Components of a good PM management program:
1. Choose PM-tolerant or -resistant hybrids whenever possible to maximize host plant resistance against this disease.
2. Scout for PM beginning mid-summer on the upper and lower leaf surfaces throughout the field and leaf canopy. If even a few colonies are found, treatment should begin immediately and continue until harvest.
3. Know the Fungicide Resistance Action Code (FRAC) or mode of action (MOA) number (found on the label) for each fungicide used on your farm and how to rotate it.
Author: cuccap
New Standards List for Squash
Zucchini and yellow summer squash that have been engineered to resist certain plant diseases, including zucchini yellow mosaic virus and watermelon mosaic virus, will now have to be identified as “squash (summer, coat protein mediated virus-resistant varieties).” Before, they were identified solely as “squash (summer),” and the new mandate is designed to be more specific.
CucCAP scientists uncover genetic factors influencing flowering time and fruit yield in watermelon
Scientists at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, SC evaluated the USDA, ARS citron watermelon germplasm collection for flowering time and fruit yield traits under field conditions over two years. They used a “genome-wide association study (GWAS)” to detect genomic regions and molecular (DNA) markers associated with flowering time and fruit yield traits. The new molecular markers will be useful in improving watermelon varieties for early flowering and maturity and yield performance via marker-assisted breeding.
Cucumber Disease Survey 2023
CucCAP Agricultural and Resource Economics Extension Specialist Dr. Daniel Tregeagle invites commercial cucumber growers to participate in this 30 minute survey.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | Oct. 18, 2023
In Central Florida, reports indicate incidence of Cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) is increasing and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) incidence is very low.
In Southwest Florida, CuLCrV, Squash Vein Yellowing Virus and Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus were diagnosed. Gummy stem blight was reported on watermelons in older watermelon fields.
In Southwest Florida, Very low infestation levels of Cucurbit Downy Mildew were reported by field scouts.
South Florida pest and disease hotline | Oct. 8, 2023
Florida extension agents reported low to moderate levels of whiteflies on cucurbit crops in several regions. Whiteflies are vectors of several cucurbit viruses.
South Florida Whitefly Population update
Early Career Scientist Spotlight | Kelly Avila
Kelly Avila is a Post Doctoral Researcher and works with CucCAP Plant Pathologist Dr. Lina Quesada in the Vegetable Pathology Lab at NC State University. She chose to work in the Quasada lab because of the focus on Extension, integrated disease management, and genomics.
