hgic.clemson.edu
24.07.2023
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report – April 10, 2023
Rob Last reports, “It has been another variable week in the low country with 1.6” of rainfall recorded and wide temperature variations. The rain has been beneficial in establishing cucurbit crops, both cantaloupes from seed and watermelon transplants. Early planted watermelons, planted under plastic covers, have had covers removed and are approaching vine run. At this point, managing gummy stem blight and preventing bacterial fruit blotch will be critical. Many growers are busily transplanting watermelons. Again, disease management begins now. As per the Watermelon Fungicide Guide Land Grant Press Publication 1001, Chlorothalonil effectively prevents many foliar diseases. If bacterial fruit blotch is a concern, I recommend switching to a mancozeb application with fixed copper. Mixing fixed copper and Chlorothalonil will lead to phytotoxicity. In strawberry crops, we see increasing levels of botrytis (gray mold) allied to the wet weather and water-soaked berries, leading to a source of inoculum. Blueberries are coming to harvest with excellent quality and volume.”