We saw some more rain and storms across the state last week. Watermelons and tomatoes are really coming in, and a few strawberry growers are still hanging on. Disease has made a significant increase recently, and piercing/sucking insects are on the rise. See details below.
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Coastal Region
Anna Sara Hill
- Fortunately, Barnwell, Bamberg, and surrounding counties did not get as much rain as was forecasted last week. We still have more than we need, and the meteorologists are saying more is coming.
- Most fields have dried out enough for growers to get in and spray in between rain events. This is important because conditions are prime for outbreaks of disease. Some growers will lose portions of fields due to flooding, but it is imperative to continue scouting to know what is out there and keep up with a good fungicide rotation to save the rest of the field. Extremely wet fields are prone to pythium and phytophthora root rots.
- I am seeing a lot of foliar diseases, such as downy mildew on cantaloupe and anthracnose in watermelons. I’m also still seeing a good bit of gummy stem blight. Good treatment options for anthracnose are Cabrio, Quadris, or Flint Extra. Orondis Opti in rotation with Ranman is a good option for controlling downy mildew in cantaloupe. Orondis Ultra in rotation with Ranman should be used to control downy in watermelons. However, to date, downy mildew in watermelons has not been reported in South Carolina. It is in Georgia, so be on the lookout, as it will be here soon.
Anthracnose on a watermelon leaf.
Anna Sara, Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Downy mildew in a cantaloupe field.
Anna Sara Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Zack Snipes
- We are finally getting consistent rain, which has been a relief.
- Commercial tomato and watermelon harvest has begun with heavy volumes coming out of the fields. With the increased wet weather, I am seeing more bacterial spot working its way up the tomato plant. Remember that slowing the disease down is the key, as we can’t completely stop it. The longer we delay the progression of the disease, the better. Copper and Manzate are the best options for managing bacterial spot.
- I am seeing an uptick in leaffooted bugs on all crops, so that is something to keep an eye out for.
Bubba from Forrest Gump would have a blast trying to name all the varieties of tomatoes coming in right now.
Zack Snipes, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Zinnias are a staple for mixed vegetable farms and can really strengthen cash flow this time of year.
Zack Snipes, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Pee Dee Region
Christiana Huss
- It’s been busy here in the Pee Dee! I’ve received many calls about tomatoes and peppers. I’ve seen virus-like symptoms as well as blossom end rot. Blossom end rot doesn’t necessarily mean there is not enough calcium in the soil; it can be because the plant is unable to take up the calcium due to inconsistent watering. Too little irrigation is often the cause of this disorder.
- The most common issue with peaches right now is scab and stink bugs. I have seen both on almost all peaches and plums. Stink bugs can be difficult to control without consistent pesticide applications. Sometimes, harvest or pesticide applications in neighboring fields can be a source of stink bugs.
Blossom end rot on developing tomatoes.
C. Huss, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Upstate Region
Briana Naumuk
- Here in the upstate, things are no longer dry after thunderstorms over the weekend. Temperatures are projected to rise this week, getting into the upper eighties. Be sure to be diligent in disease scouting, as these are some of the best conditions for it.
- Muscadines have begun to flower.
- The earliest blueberries have begun harvest. Mid-season blueberry varieties are continuing to size and ripen on schedule.
- Apples are developing on schedule. There is fire blight present in many orchards this year. The best control methods right now are to prune out what is dead and use copper fungicides.
Andy Rollins
- We’re harvesting some of the best-tasting strawberries of the year late. Most growers are finishing up and preparing to destroy the crop. Much-needed sunshine is the cause of increased flavor and sugar. A high rate of Gramoxone is the preferred product for killing strawberry to prepare for planting follow-up crops, rather than RoundUp. Growers need to make sure they have taken the required Gramoxone training if they are using that product, as it is one of our most dangerous to the applicator.
- We have some cold damage in peaches as well as some bacterial spot still on the fruit. We’re excited about some of the better tasting varieties that should be ripening soon, like Caroking, Juneprince, Harvester, and Red Haven.
- On one commercial farm, we found 1st-year peach trees yellowing as if dying, randomly distributed in 4-acre field. After digging around the base of the damaged trees, I found 4-5 Asiatic garden beetles around each. Dr Brett Blaauw, who covers SC peach entomology, identified them for me. We recommended the grower apply a trunk spray with Lorsban as labeled.
1st year peach tree showing yellowing of the foliage.
Andy Rollins, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Asiatic garden beetles found in the soil around the base of a yellowing peach tree.
Andy Rollins, ©2025, Clemson Extension
