The SC Grower Exchange Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

On this episode, agents from all regions of the state weigh in on the upcoming strawberry season, including cultural practices and pesticide treatments for growers to pay attention to. With plants going in the ground, there are a lot of things to look for early on that could help with issues that could show up later in the season. Planting practices, water and preventative treatments are some of the best tools we have to ensure a good season. Leafy greens are being harvested in good volume across the state. Black rot and some diamondback moth damage are found for some, but overall, the crop is looking good. The consensus of the group is October has been an extremely dry month; make sure crops are getting adequate and even moisture. Justin gives us a trial update and shares an interesting (and even spooky) question of the week. He also has a new suggestion for improving one of his favorite beverage-drinking experiences. You’ll definitely want to tune in for a “Dad Joke with Zack” as well. We’ve been missing those!

Agents from all regions of the state report on the impact of Hurricane Helene and current field conditions. While the scale of the damage varies across the state, most areas and crops have been affected by wind damage. Pecans seem to have been hit particularly hard, and some crops required replanting due to water damage. Check out the SC Grower blog for pictures and more updates from the field.

This week, agents discuss weather, pest and disease reports from the Pee Dee, Midlands, Coastal and Upstate regions of the state. It seems we have all gotten a good bit of rain following a very dry spell. With moisture brings new disease issues and an urgency to scout and keep a close eye on summer crops. Join us to hear about the insects that we are finding and how to best handle them, as well as get an outlook on the crops coming to harvest soon. Along with our updates from the field, Justin shares with us the “Question of the Week,” which comes to us from a field in the Pee Dee area. Remember, the Watermelon Field Day is this week at Edisto REC. It’s our favorite of the year!

A common theme for today’s episode is the HEAT and lack of rain. Agents from around the state report little to no precipitation and very warm temperatures, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to any South Carolinians. While dry weather keeps some issues at bay, it does bring on others. Reports from the coast, midlands and upstate are shared, and we discuss some commonalities in issues we are seeing in vegetables and some fruit crops. Justin shares the “Question of the Week” from a photo submitted by Zack.

In this week’s episode, agents from the Midlands and PeeDee area give updates from the field. It seems across the board we could use some rain and relief from the heat… It’s not even officially Summer yet?! Agents encourage growers to scout fields closely as insect pressure is high, and there are plenty of them out in the fields. Disease pressure will likely rise a bit if temperatures stay hot and humid. Justin shares with us a “Question of the Week” pic sent in by Rob. Tune in to find out about his interesting find on a pecan leaf.

In this deep dive episode, Commercial Horticulture Agent Rob Last talks with Professor of Plant Pathology Research and Extension Vegetable Pathologist Dr. Anthony Keinath and discusses recent observations and tips for dealing with fusarium wilt in watermelons.

In this episode, Zack, Anna Sara, Andy, Sarah and Justin share an update on what’s happening in the fields across the state. We are entering into the peak season for many fruits and vegetables, and with that comes plenty of pest and disease issues to talk about. The group discusses potential virus issues on squash plants, fertility concerns, crops coming to harvest and cover a pest that has been causing some big issues in peaches. Justin shares with us the answer for our “Question of the Week” from last week. Tune in to learn more about the issues we are seeing in the fields as well as what the latest Q W photo is.

In this episode of SC Grower Exchange, Clemson Extension agent Zack Snipes interviews Clemson’s new post-harvest handling specialist, Dr. Karin Albornoz.  They discuss easy ways to improve post-harvest handling of produce, for any size farm or garden and what that can mean for the environment and your bottom line. Dr. Albornoz also casts her vision for her research path and how she, along with growers, can reduce food loss and optimize profitability for decades to come.

Tune in as Zack, Andy, Brittney, Philip, and Sarah share crop updates from around the state. Zack shares with us that cucurbit downy mildew has been found and confirmed in the coastal region of the state. If you suspect you have downy mildew, please reach out to your extension agent so we can get confirmation and report any outbreaks. The peach crop is heavy this year, and harvest has begun. Strawberries are still being harvested, but production has slowed as pest and disease pressure rises. Vegetable crops are looking good with just a few issues so far. Justin discusses our pick for “Question of the Week,” which was the periodical cicada.

Brittany, Ann Sara, Rob, Philip and Sarah share agent field updates. Overall, crops are looking good, but we cover a few pests that are starting to emerge that growers will want to keep an eye out for. The group mentions the importance of using selective insecticides when beneficial or predatory insects are present, as well as being mindful of proper pest ID to determine whether treatment is necessary. Justin shares an update on diamondback moth, pecan and citrus trials and shares with us the question of the week pick, which was hoverfly larvae.