September 2025 – The South Carolina Grower
10 posts published by Justin Ballew during September 2025| The South Carolina Grower
10 posts published by Justin Ballew during September 2025| The South Carolina Grower
What has made this diamondback moth appear white and fuzzy? This diamondback moth is covered in a fungus called Beauveria bassiana. Beauveria is an entomopathogenic (meaning it develops on insects), soil dwelling fungi. This beneficial fungus is native to the US and affects at least 700 species of insects. Aerial spores of the fungus land […]| The South Carolina Grower
By Guido Schnabel, Clemson University; Phil Brannen, University of Georgia; Bill Cline and Caleb Bollenbacher, North Carolina State University Whether or not Neopestalotiopsis (Neopest) will harm your strawberries this season depends on many factors – including the quality of the transplants, the cultivar, sanitation practices, soil inoculum levels, weather conditions, and the fungicides you use. […]| The South Carolina Grower
As the weather feels more and more like fall, disease is becoming more apparent. Strawberry planting is just beginning and will pick up in the next week. Leafy greens are looking good, though caterpillar populations are high in places. See details below. As we get into strawberry season, check out this year’s Strawberry Webinar Series […]| The South Carolina Grower
By Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath Southern blight is rarely seen on kale or any other brassica crop. In the United States it’s been reported on other brassica vegetables grown in Alabama and Texas. This week, I was surprised to see southern blight causing stem rot just above the soil line on several plants of […]| The South Carolina Grower
What is this crop growing in Hampton County? This is basil, a member of the mint family. Basil is native to India, where it was considered a sacred plant and used in religious rituals. The ancient Egyptians used it in embalming and for its aromatic properties. Greco-Romans believed basil symbolized love, protection and hospitality. It was […]| The South Carolina Grower
Finally, some rain. It looks like we will get a little more in the next day or two. Diseases have been hanging around and are likely to kick up with the moisture. Caterpillar activity is causing so…| The South Carolina Grower
What kind of caterpillar is this that was found munching on the leaves of a pecan tree? These are walnut caterpillars (Datana ministra). Walnut caterpillars are native to the US and are common in the Southeast. Eggs are laid in masses and the larvae remain congregated throughout their juvenile stages. Though they bare a slight […]| The South Carolina Grower
From Clemson Agribusiness Associate Kevin Burkett This summer, farmers markets around South Carolina have had volunteers submitting data on fruit and vegetable prices. None of this data includes personal information from market volunteers or farms themselves. The reports are now available through the Clemson Extension Agribusiness page. This data has been compiled and summarized for […]| The South Carolina Grower
As fall officially begins, we remain very dry across the state. Cucurbit crops are showing widespread virus symptoms. Fall-harvest strawberries are being planted and spring-harvest berries will start in another couple of weeks. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our winter/spring meetings. Also, […]| The South Carolina Grower
What crop from South Carolina’s past is this growing near the coast? This is indigo (Indigofera tinctoria). Eliza Lucas-Pinckney was the first to successfully cultivate and commercialize indigo in America. Indigo became a significant economic driver during the late 1700s for much of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Indigo was grown, and its leaves were processed […]| The South Carolina Grower
We received more rain over most of the state last week which is holding up some field operations. Two-spotted cotton leafhoppers have been found in most okra and eggplant fields on the coast. Disea…| The South Carolina Grower
7 posts published by Justin Ballew during August 2025| The South Carolina Grower
Rain and cooler temperatures continued for most of the week. As a result, disease pressure is high right now, so be sure to stay on top of management programs. The invasive two-spot cotton leafhopp…| The South Carolina Grower
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath Extension agents have recently received some questions from growers about reusing plastic from a spring watermelon crop for a fall watermelon crop. This …| The South Carolina Grower
Virtual Private Pesticide Applicator Certification – Available On Demand – REGISTER HERE March 2025 3/5 – Upstate Apple Meeting -Details and Registration Coming Soon 3/7 – P…| The South Carolina Grower
Handbooks and IPM Guides Vegetables Peach, Nectarine, & Plum Apples Click Here for Southeastern Small Fruit IPM and Production Guides Clemson Resources Check Pesticide CreditsCenter Pivot Irrig…| The South Carolina Grower
Join Clemson Extension Horticulture Agents for The SC Grower Exchange podcast about what is going on in the fruit and vegetable fields around South Carolina. Agents will discuss crops, weather, ins…| The South Carolina Grower
