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 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.
South Carolina Cucurbit Crop updates | August 9, 2023
Weekly field updates from Clemson Extension:
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.
Clemson field updates | June 26, 2023
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,.
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.
