Tag: Strawberries
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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 Insect pressure is on the rise…
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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 Most of the state finally received rain – disease pressure is likely to increase…
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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…
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South Carolina Field Update (April 6, 2026): Crops Look Good So Long As the Irrigation is Running
Despite the forecast for a stormy Easter, most of the state remains dry after receiving very little rain. Strawberry picking is wide open in the Lowcountry and Midlands and is beginning in the Upstate. Disease remains low, though some dry-weather-related insect and mite problems are emerging. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Conditions remain dry…
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South Carolina Field Update (March 30, 2026): Dry Weather Persists as More Growers Begin Picking Strawberries
After a cooler weekend, warm weather will return this week. It’s been very dry, and we’re looking forward to a little rain later this week. More of the state is beginning to pick strawberries, though we aren’t in peak production yet. Spring vegetables are being planted now and are looking good so far. Key Takeaways…
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Question of the Week – Aphid Mummies
What is on the underside of this strawberry leaf? These round, tan objects are aphid mummies, the remains of aphids that have been parasitized and killed by tiny wasps. Due in part to parasitoid wasps, insecticide treatments are rarely needed for managing aphids in strawberries. These wasps prey upon aphids by inserting an egg into…
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South Carolina Field Update (March 23, 2026): 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 Cold affected some peaches and small fruits –…
