Some North Florida melon farmers were finished planting in the first days of March 2023.
Cucurbit Crop Production news
Articles and Blog posts of interest to Cucurbit growers, breeders, and researchers.
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.
Pest management in watermelon
Fumigation is the process of releasing fumigants to suffocate and kill certain pests within the soil. These include soil-borne pests, weeds and nematodes.
South Florida pest and disease hotline 11-1-22
In Central Florida, whiteflies are reported to be at low to moderate levels in squash and cucumbers. In South West Florida ther is moderate whitefly pressure on melons. In Homestead, reports indicate increasing silverleaf feeding damage symptoms in squash.
Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) were reported in squash and watermelon in Southwest Florida. Watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus 1 was also found in melons in the area.
In Central Florida melonworms were reported in cucumbers and squash.
In Southwest Florida, armyworms are present at low levels in melons. Melonworm populations are reported to be increasing.
In Homestead, melonworms are increasing on squash and cucumbers
Georgia vegetable disease update | AgNet Media
Cucurbit diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and gummy stem blight thrive in moist conditions. The current hot and dry weather conditions in Georgia have meant reduced disease pressure, which is normally prevalent this time of year.
