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 Agents from around the state will be contacting growers to ask about this data. Our goal will be to calculate a total value for each crop in order to highlight the importance of agriculture in SC, track agricultural trends, obtain research funding, and provide information to our legislators who influence agricultural policy. No personal or identifying data will be published. Revisit the reports from 2022 to see an example of what will be released.
Coastal Region
Zack Snipes
- Not much is happening in the Lowcountry this week.
- Muscadines are coming to market in good volumes—no real issues to report on there.
- Cover crops are a hot topic right now. I have seen incredible cover crops this year due to timely rains. Some folks even use cover crops as a maze on their farms to bring in extra revenue.
This sunn hemp cover crop could serve as an excellent “corn” maze while providing all the benefits of a legume cover crop.
Zack Snipes, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Phillip Carnley
- Orangeburg and Calhoun have been a little dryer lately than previously in the season.
- With the dryer weather, late season peas and butterbeans are doing well, with the last of the summer plantings of peas just finishing up harvest.
- Muscadines are ripening up. I have seen a few vines with late-season herbicide damage from surrounding cropland.
- Fall tomatoes are looking great at the moment, but tomato fruitworm is rearing its ugly head in great numbers. If you have a history of TFW outbreaks in the past, your best course of action is to scout early and often. When they are first seen, treat with a spinosad product or one of the various pyrethroids on a weekly basis, from flower to fruit set as needed.
- Peppers have seen an uptick in the occurrence of anthracnose and blossom end rot. Just like with tomatoes, make sure you have a consistent watering program to mitigate blossom end rot.
Herbicide damage to muscadine as a result of drift or volatilization from adjacent cropland.
Phillip Carnley, ©2023 Clemson Extension
Caterpillars are showing up in tomatoes.
Phillip Carnley, ©2023 Clemson Extension
Rob Last
- Preparations for fall cropping continue at pace despite the observed hot and humid conditions.
- One thing I am picking up in many crops, both perennial and annuals, is nutrient deficiency symptoms. Nutrient deficiencies will show up in times of stress and can indicate underlying soil acidity changes.
- Iron deficiency can indicate a soil pH that is higher than ideal.
- Typically micro-elements such as Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Molybdenum, and Iron will display chlorosis of the new leaves. The micro-nutrients are less mobile in the plant. Take a tissue test to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis. Chelated micro-nutrient formulations can be very effective in treating a deficiency, be aware of applications in the heat of the day.
- Macro-nutrients typically display in the plant’s older leaves because these elements are more mobile in the plant. Nitrogen and Sulfur deficiency can be shown as chlorosis of the older leaves. Potassium will often display interveinal chlorosis and a burn to the leaf margins. A reddening of the older leaves often indicates phosphorous. Magnesium will display interveinal chlorosis similar to the plant in the picture but affecting the older leaves.
A blueberry plant showing iron deficiency.
Rob Last, ©2023 Clemson Extension
Sarah Scott
- Last week was a hot and humid one. Several evenings brought rain showers to keep soils relatively moist.
- Fall crops are growing nicely, but the pests have already started showing up. Bell peppers are starting to flower.
- The last of the peaches are being harvested. We’re wrapping up some light pruning and pushing up old orchards to make room for new plantings. Post-harvest fertilization continues. Basic recommendations are 30 lbs of N per acre, as long as you have between 12 and 18 inches of terminal growth. If terminal growth was less than 12, apply 35 lbs of actual N per acre.
Fall peppers are looking good and are starting to flower.
Sarah Scott, ©2023 Clemson Extension
One of the last loads of peaches for the year pulling out of the orchard.
Sarah Scott, ©2023 Clemson Extension
Pee Dee Region
Bruce McLean
- Growers are getting their orders in for strawberries. Ideally, you want to get your order in at least a couple of months prior to planting so you can get the varieties that you would like and not the varieties that you can get. We’re not very far away from time to start prepping fields and fumigating. Now is a good time to make sure you have all of the materials you need for the upcoming season.
- Keep an eye out for fungal diseases on blueberries and blackberries and treat them if necessary. Just because they are not in harvest, don’t think that nothing needs to be done. Late summer infections can lead to problems on the plants next year.
- Fresh market muscadines are starting to harvest with some volume. Wine grape muscadines are still a few out. Carlos is just starting to come into color – 10-15%. Noble is maybe 25-30% colored. Doreen is about 5%. Right now is a good time to start skirting the vines in preparation for harvest.
- Summer vegetables (okra, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe) are all picking well. Cucumbers and squash are picking with some volume. Peas are still harvesting well and are relatively clean with minor curculio damage.
- Fall vegetables are being planted now.
- Keep cool. It looks like we have another hot spell forecast for later this week.
