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.
Cucurbit Crop Production reports
Articles and Blog posts of interest to Cucurbit growers, breeders, and researchers.
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.
Early watermelon crop survives frost events
Producers are very fortunate the cold temperatures were not more impactful, considering how early this year’s watermelon crop was planted in the region.
Early planting for Florida melon farmers
North Carolina Melon, Pumpkin and Watermelon Evaluations
N.C. State Professor and Extension Horticultural Science Vegetable Specialist, Jonathan Schultheis, and Research Technician, Stuart Michel, conduct annual cultigen evaluations on cucurbits including pumpkins, watermelons, melons, and squash. The 2021 Eastern North Carolina Pumpkin Cultigen Evaluation Study was conducted at A. J. Smith and Sons Farm in Edenton, NC. with the assistance of Area Specialized Agent, […]
Florida watermelon crop updates
North Florida watermelon producers are expected to start planting this week in the Suwanee Valley area. Warmer temperatures and the potential for high market prices early in the season are enticing growers to go ahead and start planting earlier than normal.
NWPB presents economic impact
NWPB and parteners will present Economic Evaluation findings from 2017-2021 during the National Watermelon Convention in February and virtually in March 2023.
UF | IFAS Commercial Vegetable Production Website
Visit the new commercial vegetable production website to view links to previous Pest and Disease Hotlines, upcoming and recorded South Florida Vegetable Growers’ Meetings, and upcoming Pesticide Classes.