Coastal Region
Zack Snipes reports, “After a long Thanksgiving nap, I was able to waddle out in the fields and look at some strawberries. We have had some really good strawberry growing weather especially considering most folks got their plants out somewhat late this year. We need some cold weather to slow them down a bit in places. I have seen a tiny bit of plant collapse and death in some spots within the fields. It is very important to send these plants into our lab to get a positive identification of the pathogen. Phytophthora crown rot and anthracnose crown rot can cause similar symptoms but are managed differently. For information on how to submit a sample during COVID times, click here. I am also keeping my eye on a good bit of leaf spotting in some fields to make sure it’s not the new disease, Neopestalotiopsis. I don’t think we have it yet, but being proactive is better than being reactive. More information on that disease can be found here.”
A healthy and a diseased plant side-by-side. Perhaps a positive identification of the pathogen can help with management to protect the healthy plant.
Zack Snipes, ©2020 Clemson Extension
Determining the pathogen responsible for plant collapse can be tricky in the field. Please send in a plant pathology sample to our lab. Is this anthracnose, phytophthora, or another pathogen?
Zack Snipes, ©2020 Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Justin Ballew reports, “The mornings were nice and cool last week, and we saw light frosts in a few more areas. We’ve been getting a fair amount of rain also. This has the brassica crops looking great. Caterpillar populations are still fairly high. Please don’t give up on scouting as it gets cooler this week. Diamondback moth caterpillars and adults can survive for several hours at temperatures well below freezing, so a few nights in the upper 20’s is unlikely to affect them, other than slowing down their life cycle a bit. Don’t give up on scouting for mites in strawberries, either. Even though we’ve had some wet weather lately, they’re still out there.”
Lacinato kale is growing well and looking good. Cropping has already started in this field.
Justin Ballew ©2020 Clemson Extension
Keep up with scouting for caterpillars as the weather gets cooler. Winters in SC don’t get cold enough to wipe out diamondback moth populations.
Justin Ballew. ©2020 Clemson Extension
Upstate Region
Kerrie Roach reports, “With a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit predicted tonight, and 26 degrees F predicted tomorrow night (Tuesday 12/1), growers in the Upstate should be making preparations for a hard freeze event. Wind speeds from 10-25 miles per hour have begun and are expected to continue through Tuesday. So, make sure any protective measures are held down tightly!”
