Author: Justin Ballew

These beetles were found under a decaying log in the woods. They are bess beetles, also called horned passalus beetles (Odontotaenius disjunctus). These beneficial beetles feed on decaying wood,...

Carpenter bees made slits in these blueberry flowers. Carpenter bees commonly cut through blueberry flowers to access nectar from the side rather than the open bottom. This practice, known as...

Midlands Region Sarah Scott reports, “Temperatures dropped below freezing along the Ridge two mornings last week. We’ve been checking peaches over the past few days to assess the damage. Right now,...

I found this little guy while walking through the woods, scoping out turkey hunting spots. This species spends most of the year high in the trees, so finding it down low is likely a sign that...

Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Fruit crops are all developing well with good fruit set and flowering. Strawberry crops are beginning to ripen, heralding a fresh taste of spring. Pests and disease...

Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “After a warm week in the Lowcountry, we received some welcome showers. The rainfall will aid in cultivating and bed formation for spring crops. Beds should be...

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “If you’re growing strawberries in the warmest parts of the state and you haven’t been checking and/or spraying your fields for spider mites, you’re going to want to....

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “When scouting strawberry fields for spider mites, also keep an eye out for naturally occurring predatory mites, such as the [potentially] highly effective specialist...

This dark reddish/brown discoloration in the crown is a typical symptom of Phytophthora crown rot. The first observable signs of this disease include wilting and browning of the leaves in the field....

Statewide Guido Schnabel reports, “The new year started with a disappointment and scare for some strawberry growers. Stunted plants, gaps in the strawberry rows, and leaves dying. The extent of the...