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.
Florida watermelons
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.
North Florida Melon Season Nearing End | VSCNews
Watermelon harvests are nearing an end in North Florida. It’s time to take stock of how production went this season as 80% to 90% of the region’s crop has been harvested.
Insect Impact: Whiteflies, Wireworms, Rindworms Impacting Florida Watermelons | VSCNews
Downy Mildew Observed in North Florida Watermelons
University of Florida/IFAS Extension agents in the Suwanee Valley area are confident downy mildew disease is in the region’s watermelon crop. Producers need to spray for this disease, also known as “wildfire.”
2021 South Florida Melons Progress
A Florida watermelon producer discusses adverse weather conditions that can increase the crop’s susceptibility to disease.
