Phillip Carnley, Area Horticulture Agent – Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties
Vegetable growers in South Carolina are making pickling cucumbers a cash crop yet again. Many of the growers are new to commercial cucumber production. Being a “newer” crop, many growers experienced reduced crop yields and revenue due to difficulty managing pests, disease, and herbicide applications.
On February 8, 2022, area horticulture agents Rob Last and Phillip Carnley hosted a meeting in which 20 growers received training from Clemson University specialists in weed, insect, and disease management to offer knowledge and help to new growers.
Twenty growers attended the meeting, with 60% reporting they will change herbicide management strategies to reduce adverse impacts. Reducing overall damage from herbicides helps maintain crop yield and ensures crop integrity. In addition, 70% indicated they would adjust fungicide applications and choices to help preserve the efficacy of current products against resistance. Utilizing different fungicide chemistries not only protects active ingredient efficacy but can lead to an input cost saving of $30 per acre resulting in a more sustainable production system.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
