Keep scouting for cucumber beetles and squash bugs as both are currently being found in cucurbit crops. Watermelon planting continues on many farms, with damage being observed to new transplants from squash bugs. Spider mites are also being seen at high levels in some watermelon crops.
Cucurbit Crop & Disease Management Resources
Plant Disease clinics in the USA, Cucurbit disease forecasters, Field & Variety Trials, Cucurbit Variety Trials, Pest Management, Cucurbit Production manuals & handbooks, Disease diagnosis, Disease outbreaks, Extension news, and Cucurbit Grower news.
Downy Mildew in N. Florida Watermelons | May 2023
Downy mildew disease has been confirmed in North Florida watermelons. South Georgia and South Alabama watermelon producers should be wary since the disease can spread easily by the high winds being experienced this week.
Florida Watermelon Producers Should Guard Against Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is different than most of the other major watermelon diseases in that it can become active under relatively dry conditions.
Gummy Stem Blight resistant to multiple fungicides
Gummy stem blight on watermelon is on the FRAC “most wanted” list of pathogens at high risk of becoming resistant to multiple fungicides.
CucCAP Research Publications
CucCAP research scientists publish refereed publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings in journals and other publications between September 2020 and April 2023.
Integrated Crop and Disease Management | Research Publications
CucCAP Bioinformatics Team | Research Publications
Melonworms and Pickworms in Watermelon
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.
