The South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline published and update on January 10, 2023.
In southwest Florida, reports indicate high levels of whitefly in watermelon, and squash plantings. Adults continue to find new plantings of melons quickly.
On the East Coast, whitefly populations continue to be moderate to high in many crops.
Reports from Homestead indicate that whitefly populations are high in several crops including squash.
Read more about whitewfly management
In southwest Florida, thrips populations remain low across all crops, with melon thrips (Thrips palmi) and Florida flower thrips (F. bispinosa) both reported.
Around Miami-Dade County, thrips were reported on squash. Species information was not provided.
Leafminer pressure has increased across much of the region since the cold temperatures a few weeks ago.
In southwest Florida, leafminers were reported on squash.
In Homestead, leafminers are reported in squash.
Read more about leafminer management
In southwest Florida, broadmite populations are currently low to moderate and on a downward trend.
Broadmites are reported on watermelon crops in the region.
Read more about broad mite management
Gummy stem blight (Didymella bryoniae) is reported to be high in southwest Florida with heavy disease on older melon plantings, and young plantings showing symptoms rapidly.
Gummy stem blight is also present in Homestead.
Read more about Gummy Stem Blight management
In southwest Florida, powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) is reported at low to medium levels in squash. In Homestead, the incidence is high in squash.
Read more about powdery mildew management
Downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) is reported to be at medium to high levels in squash in Southwest Florida and Homestead.
