Author: Justin Ballew

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...

This is a pigweed seedling that came up in a field that was disked recently. Pigweed, also known as Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri), is one of the most aggressive weeds that farmers battle....

Coastal Region Zack Snipes The dog days of summer are here, and it shows. Many growers are either taking a break to beat the heat or are in a transition period. Fall crops are being put in the...

Coastal Region Zack Snipes Another hot week in the Lowcountry. We have gotten a good bit of rain in some spots, and other spots have missed the rain altogether. The hot and dry weather has caused a...

Coastal Region Zack Snipes It has been extremely hot and humid in the Lowcountry. Most of our summer crops are winding down with the heat, humidity, and disease. I know it’s summer, but now is...

These are kudzu flowers. You can see the characteristic trifoliate kudzu leaves in the background. Kudzu is one of our most common invasive plants in the Southeast. Interestingly, it was introduced...

Coastal Region Zack Snipes It is hot and humid in the Lowcountry, and I think summer is here. We are in a very busy phase in the fields as we are finishing up harvesting and preparing for the...

Statewide Tom Bilbo – Extension Entomologist Pickleworm and melonworm have arrived in the Lowcountry. Be on the lookout and ready to spray for this pest complex because of its potential to cause...