Tag: whiteflies
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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 (June 29, 2026): Heat For the 4th

It’s going to be a hot week as we prepare for Independence Day. But the weather will be perfect for enjoying some cold watermelon and juicy peaches. Watermelon harvest is going strong with high yields reported. Disease is popping up in places as rain has created favorable conditions. Key Takeaways for Growers This Week Lowcountry…
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Question of the Week – Whitefly Damage

This week, the question was: What is causing the light colored discoloration on these zucchini plants? This discoloration is known as Squash Silverleaf Disorder (SSL) and is the result of immature whiteflies feeding on the squash leaves. SSL reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, leading to stunting and reduced yields. Whiteflies can become significant pests…
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Weekly Field Update – 10/5/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “The cooler weather and lots of rain have brought out the diseases. I saw some watermelon diseases last week including gummy stem blight. We need to protect our foliage just a few more weeks to finish off those melons so keep at the spray programs if you can. Whiteflies continue to…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/28/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Cooler temperatures have really helped out the direct seeded fall crops. Carrots, beets, and arugula are looking great around the Lowcountry. We had about 2 inches of rain so many fields are soggy. I am still seeing high numbers of whiteflies on just about every crop. Whitefly feeding will lower yields…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/21/20
Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Cooler temperatures have finally arrived in the Lowcountry! We had a good bit of rain in certain areas last week and some fields are soggy. I saw lots and lots of silverleaf disorder in squash this past week. Silverleaf disorder is caused by whiteflies. The nymphs of the whitefly feed on…
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Weekly Field Update – 9/8/20
Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “With all the rain we had in August the weed seed bank is starting to pop. Nutsedge pressure can be really tough in September. For fall cole crop plantings, it is important to initiate the stale seed bed technique (allow weeds to come up and burn them down multiple times…