Weekly Field Update
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state.
Midlands
Rob Last
- After the storms in the Midlands, crops are looking good with minimal damage. The low country is very wet still.
- Following the rain, diseases will be increasing, both bacterial and fungal pathogens.
- I am picking up some Southern blight in tomatoes along with downy mildew in cucurbits.
- Please remember to check transplants for disease issues, particularly black rot in brassicas. It is easier to reject diseased plants before transplanting than manage an existing issue. In the case of many bacterial diseases, management options are very limited.
Pee Dee
Brittney King
- The tropical storm last week brought 4 to 6 inches of rain throughout my counties, so there was some flooding in low lying areas of fields. Pumpkin vines suffered some damage from the wind gusts but have seemed to bounce back. A lot of debris was thrown into fields by the wind.
- Scouting should be done regularly, but especially after an event like a hurricane that can weaken a crop and increase its vulnerability to insects and disease.
Upstate
Andy Rollins
- In cucurbits, we are finding downy mildew and phytophthora. In pumpkin, we are seeing major issues with stem rot from phytophthora on one farm. It has been traced to irrigation ponds where water is being distributed across multiple fields. The extended cool, wet spring is thought to have contributed. Zampro, Orondis Gold, Ridomil and phosphites are all options, but need to be used preventively, as efficacy decreases when the disease has already established a foothold.
- Strawberry growers are fumigating now. Make sure to fill out your fumigant management plan before beginning. Take your time and check system for leaks beforehand. Make sure you remove your filter and clean or replace it. Most of all be careful, as these materials are too dangerous to not treat with respect.
- Harvest of muscadine has begun, although still slow.