

We’re in store for possibly the hottest week of the summer. Take precautions to protect yourself and workers from heat stress. Fall crops are off to a good start, and preparations for strawberries are beginning. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Lowcountry Report Anna Sara Hill Midlands Report Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Report Andy…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 26, 2026): Disease Management Is A Must Following Heavy Memorial Day Weekend Rain

The Upstate and Midlands received heavy rain over the Memorial Day weekend, totaling 4-5 inches in places. While the Lowcountry and parts of the Pee Dee missed much of the rain, the forecast shows there is still a chance of some this week. Disease is expected to increase greatly, so stay on top of fungicide…
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South Carolina Field Update (May 18, 2026): As Temperatures Rise, Insect Populations Follow Suit

It’s starting to feel like summertime, with temperatures in the 90s this week. Insect populations have been rising, including leafhoppers, cucumber beetles, thrips, squash bugs and leaffooted bugs. Strawberries are still holding on as the blueberry harvest continues and the peach harvest expands. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week The latest episode of the SC…
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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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South Carolina Field Update (April 20, 2026): Near-Record Heat Brings Sun Scalding Issues In Strawberries

As strawberry harvest is in full swing, sunscald has appeared on berries across the state. Issues with powdery mildew and spider mites are also still active. While we are all anxiously awaiting the rain forecast for this weekend, remember that rain can easily damage ripening strawberries. Be ready to sanitize fields. Check out this recent…
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South Carolina Field Update (April 13, 2026): Insects Are Up, Disease Is Down As Drought Continues

Dry, dusty conditions continue as near-record heat sets in this week. Though overall disease pressure is low, powdery mildew is appearing in multiple crops. The weather conditions are allowing insects and mites to thrive. Clemson Extension agents have been working hard the past year writing a cut flower manual. The new manual will be available…
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Question of the Week – Cold Injury

What happened to these strawberry leaflets? Although the tops of these strawberry leaves look perfectly fine, their undersides are discolored and bronze. The culprit? Cold damage. Only showing up on the underside of the leaf because, as the covers were pulled over the plants, the leaves were folded over. Leaves that came in direct contact…