Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state.
Coastal Region
Zack Snipes reports, “It rained every day last week, and we ended up with over eight inches. Field conditions are really soupy right now, and growers have had problems getting into some fields. Beware of plant diseases. With all the moisture we had last week, things could get ugly.”
Midlands
Phillip Carnley reports, “Here in Orangeburg and Calhoun, we had a wet Labor Day weekend. Pecans are looking fair, but I have noted an increased occurrence of spider mites which is usually not a concern. Digging of green peanuts for canning has nearly finished for the season with no notable issues other than fields being wet. Okra has also finally finished for the season for most growers, with the biggest problem through the season being deer feeding. Fall cowpeas are progressing nicely so far with minimal insect issues, but due to the wet conditions, there have been more nutrient problems, specifically magnesium and sulfur deficiency. In cucumbers, I am seeing more problems with pythium root and crown rot this season compared to last year. Usually, this presents itself as a sudden wilt and is sporadic in the field. Treatment options are very limited.”
Sarah Scott reports, “Milder temperatures and spotty showers last week brought a close to the 2022 peach season for the Ridge. Although we had some devastating freezing weather in March, the season turned out to be a pretty productive one. We did come up short on early-season and later-season fruit, but mid-season crops were plentiful. Trunk spray applications are still going out on trees that are post-harvest. Trees that have reached production capacity are being pushed up, and land is being cleared and prepped for new plantings this winter. Some growers have prepped land and laid plastic for strawberry plantings.”
Upstate
Kerrie Roach reports, “While it is still overcast today, those of us in the Upstate are thankful for a break in the rain. Many places in Oconee County recorded over 8 inches total across the three-day holiday weekend. Pickens County saw at least 6 inches in most areas. Fall plantings and late-season summer plantings should be monitored for disease activity. With rain forecasted for the rest of this week, disease management is vital.”