Coastal Region
Rob Last reports, “Sweet potatoes in the area are coming to harvest along with fall watermelons, squash, and zucchini. Diseases are present in the cucurbits, particularly downy mildew in cucumbers and gummy stem blight in watermelons. Please remember to keep fungicide applications up to date until the last harvest. As our thoughts turn to fall cropping, I am finding imported cabbageworm and diamondback moth on transplants. Remember to rotate the modes of action of insecticides to get good control. Where brassica will be transplanted, carefully consider an application of herbicide. The herbicides will make life easier but choose carefully based on your rotation and expected following crop.”
Zack Snipes reports, “Things have finally dried out enough to work the ground in many areas. Now is a great time to get out pre-plant herbicides for fall brassicas. I’m hearing many reports of weak and diseased brassica transplants coming from the plant houses. Starting with clean, healthy plants is the only way to get optimal yields. Scouting plants for disease AND insect pests (particularly diamondback moths) before you set plants in the field is highly recommended. If you have fall cucurbits planted, be on the lookout for both melonworms and pickleworms. I saw both of these pests decimate crops last week.”
An application of preemergent herbicide was applied and rototilled in. Broccoli was planted 2 days later.
Zack Snipes, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region
Justin Ballew reports, “The first day of fall was very warm, but we’ve been enjoying beautiful weather since. It is quite dry here in the Midlands, but it appears we may have a significant rain event headed our way this weekend. Lots of strawberry plastic has been laid. With the ground as dry as it is, folks may need to overhead water a little before laying plastic to help the beds keep their shape. Fall crops are looking great right now. There is a little black rot present in brassicas in some overhead irrigated fields, but for the most part, diseases are very low. Pecans are also looking great right now. It appears we are going to have a good crop in the Midlands this fall.”
There is a little black rot present in brassicas, but overall, disease pressure is low right now.
Justin Ballew, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Pecans are progressing well in the Midlands, and we expect to have a good crop.
Justin Ballew, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Sarah Scott reports, “Cooler temperatures have been enjoyable the last week here in Aiken and Edgefield, but we are pretty dry and could use a bit of rain. We are hoping for some moisture from the tropical systems expected to come through later this week. Land is still being prepped for new peach plantings. We are getting close to putting strawberries in and continuing field prep for that. Fall crops are looking healthy with no real significant pest or disease issues at the moment.”
Pee Dee Region
Bruce McLean reports, “The nighttime temps have dropped back quite a bit, and the air is a less humid… fall is upon us. Summer vegetable crops are starting to wind down. Okra production is dropping back, as are squash and zucchini. Pickling cukes are still being picked in good volumes. Some tomatoes and peppers are being harvested. Well-managed pumpkins are looking really good. Fall vegetables are still being planted. We’re seeing some fields of really good-looking brassicas (collards, cabbage, mustard, turnips, and broccoli). Muscadines are wrapping up. Doreen (muscadines) are at peak ripeness right now. Carlos and Noble should be completely harvested. Some late fresh pick muscadines are still being harvested. Strawberry beds are just about ready for planting, but it looks like strawberry plants may be a little delayed from the nurseries due to production issues. Growers that may be forced to plant late would benefit from talking to your local Extension Agent on strategies for maximizing vegetative growth this fall. Also, be sure to actively look your plant over for disease and possible mites. Root dip (of your strawberry plants) with fungicide would be advised to ensure as clean a start as possible (from disease).”
Doreen muscadines showing what appears to be some ripe rot (sunken and shriveled grapes with pinkish color spores) and macrophoma rot (small sunken black lesions).
Bruce McLean, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Lynx spiders have a voracious appetite. This one just caught a hapless bumblebee.
Bruce McLean, ©2022, Clemson Extension
