After heavy rains, Georgia watermelon producers were warned that multiple diseases that could play a factor in the production season moving forward. Gummy stem blight and downy mildew both thrive in wet and humid conditions. Cooperative Extension plant pathologists encourage growers to start their disease management program soon after a rain event. The potential for these diseases also comes at a time when fusarium wilt is likely to occur. The cooler soil temperatures also predispose the plant to fusarium wilt disease.
Watermelon field hurt by recent rainfall. (Photo by Bhabesh Dutta)
