AgNet Media
AgNet Media, formerly Vegetable and Specialty Crop News (VSC news) is an agricultural media company serving crop producers. Through multiple news outlets, AgNet Media reports the latest news on agricultural technologies and research. AgNet Media operates the Citrus Expo in Florida.
Fusarium wilt had major impact on watermelons
There were about 1,500 additional acres planted this year in North Florida following last year’s bumper crop and high prices. However, fusarium wilt disease had a major impact on this year’s crop.
Managing Fusarium wilt in watermelon
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.
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.
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.
Excessive Spring rain challenged watermelon crop
Early onset of foliar diseases, like downy mildew and gummy stem blight with a little bit of anthracnose made this an expensive spray year.
Georgia watermelon plantings delayed
South Georgia watermelon producers are behind in their plantings this spring. Excessive rains are the reason.
Specialty Crop Grower | Emerging Viruses of Cucurbits
CucCAP scientist Bill Wintermantel discusses the status of new virus diseases in the article, Tracking viral diseases in cucurbit crops on page 20 of the April edition of Specialty Crop Grower.
