Check out the new rainfall calculator on the Clemson Weather website. This feature calculates the amount of rainfall received in a particular location over a specified time.
Coastal Region
Zack Snipes reports, “We have had absolutely beautiful weather as of late. This past week agents were busy harvesting sweet sorghum to make into syrup, to distill, brew, and pop (sorghum popcorn). This old-timey tradition is once again gaining traction throughout South Carolina. We are looking at varieties and horticultural characteristics of the crop as well as how to expand the use of the product into local specialty items. In our variety trials, the variety Dale was harvested first as the brix levels were around 17 to 18. The final syrup product after cooking was around 76 to 78 brix. “
Food Safety Agent Chad Carter with a load of sorghum ready to be pressed.
Zack Snipes, ©2022, Clemson University
Dale was the first of three varieties to be harvested due to the crop reaching a brix level of 17 to 18.
Zack Snipes, ©2022, Clemson University
Midlands Region
Justin Ballew reports, “It’s been another beautiful fall week here in the Midlands, though we haven’t seen tons of sunshine. We received a little over an inch of rain Wednesday. The cooler temperatures and cloud cover we’ve had has slowed down the growth of our fall crops. Strawberry planting began this week for some folks, while others are still waiting for plants to arrive. Pecans are coming along well. We lost a few nuts to Hurricane Ian, but I’d estimate no more than 5 to 10%. Now we are seeing the shucks split and mature nuts starting to fall.”
Shucks are splitting, and pecans are starting to fall in the Midlands.
Justin Ballew, ©2022, Clemson University
Philip Carnley reports, “Strawberry transplants are starting to work their way into the hands of growers here in Orangeburg and Calhoun, and a few people have planted a few early varieties to hit the fall market. Before planting, inspect plants for any disease issues and for unwanted insect pests, especially cyclamen mites.”
Be sure to check transplants for any insect or disease issues before planting.
Phillip Carnley, ©2022, Clemson University
Pee Dee Region
Bruce McLean reports, “Strawberry plants are here! Growers are starting to get their plants, and planting is happening at a pretty steady pace. So far, the plants look good. We’re still within a good planting window, but don’t delay getting them planted. It would be worthwhile to sacrifice a few weak plants to scout for mites, both spider mites and cyclamen mites. You’ll need some magnification, especially for the cyclamen mites. Some primocane blackberries are being picked in the western portion of the Pee Dee, and the quality is very good. Blueberries are showing some leaf spot with heavy pressure in some areas. Don’t forget to scout and manage your blueberries even in the off-season. Vegetable crops are looking good. Starting to see some caterpillar pressure on brassicas. Be sure to scout your fields often. Some niche specialty crops, like sugarcane, ginger, turmeric, and shiitake mushrooms, are being harvested.
Now is a good time to perform soil sampling for your spring crops and perennial fruit crops. For intensive agricultural production, I always recommend taking annual samples around the same time of the year. This allows you to establish a baseline for nutrients and pH in all of your fields. Once you begin to understand how each one of your fields reacts to your nutrient application and lime application, then you can begin making predictive calculations on how to improve your fertilizer and lime applications, thereby reducing input cost and maximizing yield. This applies to perennial fruit crops, as well. Much of our soil around the Pee Dee is deficient in potassium. Research has shown that timely applications of potassium in the fall improve overall health and vigor in small fruits. And there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests that fruit quality and yield is improved, as well.”
Fall-harvested primocane blackberries are being harvested now.
Bruce McLean, ©2022, Clemson University
Shiitake mushrooms are grown on hardwood logs.
Bruce McLean, ©2022, Clemson University
Mole cricket activity is high right now. Monitor and treat if necessary.
Bruce McLean, ©2022, Clemson University
