South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | March 2024 March 20, 2024May 6, 2024 cuccap Cucurbit disease updates In Southwest Florida: Whitefly populations are moderate to very high in watermelon, cucumbers, and other vegetables. Scouts report Watermelon Crinkle Leaf Associated Virus 1 (WCLaV-1) has been identified in some fields. Low levels of Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus (CuLCrV) and mosaic virus have also been reported on watermelon. In squash, very low to low virus incidence was reported. Anthracnose (Collectotrichum) has been reported in watermelon plants submitted to Southwest Florida Research & Education Center. In watermelons, the incidence of powdery mildew of cucurbits (Podosphaera xanthii) is reported to be low. In squash, reports indicate moderate levels of powdery mildew, with greater incidence and severity in older plantings. In Homestead: Powdery mildew is present in cucurbits throughout most of the area. In Central Florida: Reports indicate older squash plantings have moderate to high populations of whitefly, with younger squash having low populations. Read More
