The February 22 South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline reports that whiteflies have been detected in Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and Homestead. Crops affected include melon and squash. Whiteflies are vectors for viruses including Papaya Ringspot Virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Leaf Crumple Virus (CuLCrV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), and the new watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus 1 (WCLaV-1). According to the hotline, “Field hygiene should be a high priority and should be an integral part of the overall strategy for managing whitefly populations, whitefly vectored viruses, and insecticide resistance.” Read more from the hotline about whitefly management.
Around SW Florida, gummy stem blight is starting to show up on watermelons. It has also been reported coming in on transplants. Read more about how to manage gummy stem blight on watermelon.
In Southwest Florida, powdery mildew of cucurbits (caused by Podosphaera xanthii) was reported to be increasing in squash and cantaloupes. In the Homestead area, Powdery mildew is present in mature squash and also started to show up in younger plantings. Read more about how to manage powdery mildew in cucurbits.
Reports of low to moderate levels of cucurbit downy mildew (caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis) in squash have come in from Southwest Florida and Homestead. Reports indicate cucurbit downy mildew is increasing due to cool temperatures and recent rains. Read more about how to manage cucurbit downy mildew.
