Author: Justin Ballew

This hole was most likely made by a melonworm. A hole this size is actually an exit hole chewed by the worm on its way out to pupate. Before that, the worm was inside the bloom feeding on the...

This squash is showing abnormal growth, known as fasciation. Fasciation is the abnormal development of a meristem or growing point. The cause of this condition is not well understood but is most...

The light-colored discoloration on these zucchini plant leaves is known as Squash Silverleaf Disorder (SSL) and is the result of immature whiteflies feeding on the squash leaves. SSL reduces the...

Coastal Region Zack Snipes A bit chilly this morning, with the temperature at 50 °F. The dry weather in October has really prevented the spread of black rot in brassicas. I am seeing a good bit of...

Coastal Region Zack Snipes I’m scared to mention the word “fall,” but lately, it’s felt a little like…fall. I hope we planted enough pumpkins for all the pumpkin spice lattes...

This squash is showing symptoms of a virus. There are numerous viruses that affect cucurbit crops, which may be transmitted in various ways, such as by insects (aphids, whiteflies, cucumber...

Coastal Region Zack Snipes We’ve had a great week of fall-ish weather for crops. Okra is still coming in at good volumes. Brassicas are in varying stages right now. I have seen some weird disease...

This hairy-looking flower will develop into a snake bean flower. I recently visited a community garden and was stumped when the groundskeeper asked me if I knew what plant this crazy-looking flower...

This crazy looking flower is a passionflower bloom (Passiflora incarnata). Passionflower is fast-growing vine that is native to the Southeast. It shows up on the edges of fields and wooded areas,...

Midlands Region Rob Last Some welcome rainfall we had over the weekend will help to keep soil moisture reserves available for crops. Looking at the forecast, we are looking at some reduced...

The galling on these okra roots was caused by root-knot nematodes (RKN). We see nematodes build up in the soil when susceptible crops are planted in the same fields or beds year after year. Crop...