Growing susceptible cultivars will infest fields with a higher level of Fusarium each time they are planted, leading to long-term problems with Fusarium wilt. Grafting is the most effective option.
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Downy Mildew detected in Michigan
South Carolina Grower Update | June 17, 2024
Watermelons are just starting to be harvested and the quality is good. Extension Agents are seeing some diseases in melons and squash, particularly gummy stem blight. Anthracnose is starting to cause a few problems for growers.
SC Grower Exchange Podcast
In this podcast, Professor of Plant Pathology Research and Extension Vegetable Pathologist, Dr. Anthony Keinath discusses recent observations and tips for dealing with fusarium wilt, specifically in watermelons.
Managing anthracnose disease in watermelons
The disease primarily impacts cucumbers and watermelons, but other cucurbits can also serve as hosts. Its symptoms consist of leaf spots, defoliation and an occasional fruit lesion. It can also spread in the fruit bins after harvest, which makes it more difficult to control.
Florida producing high volumes of watermelons
Watermelon supply in the U.S. market has been nearly 6% below the average of 2019-2023 during the same period.
Gummy stem blight challenges Florida growers
Gummy stem blight causes lesions on leaves and stems and leads to defoliation. The disease favors warm, wet conditions.
Michigan Cucurbit update | June 12, 2024
Field-planted cucumbers and zucchini are close to the first harvest in southwest Michigan. Angular leaf spot has been found in at least one farm, which can look like downy mildew. The Hausbeck lab at Michigan State University has begun deploying its spore traps for monitoring downy mildew as it as it moves north.
