SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- August 7, 2023

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 ground right now (tomato, pepper, melons), while summer crops are still hanging on (eggplant, okra, hot peppers).
  • Muscadines will be coming to market this week.
  • Some growers are growing cover crops to build the soil for next season. With the heat and frequency of rain, these cover crops look amazing. I was in a beautiful field of cowpeas last week. I checked the root nodules for the presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria and was impressed at what I saw.
A lush field of cowpeas can suppress weeds add nitrogen, and increase organic matter in the soil.

A lush field of cowpeas can suppress weeds add nitrogen, and increase organic matter in the soil.
Zack Snipes, ©2023, Clemson Extension

Cowpea root nodules cut open look pink, like a medium-rare steak. These nodules are colonies of nitrogen fixing bacteria.

Cowpea root nodules cut open look pink, like a medium-rare steak. These nodules are colonies of nitrogen fixing bacteria.
Zack Snipes, ©2023, Clemson Extension

Midlands Region

Rob Last

  • Crops in the area look good, with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, and squash all coming to market with good quality.
  • As we approach the fall planting time, here are just a few points to consider:
  • Take the time to correct soil pH and get the fertilization program right.
  • Utilizing non-selective herbicides can be advantageous to remove emerged weeds, taking the pressure off the selective in-crop materials.
  • When forming beds, and laying plastic, keep an eye on soil moisture to create a firm bed. Firm beds will aid in making the management of the crops easier. Water use, fertigation, and herbicide efficiency can all be improved in a firm bed. A good rule of thumb is a 150 lb man should leave an indent of 0.5”.
  • Consider a pre-emergence herbicide to help with weed management.
Tomatoes are establishing well in the Midlands.

Tomatoes are establishing well in the Midlands.
Rob Last, ©2023, Clemson Extension

Pee Dee Region

Bruce McLean

  • Last week’s cool off (however brief) was a nice respite, but the heat is back. The forecast for the foreseeable future looks like it will be a continuation of heat, humidity, possible rain, and repeat.
  • Okra and hot peppers are coming off in good quantity and quality. This should continue with the weather forecasted.
  • Tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, and cucumbers had slowed a bit but seemed to be picking back up.
  • Sweetpotatoes are growing very well, with little problems. It is shaping up to be a very good year for the crop.
  • Fall vegetable planting is underway.
  • Some lingering late rabbiteye blueberries are still coming off, but volumes are very limited. The blueberry crop is largely completed for the year.
  • Some limited late summer/fall primocane blackberries are becoming available. Quality looks to be good for the upcoming harvest.
  • Late peaches are still coming in. Volume and quality are good, but the season is quickly winding down.
  • Fresh market muscadines are just coming into harvest. Sugargate and Tara are starting to pick. Wine and juice muscadines are still a few weeks away. Noble is at about 5-7% color. Carlos, Welder, and Doreen are yet to have any significant color.
Bacterial soft rot on onion likely the result of mechanical damage during harvest.

Bacterial soft rot on onion likely the result of mechanical damage during harvest.
Bruce McLean, ©2023, Clemson Extension

Stem tear on Sugargate muscadine. Stem tear and wet scar are the two biggest challenges to post-harvest handling of muscadines. This is where mold typically begins. If you pack and sell muscadines, be sure to choose varieties that have a high percentage of dry stem and low tendency for stem tears.

Stem tear on Sugargate muscadine. Stem tear and wet scar are the two biggest challenges to post-harvest handling of muscadines. This is where mold typically begins. If you pack and sell muscadines, be sure to choose varieties that have a high percentage of dry stem and low tendency for stem tears.
Bruce McLean, ©2023, Clemson Extension

If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988.

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