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
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath Cucurbit Downy Mildew This Fall Warm days and cool nights help create long dew periods in the fall, weather is ideal for cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) to start and spread, as reported in the Weekly Field Update – 9/15/25. We have not yet seen CDM in our fall sentinel […]| The South Carolina Grower
Mild weather continues around the state as strawberry growers prep fields for planting next month. Two spotted cotton leafhoppers are being found across the state. Disease has been plentiful on cucurbit crops. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our winter/spring meetings. Also, check […]| The South Carolina Grower
Where is Rob visiting this week? For this month’s grower spotlight, Rob is visiting Jebali Farms. Jebali Farms is nestled on 3 acres of land in the town of Lexington. The farm was started in 2013 b…| The South Carolina Grower
The weather has dried up enough to allow growers to prep fields for more fall planting. Strawberry fields are being bedded and fumigated. Muscadines are being harvested now and look great. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our winter/spring meetings. Also, check out […]| The South Carolina Grower
What vine has covered the ground and is crawling up this tree? This vine is creeping cucumber (Melothria pendula). It’s in the cucurbit family, most closely related to cucumbers and melons, and native to the southeastern US and Mexico. The green, unripe fruit is generally considered safe to eat and tastes like a strong cucumber. However, the […]| The South Carolina Grower
Cooler weather this past week has given us a preview of Fall. Though the moisture has dried up, we are still seeing elevated levels of disease. Spider mite and caterpillar populations are climbing in places also. See details below. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab periodically so you don’t miss any of our […]| 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
8 posts published by Justin Ballew during July 2025| The South Carolina Grower
After some rain and wind in the Pee Dee from Tropical Storm Chantal on Sunday, the week is off to a hot start. Watermelons, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, etc. are being harvested. Disease and insect …| 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