The Pee Dee region is expecting rain from a potential tropical weather system this week. Fall crops are growing well with fairly low disease pressure. Caterpillar populations are climbing in places. See below for more details.
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Statewide
Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist
A word of caution for folks using AI (Artificial Intelligence) generated answers regarding pest management—at the present moment, I have found AI answers are often wrong or misleading. In this case, I am specifically referring to the “AI Overview” generated in a Google search. A couple of examples to illustrate my point:
- I asked Google in two different ways for the preharvest interval (PHI) for the insecticide Radiant in cucurbits. The first time, it answered 14 days. The second time it answered, Radiant has “a short preharvest interval of four hours.” These are both wrong. The PHI on the current label states 1 day for cucumbers and 3 days for all other cucurbits. It is the restricted entry interval (REI) that is 4 hours for this product.
- I searched on Google for information on how to identify fire ants. It provided various descriptors of color, size, their mounds, their antennae, and wings. Most of the descriptions were either too general, misleading, or missing important traits. It stated, “fire ants have hair-like antennae, two pairs of wings of equal size and shape, and no narrow waist.” The first two are not helpful and “no narrow waist” is just wrong. Only on a second search reworded did it provide one of the more helpful characteristics, having a 2-segmented pedicel with two obvious vertical ‘humps.’
In conclusion, I would not recommend relying on the AI Overview (presently, at least) to obtain accurate information. It is much better to continue using Extension websites from Clemson or other universities. Add “site:edu” to the end of your search to see results only from universities. For example: “caterpillar pests of tomatoes site:edu.”
Midlands Region
Rob Last
- Fall crops of tomatoes and peppers are developing and loading well with fruit. Disease pressure is relatively low; however, a few incidences of bacterial wilt are showing up. Remember, the best course of management is to plant resistant cultivars.
- Eggplants are also developing well, with few disease issues present.
- Keep scouting all crops closely for pest and disease activity.
- I am picking up whitefly adults in many crops. There are many efficacious conventional insecticides available to manage whiteflies; check with the Southeastern Vegetable Crop Handbook for approved products. In an organic situation, rotation and insect meshes may be effective, or if a pesticide is needed, Met 52, neem oil, or Insecticidal soap may be advantageous. Remember to check with your certifying agent.
- Fall brassicas are developing well, with few disease issues present. Diamondback moths are present in increasing numbers in the Midlands. Remember to rotate modes of action. For organic producers, Bt may be an option, but mating disruption may also be a viable option.
Diamondback moth caterpillar populations are building in the Midlands.
Rob Last, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Sarah Scott
- We are drying out quite a bit in the area. Scattered rain has fallen in many parts of the Midlands, but overall, we are still very dry.
- Land is being prepped for new peach plantings. Trees are pushed up and burned in piles and fields are then plowed and raked to clean them up for winter planting.
- Strawberry fields are also being prepped, and plastic is being laid in some areas, with anticipated planting dates just a few weeks away.
- Eggplants and peppers look good. Some sunscald on peppers showing up, and a little bit of blossom end rot. Nutrient issues can be the cause but most times, inconsistent moisture is the root cause.
- Broccoli crops are looking good and getting established nicely.
Weather conditions have been favorable for burning peach trees that have been pushed up to make way for new plantings.
Sarah Scott, © 2024, Clemson Extension
Pee Dee Region
Christiana Huss
- We are finally getting some rain in the Pee Dee this week. Currently, there is heavy rain over Horry and Georgetown Counties, with 2-8 inches of rain expected, depending on the area.
- Not much is in the ground right now and growers are preparing for their Fall/Winter crops. Okra, cucurbits, and cowpeas are being harvested. Collard greens are currently being planted.
- We are about 1 month away from most farmers receiving their strawberry plants. It appears that the “Fronteras” variety will be most common this year. It is a California variety with very large and firm berries and good disease resistance.
Upstate Region
Andy Rollins
- I have been working on a project helping farmers learn a new way to fumigate the soil more safely and effectively. In the past, we have used shank-type fumigation that involves pulling a plastic bedding machine with injection shanks in the middle of the bed. The fumigant is carried on the tractor also and is run through those shanks. Using this method, the machine is picked up and put down at the end of every row and lifted in the air. Workers on the ground are often exposed to fumigant vapors from dripping lines. I am showing them how to put the gas into the drip system to allow the water to distribute it more efficiently. This is a closed system with much less risk of exposure. I have done on-farm demonstrations 3 times already this year (2 last week) and have 3 more left.
- I am working with some new farms with initial soil sampling. Proper fall lime applications are critical for success in the spring. Keep in mind that soil sample recommendations apply to the top 6” of soil only. When we prepare the soil for peach planting, we are working the soil 12” deep. For this reason, we have to double the amount specified.
Paulk and Rubycrisp muscadine picking last week was exceptional.
Andy Rollins, ©2024, Clemson Extension
In-line fumigation going out to prep for strawberry planting.
Andy Rollins, ©2024, Clemson Extension
