Author: Justin Ballew

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...

Midlands Region Rob Last After the storms in the Midlands, crops are looking good with minimal damage. The Lowcountry is still very wet. Following the rain, diseases will be increasing both...

What is this critter that was found? This spiky-looking thing on the underside of a cucumber leaf is a squash beetle larva. This is one of two species in the lady beetle family that feed on...

Midlands Region Rob Last After another hot, dry week, a welcome break is being seen with a forecast of cooler temperatures and welcome rainfall. Keeping an eye on the tropical disturbance in the...

What caused the hole in the side of this cucumber? (Nothing is wrong with the color. This cultivar is called Silver Slicer.) This week’s question is a review from a post Tom Bilbo wrote recently...

Recently, the results of the 2022 Farm Gate survey were posted, showing data for several crops grown in SC. In the coming weeks, we will be collecting data for 2023 on a new set of crops. Extension...

Here we see an assassin bug that has caught and is feeding on a lady beetle. Normally, both of these insects are good guys, though when assassin bugs get hungry, they will eat just about anything...