Insecticide rotation is key in long-term management of whiteflies. Whiteflies can transmit cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus.
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.
Cucurbit Downy Mildew reported in Florida
Downy mildew is a problem for Florida’s cucurbit farmers. The disease has been reported recently in cucumber, squash, and watermelon fields.
Anthracnose Awareness | VSCNews
Anthracnose is a disease noticed on cucurbits in warm and high moisture conditions. The symptoms are noticed on leaves as necrotic lesions with or without cracked centers.
Anthracnose: Cucurbit Disease a Major Issue for Growers | VSCNews
Anthracnose is rapidly becoming a major issue for growers, particularly in watermelon in the east coast.
Fall Watermelon Production Not Recommended in North Florida
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences scientists do not recommend that Florida watermelon growers grow watermelons in the fall. This assessment is attributed to the multiple variables growers must overcome including weather, high disease pressure and whitefly infestations.
Whitefly infestations vary across Florida
The October newsletter from the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline reports that whitefly infestations are widely present across central Florida. They are low to moderate in cucumber and squash. Populations are very low in watermelon.
Two New Viruses a Concern for Florida Watermelon Industry | VSCNews
Two new watermelon viruses discovered recently in Texas are now a concern of Florida producers. The crinkled leaf-associated virus 1 and 2 have been found in Collier, Desoto, Glades, Osceola, Charlotte and Seminole counties. They just add to a long list of disease and virus challenges that farmers must overcome in the Southeast.
Whiteflies a Factor in South Florida Crops
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, up to eight whitefly adults have been observed on melons in the Immokalee, Florida area. Scouts report between 15% to 60% of plants having one or multiple adults.
