For squash, one of the main issues for growers is a pathogen called Phytophthora capsici that causes crown, root and fruit rot. Meru says that the disease is particularly severe in South Florida areas, such as Miami-Dade County, where hot, humid and rainy weather conditions lead to rapid establishment of the pathogen. Watermelon growers are concerned about Fusarium wilt, gummy stem blight and emerging viruses, which continue to cause significant crop losses, Meru says.
