Weekly Field Update – 11/7/22
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state.
Coastal Region
Rob Last reports, “Strawberry plants have arrived in the last two weeks and are in the ground. Overall, plantings look good. One thing to consider is using overhead irrigation to establish the plants. Given the dry soil conditions, irrigation will be critical. We did receive some welcome, but variable, showers over the weekend, totaling between one-tenth and three-tenths. They will be insufficient for the strawberry establishment and crop development. Fall brassicas in the area are developing well with few disease issues currently. However, I am finding increasing numbers of diamondback moths, imported cabbageworms and a low incidence of whitefly activity. Remember to rotate the modes of action for insecticides to prevent resistance. Remember to treat early, as smaller larvae may be easier to control. Scouting is critical.”
Zack Snipes reports, “We have had great growing weather this week. I scouted collards and found very few diamondback moths or other lepidopteran pests. This does not mean you shouldn’t be out scouting, as populations can explode quickly. Our other greens, such as bok choi, arugula and lettuce, look amazing and are going to market this week. I am still seeing small, weak strawberry plants. Hopefully, some warm fall weather will allow our plants to put on some crowns going into the winter.”
Midlands
Justin Ballew reports, “We’ve had a very warm week in the Midlands with a little rain over the weekend. We need more rain, but we’ll take what we can get. Strawberries are continuing to establish well in this warm weather which is certainly helpful since lots of folks were a week or so late getting planted. Right now, we have some of the best-looking brassica crops I’ve seen in a while. The lack of rain (until this weekend) has disease levels low and caterpillar levels are still relatively low. One of our busiest times of year for brassica harvest is coming up (Thanksgiving), so we’re hoping this continues.”