Author: Rob Last

Question of the Week – Southern Blight

Oct 16, 2024 | In the Garden

What are these brown pellets found on the base of a tomato plant? These brown pellets are sclerotia from the soil-borne fungus Athelia rolsii, commonly called Southern blight. The photograph was...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – October 7, 2024

Oct 7, 2024 | In the Garden

Parts of the state continue to clean up damage from Hurricane Helene. Apples are being harvested in the Upstate, and strawberry planting is just beginning. Disease is becoming more prevalent from...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – September 30, 2024

Oct 2, 2024 | In the Garden

Hurricane Helene cast tropical storm forced winds over most of South Carolina Friday as she tore through Florida and Georgia. The western part of the state took the brunt of the damage and large...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – September 23, 2024

Sep 24, 2024 | In the Garden

While the Pee Dee received some rain last week, other parts of the state remain dry. Insect pressure is creeping up, as is disease pressure. The recent cooler weather has fall crops looking great....

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – September 16, 2024

Sep 17, 2024 | In the Garden

The Pee Dee region is expecting rain from a potential tropical weather system this week. Fall crops are growing well with fairly low disease pressure. Caterpillar populations are climbing in places....

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- September 3, 2024

Sep 3, 2024 | In the Garden

The weather has turned dry over much of the state. Muscadines are coming to harvest as planting begins for some fall crops. Strawberry growers are still scrambling to make arrangements for the...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – August 19, 2024

Aug 20, 2024 | In the Garden

The Coastal and Pee Dee regions have been drying out from Tropical Storm Debby. Fall crops are being planted in many areas. Peach harvest is coming to a close and muscadine harvest will begin soon....

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- August 12, 2024

Aug 13, 2024 | In the Garden

The coastal region and Pee Dee saw lots of rain and flooding in places from Tropical Storm Debby last week. As field conditions improve this week, please document any crop or infrastructure impacts...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – August 5, 2024

Aug 6, 2024 | In the Garden

We’re forecast to get lots of rain this week from Tropical Storm Debby. This comes as growers are finishing up summer crops and are making preparations for fall crops. See details below. Keep an eye...

Question of the Week – Spider Mites

Jul 17, 2024 | In the Garden

What caused the stippling on this eggplant leaf? This damage was caused by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urica). While spider mites are often included in discussions of insect management,...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report–July 15, 2024

Jul 16, 2024 | In the Garden

A few areas received rain over the last week, contributing to increases in disease and fruit split. Sunscald and blossom end rot are becoming common, and insect pressure remains high. See details...

SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – July 8, 2024

Jul 9, 2024 | In the Garden

Scattered rain this past weekend brought some much needed relief to parts of the state. Insect pressure remains high in some places, and disease pressure is climbing. Harvest of several summer crops...