Clemson University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Labs

10/30/2023

Good Afternoon,

The Organic Certification Program proudly announces open registration for our Train the Trainer Workshop on December 5-6, 2023. Please see the attached flyer, draft agenda, registration link, and information regarding travel assistance. Registration ends at noon on November 13th.

Train the Trainer Workshop

We look forward to this opportunity for organic community building.

10/23/2023

10/23/2023

The Yellow-Legged Hornet (YLH) is a harmful invasive hornet that was recently discovered in Savannah, GA. Although the YLH has not yet been discovered in South Carolina, it is important to be able to distinguish the YLH from common lookalikes, like the Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp. If you think you see a YLH, please report it to the Clemson Department of Plant Industry reporting tool:

www.clemson.edu/invasives

10/10/2023

Help to prevent the spread of invasive pests by buying and burning firewood locally. To reduce the possibility of spreading invasives, it's important to burn firewood as close as possible to where you collect it– the more local, the better or you can purchase heat treated firewood that is pest free! To report sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly, Asian Longhorned Beetle, or Yellow-legged Hornet, use the Clemson Invasive Species Program's reporting tool: www.clemson.edu/invasives

10/10/2023

10/04/2023

Coastal Region- Brad Fowler Don’t fertilize too late! Applying fertilizers containing nitrogen to turfgrass at this time of year can lead to damage and...

10/04/2023

Yellow-Legged Hornet Update!

Our lab's entomologist has created a handy guide for comparing the Yellow Legged Hornet to our native hornet and bee species. We rely heavily on the public for the detection of invasive species. Suppose you are unsure about the identity of a hornet in your area. In that case, you can use this guide to estimate the species, you can send in the specimen for identification or contact your local county extension agent to assist you.

The yellow legged hornet (YLH) is a predatory insect that commonly feeds on other social bees and wasps, including western honey bees. At present, no yellow-legged hornets have been found in South Carolina.

10/02/2023

Be sure to check us out at the Greer Farmers Market on 10/17!

This is a trick-or-treating event, so bring all the costumes! Many great local farmers, artisans, and service people will be ready to get to know our community.

09/27/2023

Industry Outreach!

Our commercial turf lab manager, Dr. Curt Colburn, met with state industry leaders about the state of turfgrass business in SC. We always love connecting with our current and potential clients personally. Trade shows like this one are the perfect opportunity to do just that!

09/08/2023

Service Highlight!

Our Commercial Turfgrass Clinic specializes in conducting thorough diagnostic procedures in a timely manner to provide businesses with quick and accurate results. The commercial clinic allows businesses to move to the top of the priority list of the turfgrass samples.

Our fees for the service are:
$50 in-state collected samples
$100 out-of-state samples

We accept cash, check, or card payment using the CU Marketplace.

Please wrap samples in newspaper or tin foil and put it into a plastic bag. The samples can be dropped off at a county extension office or shipped directly to us at:
511 Westinghouse Road Pendleton, SC 29670

Our commercial turfgrass forms are availabe at:https://www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/plant-problem/pdfs/commercial-turfgrass-form.pdf

Feel free to send us a message to ask any questions or email us at [email protected]

08/21/2023

Keep a watchful eye for these newly detected invasive hornets found in Savannah! Please get any suspicious hornet identified by Clemson Extension or through our lab entomologist. This keeps the state regulators updated on the status of the hornet's range and ensures the protection of our native hornet species.

S.C. beekeepers and the public should be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets after the invasive insect was discovered in Georgia.