Author: Justin Ballew

What Is It? Wednesday – Phytophthora Crown Rot

Apr 26, 2023 | Uncategorized

This discoloration is a common symptom of Phytophthora crown rot. Wet conditions favor this disease; therefore, we tend to see it develop after periods of increased rainfall, especially in low areas...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – April 24, 2023

Apr 25, 2023 | In the Garden

Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “Cyclamen mites are another pest mite of [possible] concern for SC growers, and you should know what to look for as I have confirmed their presence on several farms this...

What Is It? Wednesday – Parasitized Aphid

Apr 19, 2023 | In the Garden

This aphid has been parasitized by a tiny parasitoid wasp. Parasitoid wasps lay eggs in a host, like this aphid. As the egg hatches and the larva develops, it causes the aphid to swell, making it...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- April 17, 2023

Apr 18, 2023 | In the Garden, Uncategorized

Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “I took what seemed like 100000 calls, emails, and texts last week about some odd symptoms on the older leaves of plants. The symptoms included interveinal...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – April 10, 2023

Apr 11, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “It has been another variable week in the low country with 1.6” of rainfall recorded and wide temperature variations. The rain has been beneficial in establishing...

What Is It? Wednesday – Cold Damage

Apr 5, 2023 | In the Garden

The dark-colored tissue on this holly was damaged by the cold weather we experienced the week of March 20th. Damage to new growth is most likely to occur in the Spring when a frost or freeze follows...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report

Apr 4, 2023 | In the Garden

Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “The area has had another warm week with excellent crop development. Strawberry crops are loading up with good volumes coming to harvest. Remember to scout fields...

What is It? Wednesday- Bess Beetles

Mar 29, 2023 | In the Garden

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,...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – March 27, 2023

Mar 28, 2023 | In the Garden, Small Fruits

Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “Things are really moving with the nice weather recently. We are in the period where we are harvesting and planting and getting fields ready. Growers are...

What Is It? Wednesday- Carpenter Bee Damage on Blueberry Flowers

Mar 22, 2023 | In the Garden

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...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – March 21, 2023

Mar 21, 2023 | In the Garden

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,...

What Is It? Wednesday- Cope’s Grey Treefrog

Mar 15, 2023 | In the Garden

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...