Author: Anna Sarah Hill

South Carolina watermelon harvest is underway. Growers are managing increased disease pressure, insect pests, sunscald, and vascular wilt issues statewide.

Freestone peaches are now being harvested across South Carolina as disease and insect pressure continue to increase. This week’s field update covers anthracnose, gummy stem blight, cucurbit downy mildew, caterpillar outbreaks in greens, blackberry stink bug damage, and current harvest conditions across the state.

South Carolina growers are seeing rising insect populations as temperatures climb into the 90s. This week’s field update covers watermelon development, peach harvest progress, strawberry decline, blackberry disorders, and increasing pest pressure across the Lowcountry, Midlands, and Upstate.

Insect and disease pressure is increasing across South Carolina crops as warm temperatures and rainfall continue statewide.

South Carolina growers finally received much-needed rainfall, but increased disease pressure is expected this week. Early peach harvest has begun, while strawberries and blueberries continue producing. Growers should monitor pests like cucumber beetles in watermelon and adjust spray programs as conditions change.

The Upstate saw much-needed rain over the weekend, while dry conditions persist across the Midlands and Lowcountry. Cooler temperatures may benefit crops like strawberries, but growers should stay alert for rising disease pressure and increasing insect activity, including mites, scale, and beetles.

Near-record heat and dry conditions are impacting strawberry production across South Carolina, with widespread sunscald and ongoing pest pressure. Powdery mildew, spider mites, and irrigation challenges are key concerns for growers this week. Regional reports offer practical management tips as harvest continues.

Dry conditions persist across South Carolina. Insects are increasing, disease pressure remains low, and powdery mildew is emerging in crops.

Cold damage is being assessed across SC as strawberry harvest begins. See regional updates and key grower tips for this week.

Warm weather and recent rain are accelerating crop growth across South Carolina, with strawberry tissue sampling, peach bloom, blueberry bloom, and disease scouting underway.