The weather has been favorable for fall crop development, and greens grown for Thanksgiving are looking great. Some insect and disease issues persist but have been manageable. Strawberries are variable going into the winter. See details below. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Climate-Smart Grown in SC
Lacy Barnette
- We’ve had a couple of field days this month to highlight the termination of warm-season cover crops, recently planted cool-season cover crops and different brassica research. Thanks to CREC, Edisto REC, and farmers who attended some great discussions.
- Leafy greens are coming along nicely with many being harvested. Continue to scout crops, but so far, pest pressure has been low this fall.
- Thanks to some rain, cool season cover crops are starting to take off.
Dr. Matt Cutulle demonstrated the difference in nozzle types for herbicide application at CREC field day.
Lacy Barnette, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Dr. Gilbert Miller discussed summer cover crop mixture before demonstrating termination and mulch application at Edisto REC field day.
Lacy Barnette, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Rob Last
- Some welcome rain has been seen in the Midlands this past week, with a significant reduction in temperature.
- In response to the cooler temperatures, you may observe purpling in brassica crops due to reduced phosphorous uptake. There is no need to apply additional phosphorous; as soon as the temperature warms up and plants actively uptake P, then, the purpling will diminish.
- I am seeing aphids, diamondback moths, and whiteflies in some crops, granted at low incidences.
- Most crops are looking clean for disease; however, keep scouting.
- Harvest of brassicas and other leafy greens continue with great quality.
- Strawberries are developing well, and I am seeing relatively few issues. Advanced bare root plantings are up to two crowns.
Lettuce ready for harvest in the Midlands.
Rob Last, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Sarah Scott
- We had a significant cool down over the weekend and spotty frost in areas on the northern side of Saluda and Edgefield Counties. There are still a few late summer crops in the field that survived the temps, but it looks like a seasonable dip in temperatures is coming soon.
- Greens such as cabbage and collards are looking good. Still seeing some whiteflies in the fields but noticeably less than the week before. The rain seems to have knocked down the population somewhat.
- Strawberry plants are developing nicely and, so far, looking good. Field prep for peach plantings is still underway, including plowing and making berms for new trees that will be planted this winter. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is time to start putting out dormant season weed control such as Pindar GT. The product can be put out up until bud swell and generally, the holiday is a good marker for when to start applications. As we are entering into partial dormancy of trees, it is also time to start thinking about dormant oil applications for scale control. According to the Southeastern Peach Pest Management and Culture Guide, “Partially dormant is defined as after 95% leaf drop and some early winter cold”.
Pee Dee Region
Christiana Huss
- Brassicas look beautiful! Collards, broccoli, turnips, and cabbage are all being harvested with minimal issues. Collards that previously had black rot have bounced back with a little time and TLC.
- So far, on strawberries, we have seen botrytis, anthracnose crown rot, phytophthera, and pythium. No Neopest on my farms at this time.
- Twospotted spider mites have been on every strawberry farm so far. They likely did well during the hot dry period at the beginning of the season. Most farms, however, were under the treatment threshold of 5 mites per leaflet and do not require treatment. It is very important to not treat mites until necessary because their fast life cycle can cause pesticide resistance very quickly. Hopefully, the more recent cold wet weather will help keep them at bay. I’ve found broad mites on one farm, but again, not enough to require treatment. We will continue to monitor. Hover fly larvae have been seen on most of the farms with mites. Hover flies are fantastic biocontrol!
Blue/grey botrytis spores seen on a strawberry cut off.
Christiana Huss, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Upstate Region
Andy Rollins
- Peach farms are preparing the ground for new trees going in. One farm borrowed our levy plow for helping with making raised beds for better drainage and less oak root rot.
- Some strawberry farms have done a good job taking care of strawberry plants, like this one. I have some that are not doing very well. We would like to have 2-3 crowns going into winter. Temperatures are decreasing, so in the Upstate, I would not continue fertilization at this point. Deer populations have increased activity. Growers need to protect from feeding damage. Thiram is a good deterrent. Fencing is probably the best for controlling this problem.
Strawberry plants should have 2-3 crowns going into winter.
Andy Rollins, ©2024, Clemson Extension
