Summer squash is being harvested. Growers are seeing some internal ripening issues in squash and agents suspect it to be a seed issue. Squash vine borers have started showing up in spots. Foliar diseases such as gummy stem blight in cucurbits are beginning to take off,.
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.
Fungicide management options | SC Grower
A fungicide sensitivity bioassay was conducted between June 1 and June 10 to determine which fungicides can be used against the current outbreak of powdery mildew on squash, watermelon and other cucurbits.
SC Grower weekly report | June 12, 2023
Crops coming to market include squash and cucumbers. Cantaloupe is developing well, but keep a close eye out for disease issues.
Clemson crop updates
Squash are being harvested. Yield looks great, as is quality, with little to no issues in plant health. Cucumbers are still faring well with the cooler nights. Downy mildew is definitely a concern. Cucumber beetles have reared their ugly heads, and damage has been reported on the fruit. Watermelons are not as far along in the Midlands or lower Pee Dee as in the coastal regions, but fruits are sizing up nicely with vines lapping the rows. Powdery mildew is being found on multiple Upstate farms on cucumber, cantaloupe, squash and zucchini.
Powdery Mildew on Watermelon
Powdery mildew was found on three cultivars of seedless watermelon at the Clemson Coastal REC on May 23, 2023
SC Grower Weekly Report | May 15, 2023
In the Coastal region, squash, and cukes continue to be harvested in heavy volumes.
In the Midlands, squash are fairing well with a few squash bugs here and there. The biggest problem so far has been wind damage and breakage.
In the Pee Dee region, Summer crops (peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, etc.) are growing well and are still being planted heavily.
SC Grower weekly report | May 8, 2023
The South Carolina Grower is a weekly report with news and updates from Clemson University Extension Specialists and Agents. The May report shared links to crop and disease management articles from CucCAP Plant Pathologist Anthony Keinath.
SC Cucurbit Crop update | May 1, 2023
Keep scouting for cucumber beetles and squash bugs as both are currently being found in cucurbit crops. Watermelon planting continues on many farms, with damage being observed to new transplants from squash bugs. Spider mites are also being seen at high levels in some watermelon crops.
