Another hot week in SC with little to no rain across much of the state. Insect pressure continues to be relatively high in areas and if we get afternoon thunderstorms, as predicted, disease pressure may also be on the rise with increased moisture.
A reminder that if you plan to apply for the South Carolina Disaster Relief Block Grant for Helene that applications are due by July 11. It is a lengthy application process, and you will need several documents handy. The SCDA provides a checklist on the grants page so you can insure you have everything you need on hand before getting started.
Key Takeaways for Growers This Week
- Temps will be near 100 – get work done early and stay hydrated
- Leafhoppers present – no two-spot cotton leafhoppers yet
- Insect pressure is high in places – leaf-footed bugs, whiteflies, and hoppers.
- Watermelon Field Day coming soon – register here and add 7/9/26 to your calendar
Lowcountry Report
Zack Snipes
- I sound like a broken record, but we are so dry in the Lowcountry. We haven’t caught any rain in what seems like forever. At the research station, the irrigation ponds have gone completely dry. Turf is dying in people’s yards. And looking at the week ahead, we have temperatures in the 90’s with no rain in the forecast at all until maybe Sunday.
- The good news is that we have extremely low disease pressure right now. Crops are coming off nicely and in high volumes where irrigation is present.
- I am finding a few Japanese beetles, false chinch bugs, and spidermites right now but at manageable levels.
- I will keep dancing until next week.
Midlands Report
Rob Last
- Another hot, dry week in the Midlands, with a few storms showing up on Sunday. Keep cool and stay hydrated.
- As humidity increases, plant diseases are increasing from gummy stem blight and anthracnose to Phomopsis blight. Consult the veg crop handbook or your local agent for effective management options.
- Insect pressure is increasing with leafhoppers, aphids, leaf-footed bugs and stinkbugs evident in many crops.
- Many growers are turning their attention to crops to be planted in the late summer and fall. Remember, prompt destruction of previous crops can help with timely land preparation, get a start on weed management and destroy sources of inoculum for pathogens.
- When we do destroy crops, insects will migrate around the farm, so scouting remains critical.
Source : clemson.edu