Colletotrichum spp., which causes anthracnose is an emerging threat to watermelon and cucumber production in the east coast.
CucCAP Project Partners
News from the Cucurbit industry including updates from commodity groups, the seed industry, and the USDA.
The 2023 Hall New York Annual Variety Trials
Cucurbit Variety Slideshows
View an array of squash, pumpkin and melon selections from some of the industry’s top vegetable breeders.
New Standards List for Squash
Zucchini and yellow summer squash that have been engineered to resist certain plant diseases, including zucchini yellow mosaic virus and watermelon mosaic virus, will now have to be identified as “squash (summer, coat protein mediated virus-resistant varieties).” Before, they were identified solely as “squash (summer),” and the new mandate is designed to be more specific.
Squash and Zucchini variety trials | 2023 Hall Field Days
The 2023 Hall, New York Field Days gave us a chance to see new squash and zucchini varieties. View videos from the annual trials with seed breeders talking about several squash and zucchini varieties perfect for growers. View a slideshow of short video descriptions of each.
USDA grant includes strategies for pest control
Clemson University scientists are studying watermelon production methods to develop strategies to improve productivity and profitability of organic vegetables. Funding for the project is provided by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to address challenges such as crop nutrition management and controlling diseases and weeds in organic vegetable production.
U.S. watermelon supply up 7.3 % in 2023
U.S. watermelon supply is looking stronger this season with a 7.3 % year-on-year increase in volume reaching 2.3 billion pounds as of June 11.
U.S. production usually goes from April to September with its peak between July and August.
With nearly 400 varieties of watermelon available, the leading segment for the past 30 years has been seedless.
2024 NWA Research Grant Program
Details on the National Watermelon Association’s grant funding request for proposals. Stay in touch with NWA staff for further details, and to apply for funding.
