Agronomic Field Day is Aug. 28 at Pee Dee REC

FLORENCE, S.C. – Growers, researchers and agricultural professionals looking to stay at the forefront of agronomic crop production in South Carolina will learn the latest research-based information during the 2025 Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center (REC) Agronomic Field Day on Aug. 28.

This year, there will be a self-guided walking expo. The expo will be an area of tables and booths where agents and scientists will provide demonstrations, poster presentations and other information about research conducted and/or Clemson Extension services offered.

Jonathan Windham, Clemson Extension associate, said there will be no set path to follow for the expo. Participants will be free to browse the booths at their own pace to view the available information and materials and talk to staff.

What to expect

Riding field tour

USDA-ARS cotton breeding program update

Todd Campbell, research geneticist, will give an update on cotton research and variety trials currently conducted at the Pee Dee REC. The researchers are looking at providing growers with profitable varieties that require fewer inputs without sacrificing fiber quality.

Boosting cotton yields by controlling regrowth and optimizing plant structure

Seyi Toyinbo, graduate research assistant, will discuss a project he works on with molecular biologist Sachin Rustgi to develop cotton varieties that exhibit less regrowth after defoliation. This trait enhances harvest efficiency and increases yield without raising management costs.

Corn phosphorus management

Bhupinder Farmaha, nutrient management specialist, will present research comparing phosphorus sources (DAP vs. TSP), application timing (fall vs. spring), and rates on corn yield in Southeastern Coastal Plain soils. The study was conducted on high-phosphorus soils typical of the region. The presentation provides practical guidance for optimizing phosphorus management decisions with economic and environmental benefits.

Vegetable legume breeding at the Pee Dee REC

Jenna Hershberger, assistant professor of vegetable breeding and genetics, will discuss the Pee Dee REC vegetable breeding program. The program aims to utilize genomic tools and traditional plant breeding techniques to develop nutritious, flavorful vegetables for production in South Carolina.

Evaluation of in-season boron applications in soybean production

Kyle Smith and Jonathan Croft, Clemson Extension agronomic agents, will discuss a research project funded by the South Carolina Soybean Board that evaluates in-season boron applications in soybeans. The project will help determine the optimum growth stage for foliar feeding boron to soybeans by evaluating boron applications at two different growth stages. Data will provide South Carolina soybean farmers with non-biased recommendations. Evaluation of in-season boron applications in soybean production

Insect management in corn

Francis Reay-Jones, entomologist and Integrated Pest Management program coordinator, will discuss ongoing field research where researchers are examining the efficacy of transgenic corn hybrids expressing Bt toxins in managing common insect pests of South Carolina corn fall armyworm and corn earworm. Reay-Jones and other scientists are also examining how the survival of corn earworm has increased over time on some Bt corn products due to resistance development, and what can be done to mitigate resistance. In addition, the importance of stink bugs as key pests of corn will be discussed. Reay-Jones and his team are conducting research to improve sampling plans to help with decision-making for stink bug control.

Pollinators and bobwhites

T.J. Savereno, Clemson Extension forestry and wildlife agent, will talk about how farming and forest management can be compatible with wildlife management if the various habitat requirements for individual animals or groups of animal species are understood and met. He will address how management practices such as prescribed burning, thinning overstocked stands of trees and establishing field borders and hedgerows create early successional habitat used by many species, such as native pollinators, and grassland and shrubland birds, such as bobwhites.

Indigo plants in South Carolina

Wonkeun “John” Park, senior scientist leading a crop diversity and improvement program, will talk about Clemson’s Indigo Initiative, which aims to determine best practices for improved seed germination and growth optimization to facilitate local production of Indigo plants. These plants produce blue dye, which can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic chemical dyes and offer great potential in ornamental horticulture.

Sesame production in South Carolina

David DeWitt, agronomic crops, and Alex Coleman, Clemson Extension small grains and sorghum specialist, will discuss research to determine sesame’s potential as a profitable crop in South Carolina. Researchers are studying field trials to evaluate sesame’s performance, including yield, seed quality and pest resistance.

Cover cropping systems to deter deer pressure in cotton

Eric Billman, USDA research agronomist, will address the use of cover crops to reduce deer feeding damage to cotton.

Integrating winter cover crops in sandy soils

Binaya Parajuli, research associate of the Soil Biogeochemistry and Soil Health program, will talk about a 7-year-old study involving growing various winter cover crops to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of degraded sandy soils to benefit soil health and improve productivity and sustainability.

Protecting nature’s workforce

Ben Powell, Clemson Extension associate and Apiculture and Pollinator Program director, will demonstrate how to use uncultivated parts of a farm to bolster beneficial insects to increase pollination rates, suppress pest species and improve crop yields.

Simulated deer-feeding injury trial

Mike Jones, Clemson Extension cotton specialist, will discuss a deer-feeding injury trial he’s conducting.

