Greenville

>> Economic impact of agribusiness in the county (PPT, 1.6 MB)

Download the entire Greenville County Report to the People (PDF, 491 KB)

Greenville was one of two locations in SC included in a major multi-state strawberry grant that helps to reduce grower costs while maintaining high fruit quality standards through the reduction of fungicide use. Last winter a weather station equipped with special sensors capable of measuring leaf wetness, as well as other parameters, was installed on a prominent upstate farm. The strawberry plants went in the ground in the fall and in the spring when flowering started we collected weather data on a daily basis. This information was then put into a formula that predicts the infection potential of the primary economical disease of strawberry. Subplots were established in the field within areas that were sprayed according to the weather station and within areas where the grower maintained his normal spray program. These plots were harvested and weighed, and fruit were counted approximately every other day for 5-6 weeks. Post harvest data was also collected to evaluate fruit quality. In summary, this year we found that the grower could have only sprayed his crop 7 instead of 13 times with a fungicide without sacrificing quality.

A team of Clemson Extension Agents and Specialists co-ordinated a day-long Ornamental Plant School (OPS) in Clemson, SC. Topics covered were proper tree planting techniques, selecting quality trees for landscapes, simple steps to maximize water efficiency in the landscape and minimize runoff and erosion, insect pest identification & integrated pest management responses, and common diseases of ornamental plants and appropriate management strategies. Resource materials were provided and five (5) SC pesticide license recertification credits were awarded to attendees. Fifty-eight persons attended the program from Greenville, Pickens, Oconee, and Anderson counties. Participants reported that the information presented was “very useful,” met their needs/expectations and that they will use the information.

Recent Greenville County Educational Programs:

• Small Ruminant Processing and Food Safety Workshop
• Sustainable Small Farms and Backyards
• Herd Health and Marketing Alternatives
• Fungicide Safety Testing on Squash
• Peach Planting Research
• 4-H Tomato and Poultry Projects
• Nutrition and Fitness Education for Youth

For more information about the Greenville County Extension office, please visit: http://www.clemson.edu/greenville/