Caterpillar pressure has increased to moderate levels in Homestead, Florida, though beet armyworm was reportedly at high levels in okra. Rindworm damage was also reported from melonworms and pickworms in watermelon.
Author: cuccap
CucCAP 2023 Team Meeting
Members of the Cucurbit Coordinated Agricultural Project met in April 2023 at Michigan State University to provide updates to their fellow research scientists and stakeholders in the CucCAP grant.
Fusarium wilt in N. Florida watermelon
South Carolina crop updates | April 2023
In the S.C. coastal region, cantaloupes from seed and watermelon transplants have benefited from recent rain. Early planted watermelons, planted under plastic covers, have had covers removed and are approaching vine run. Managing gummy stem blight and preventing bacterial fruit blotch are critical now. In the Lowcountry, cooler weather will slow down early spring crops including cucurbits.
Insects in North Florida watermelon fields
Plant bugs are in the stink bug family. They are a piercing, sucking insect. Under real high populations, they prefer to get on the stem attachment of the watermelon fruit and cause wilting and stress in the plant.
Research Updates on Georgia Cucurbits
Cucurbit production in Georgia is affected annually by a variety of pests and diseases. Two diseases in particular, fusarium wilt and cucurbit anthracnose, have been a cause of concern for the last five years.
Florida watermelon harvest timeline
Watermelon season is in full swing throughout Florida. The South Florida crop is currently being harvested, while the North Florida plantings are progressing with an aim towards the Memorial Day harvest window.
Florida Cucurbit Updates | April 2023
Florida Extension agents and specialists report on: Powdery Mildew, Gummy Stem Blight, Cucurbit Viruses, Whiteflies, Thrips and Caterpillars.
