Author: Justin Ballew

What Is It? Wednesday – Whitefly Damage

Oct 11, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- October 9, 2023

Oct 10, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – October 2, 2023

Oct 3, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

What Is It? Wednesday – Virus on Squash

Sep 27, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- September 25, 2023

Sep 26, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

What Is It? Wednesday – Snake Bean Flower

Sep 20, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

What Is It? Wednesday – Passionflower

Sep 13, 2023 | In the Garden

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,...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – September 11, 2023

Sep 12, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

What Is It? Wednesday – Root Knot Nematodes on Okra

Sep 6, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- September 5, 2023

Sep 5, 2023 | In the Garden

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 It? Wednesday – Squash Beetles

Aug 30, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – August 28, 2023

Aug 29, 2023 | In the Garden

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...