New grain sorghum genetics to better fit the crop for the Southeast

Ph.D. students from the Cereal Grains Breeding and Genetics Program will provide an overview of upcoming grain sorghum releases from the program that have traits needed to support production of this hardy crop in South Carolina and neighboring states. Attendees will get a glimpse of ongoing sorghum research to support future breeding efforts. Richard Boyles, Clemson plant breeder and geneticist, leads this program.

Indoor presentations

Nutrition and health research in the Pee Dee: Opportunities to get involved

Hannah Wilson, assistant professor of community nutrition, will introduce attendees to new nutrition and health research Clemson is leading in the Pee Dee and other regions of the state, complementing the Pee Dee’s agricultural research to support South Carolinians in the food consumption and health sectors of the food system. Wilson will offer information on current research projects in food pantries, grocery stores and schools, as well as ways the public can get involved.

Reducing food sensitivities: Lowering allergenic proteins in wheat and peanut seeds

Sachin Rustgi, molecular breeder, and graduate students Zachary Jones, Hrishikesh Ingole and Gaganjeet Kalra will talk about research focused on developing new tools, molecular markers and plant lines with reduced levels of immunogenic (immune reaction–triggering) proteins in wheat and peanuts. The goal is to make it possible for sensitive individuals to reintroduce wheat into their diets and to develop reduced-allergenicity peanuts for use in oral immunotherapy, thereby improving both physical and social well-being without additional costs.

Improving sandy soils to support sustainable production

Rongzhong Ye, associate professor of soil biogeochemistry and soil health, will talk about practices that he is studying, such as cover cropping, reduced-tillage and composts, to provide growers with land-management practices to improve soil organic carbon content and soil fertility while optimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers.

Addressing community needs in the Pee Dee through Extension Rural Health and Nutrition programming

Emily Sweatt of the Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Program will discuss how this program addresses priority needs within the Pee Dee Region related to food access, physical activity, obesity and overall wellness. This presentation will provide an overview of these efforts, discuss outcomes and introduce opportunities to participate in program offerings.

Learning by doing: Agricultural education the 4-H way

Freddricka Pressley, 4-H Youth Development agent, will show how 4-H engages youth in agriculture through hands-on experiences that build skills, spark curiosity and prepare tomorrow’s leaders. From gardening and animal science to agri-tech and leadership, 4-H brings agriculture to life through its “learn by doing” approach.

Self-guided walking expo

Understanding the survival of introduced biologicals for control of turfgrass diseases in landscape turf

Joe Roberts, turfgrass pathologist and nematologist, will discuss how successfully introducing biological control agents for turfgrass disease management hinges on the control’s ability to establish and survive.

Early detection of lawn pests: Identifying issues before damage occurs to reduce chemical use and costs

Zee Ahmed, assistant professor of turf and ornamental entomology, will share information for identifying pest issues before lawn damage occurs to reduce chemical use and costs. His presentation will focus on how detecting mite infestations early can prevent these pests from turning bermudagrass into witch’s brooms.

Phenomics research for crop improvement in South Carolina

Trevor Rife, assistant professor of phenomics and crop improvement, and Blake Wilson, mechanical engineer and Walker Spivey, associate plant breeder, will discuss new phenomic tools they are working on to improve breeding for various crops needed to feed the growing global population.

Clemson Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program

Igor Schardong will talk about the IPM Program and how researchers are integrating a variety of innovative tactics to empower growers to make informed decisions about pest management that benefit their crops and the ecosystem.

Wildlife damage management in South Carolina

Elizabeth Bradley, Clemson Extension Wildlife Damage Management Program director, will have information about wildlife damage management in the state and the role of Extension’s new program. Handouts will be available.

Center Pivot Irrigation Test and Master Pond Manager Program

Clemson Extension Water Resources agents will provide information about the benefits of center pivot tests, including accurate information related to output, uniformity, timer charts and end gun shutoff. They will also provide information about pond management, including education opportunities and aquatic plant identification.

Food Safety and Master Food Preservers

Chase Baillie, Clemson Extension food systems agent, will talk about the Clemson Food Systems and Food Safety Program, for which a certificate is awarded upon completion of the Master Food Preserver Program. This program covers basic food preservation and safety topics, pickling, dehydrating fruits and vegetables, freezing and fermenting foods, as well as canning with boiling water, steam and pressure.

Clemson Extension specialty crop production resources

Brittney King, a Clemson Extension commercial horticulture agent, will advise participants of the various resources available to help grow specialty crops in South Carolina.

Florence County GIS

Reginald Sanders, director of Florence County GIS, will discuss the Florence County Geographic Information System and how residents can benefit from this service.

Pesticide education

Brad Fowler and Carmen Ketron, Clemson Extension horticulture agents, will be on hand to demonstrate proper calibration of small-scale farm and yard spray equipment. They will also have an interactive pesticide safety exhibit for pesticide applicators.

Clemson Extension agribusiness

Charley Maxwell, Clemson Extension agribusiness agent, will present information about the agribusiness program team’s programs and resources.

Harvest Hope Food Bank will operate a food drive during the field day. Go to Field Day 2025 for list of needed items.

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