Tag: Watermelon
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Weekly Field Update – 4/28/25
Most of the state welcomed some rain last week while parts of the coast remain dry. Crops are progressing well, though folks will need to beware of disease this week following the moisture. Mite and insect pressure has been climbing. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t…
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Weekly Field Update – 4/21/25
Warm, dry weather has set in around the state, though we have some rain in the forecast this week. Disease levels have been low, but that could change with moistre. Mite populations are climbing with the dry conditions. Planting of spring crops is wrapping up. See details below. The American Farmland Trust is accepting applications…
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Weekly Field Update – 4/14/25
Strawberries, as well as other spring crops, are growing like gangbusters. Peaches are being thinned and some early blueberries are sizing up. As the weather warms this week, keep a close eye out for spider mites. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our…
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Weekly Field Update – 4/7/25
The warm weather has made strawberries, peaches, and blueberries jump. Strawberries are in full swing now and it’s a great time to visit the U-Picks. Moisture in the forecast this week is likely to bring an increase in disease pressure. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t…
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Weekly Field Update – 3/31/25
Spring is off to a warm start. The weather has been dry, but we finally have some rain in the forecast. Strawberry picking is beginning in parts of the state. So far disease has been low, but spider mites are present in places. Other crops are growing well. See details below. Clemson Extension is working…
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Deep Dive: Fusarium Wilt in Watermelons
Calling all watermelon growers… Make sure to tune in to the latest SC Grower Exchange episodes including our deep dive into Fusarium Wilt. Commercial Horticulture agent, Rob Last, talks with Professor of Plant Pathology Research and Extension Vegetable Pathologist, Dr. Anthony Keinath, and discusses recent observations and tips for dealing with fusarium wilt, specifically in…
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More Evidence that Choosing Grafting or the Right Cultivar is More Important than Using Fungicides to Manage Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon
By Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath My 2024 Fusarium wilt experiment at Coastal REC, Charleston, SC, was a streamlined version of the 2023 experiment with 2 fungicides, 2 cultivars, and grafting, except we tested 1 different fungicide and 1 different cultivar. The 2024 results, however, matched the results from 2023 (see title). Already at 3…
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Weekly Field Update – 5/28/24
We hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. This week, we have a virtual Produce Safety Rule Training for any that needs this required training. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss anything. Also, check out the latest episode of the SC Grower Exchange Podcast below.…
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2022 Watermelon Stats
In the Fall of 2022, Extension Agents throughout South Carolina surveyed growers on specialty crop acreage for the year. This was the first year of what is expected to be an annual survey. For this first year, data was collected for six crops: collard greens, lima beans, peaches, strawberries, sweet corn, and watermelon. The goal…
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2023 Fusarium Wilt on Seedless Watermelon Experiment – Week 7 Observations
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath This year’s Fusarium wilt experiment includes 3 seedless cultivars, 3 fungicide treatments applied via drip irrigation, and grafting. This experiment is supported in part by a USDA SCRI grant. Transplants were set April 5 in a field infested with Fusarium races 1 and 2. These preliminary results are based…
The South Carolina Grower 