Disease detection picked up over the previous week in North Florida watermelons.
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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.
Managing Fungicide and Irrigation for young Watermelon plants
After watermelon plants are in the ground, a preventative fungicide program every 7 to 10 days along with irrigation management will be necessary for disease management.
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline | March 2024
Anthracnose has been reported in watermelon plants submitted to Southwest Florida Research & Education Center.
Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew
CucCAP Plant pathologists discussed cucurbit diseases reported by growers in Growing Produce Magazines’ 2023 State of the Vegetable Industry Survey. CucCAP plant pathologists provided information about Cucurbit Downy mildew and Powdery mildew for this article.
Georgia producers begin planting 2024 watermelon crop
Producers and industry experts will be able to better assess this year’s acreage once all the plants are in the ground. They will once again follow North Florida in the production window.
Whitefly-transmitted viruses can devastate cucurbits
Whiteflies are responsible for transmitting multiple viruses, including cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus. According to University of Georgia crop loss estimates for fall 2017, these viruses caused between 30% and 50% crop loss in squash and cucumbers and nearly 80% crop loss in snap beans that year.
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.
