Disease Management Options for North Florida Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson While disease incidences have been minimal so far in North Florida watermelons, growers would be wise to plan accordingly, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Hochmuth said in his weekly email that only gummy stem blight has been observed in the Suwanee …

Persistent Rains Hurting Georgia Watermelons

Web AdminGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s watermelon harvests started later than normal this year. Amid the current persistent wet weather, they also could be shorter this year. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, discussed the current outlook facing the state’s watermelon producers. “It’s falling apart is what it feels like,” Torrance said. “Everybody …

Beware of Spike in Vegetable Diseases Following Recent Storms

Web AdminCucurbits, Disease

By Clint Thompson Cucurbit disease management is vital for vegetable growers following last week’s heavy rainfall and ahead of more rain predicted for this week. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the impact of heavy rains saturating soils across the region, especially as watermelon harvests are finally under way. …

Final Harvests: North Florida Growers Hoping to Overcome Various Diseases

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson The final watermelon harvests in North Florida have growers combatting a plethora of diseases. Those attempting to stretch another picking from their fields this week will have to overcome any number of diseases. These include downy mildew, powdery mildew, Alternaria leaf spot, gummy stem blight and watermelon mosaic. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and …

Alabama Diseases Update: What to Watch for

Web AdminAlabama, Cucurbits, Disease

By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension reminds specialty crop producers that Alabama diseases are prevalent and widespread across the state. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, highlighted three Alabama diseases that growers should be wary of, especially during the current hot and dry conditions. “One is powdery mildew. I’m …

Disease Update for North Florida Watermelons

Web AdminDisease, Florida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease has yet to make an appearance in North Florida watermelons this year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, hopes it remains that way. “We’re keeping a really close eye on (downy) because that’s the next one that if we don’t …

Developing Diseases: Increased Rains Expected to Challenge Melon Growers

Web AdminDisease, Georgia, Top Posts, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Increased rain events in June mean a potential increase in disease development for Georgia’s watermelon producers. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there are a few diseases that growers need to be mindful of following excessive rain in parts of South Georgia over the past week. “I would say I’ve been seeing a …

Plethora of Plant Diseases Following Rainy Season for Alabama Producers

Web AdminAlabama, Disease, Top Posts, Weather

A wet 2020 has had Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers fending off plant diseases. Even before the state encountered a couple of hurricanes, including Sally in mid-September and Zeta in late October, it had already received its share of rainfall.  Not surprisingly, the excess moisture led to numerous plant diseases, according to Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist …

Clemson Vegetable Pathologist Cautions Growers About Potential Diseases

Web AdminCole Crop, Disease, South Carolina, Top Posts, Vegetables, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson One Clemson Extension vegetable pathologist has observed downy mildew disease and fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveneum disease on his research plots and cautions vegetable growers in South Carolina to be on the lookout for both. “This is strictly based on observations from my research plots here in Charleston. I have not been out to any commercial fields,” …

Advice for Managing Watermelon Diseases

Web AdminTop Posts, Watermelon

By Breanna Kendrick Depending on where you are, different diseases could affect your watermelons. Phytophthora, fusarium wilt, anthracnose, downy mildew and gummy stem blight are the biggest issues that Nicholas Dufault, University of Florida associate professor and Extension plant pathologist, has seen. These are the most common diseases in Florida-grown watermelons. With phytophthora, whole plant death is associated with a …