Gummy stem blight has been observed in Florida. This is the time to be on the lookout for both gummy stem blight and powdery mildew and to think about upcoming disease management strategies.
Cucurbit disease and pest reports
Cucurbit crop diseases and pests are reported in newsletters and forecasting sites by crop producers, Extension Agents, and Plant Pathologists from many regions in the United States.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | April 8, 2024
📢South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline📢
🍉 Increasing whitefly numbers, squash vein yellowing virus, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, and papaya ringspot virus, Powdery mildew, Cucurbit downy mildew 🥒
Favorable Weather for Fusarium pathogen
North Florida watermelon producers have observed Fusarium wilt symptoms in some fields. As the disease develops, plants will exhibit low vigor, wilting during the hottest parts of the day and have a grayish-green appearance.
Potential for Florida Melon Disease Buildup
Persistent rains in the North Florida region amid the current El Niño weather pattern is a potential concern for the region’s watermelon producers.
Anthracnose and Downy mildew disease symptoms in watermelons
Growers should consult Extension personnel when deducing what problem they might have. A wrong diagnosis could have financial repercussions.
South Florida Pest update | Dec. 2023
Whitefly populations are increasing in all vegetable crops in the Homestead, Florida, area including high levels of whitefly populations in squash.
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.