Watermelons and cantaloupes are still being planted. Over the past few weeks there have been a few days of heavy rain events and windy weather has put some growers behind schedule. Soil temperature is still cool due to the inconsistent weather patterns we are having, which means fusarium wilt is still active, and a potential threat to watermelons.
South Carolina Grower
The South Carolina Grower provides current fruit, vegetable, and other specialty crop news from around South Carolina. Visit regularly for field updates, pest alerts, meeting announcements, and more.
Pee Dee growers Vegetable Production meeting
The organizers have an agenda lined up for this meeting with updates on insect, disease, and weed management in vegetable production and an introduction to the new vegetable pathology program at PDREC.
Clemson Crop Update | 10/30/23
Squash are still hanging on, but with increased disease pressure from powdery mildew and the occasional out break of downy mildew. These plantings are on their last leg and are recommended to be terminated.
South Carolina Grower Update | 9/21/2023
South Carolina Grower Update – 9/18/2023
Extension Agents report on SC Cucurbits:
Mosaic virus on fall squash
Phytophthora is very active in many fall watermelon crops.
Gummy stem blight is also evident in many crops.
Fall squash have produced exceptionally well with the biggest issue being mosaic virus.
South Carolina Cucurbit Crop updates | August 9, 2023
In the coastal region, the Fall crops including melon are being planted.
In the Midlands, Squash is coming to market with good quality.
In the Pee Dee region, Yellow squash, zucchini, and cucumbers had slowed a bit but seem to be picking back up.
SC Grower Exchange Podcast | Cucurbit Downy Mildew
The June 30 episode of The SC Grower Exchange podcast features CucCAP plant pathologist Dr. Anthony Keinath as he discusses downy mildew in cucurbits and other vegetables.
SC Grower weekly report | July 3, 2023
Cucurbits are being harvested in multiple regions of S.C. In the Midlands, Squash are still being picked with anthracnose present at greater frequency. Mosaic virus has also been more prevalent. Disease pressure is high. Striped cucumber beetle and army worms have been seen on squash.