University of Florida plant pathologists discuss watermelon breeding efforts for disease resistance to Fusarium wilt.”The key to eliminating fusarium wilt disease’s impact on watermelons in the Southeast is developing disease-resistance cultivars.”
Fusarium wilt
Gummy Stem Blight a Problem in North Florida Watermelons
Fusarium wilt is not the only disease affecting North Florida watermelons. According to an email alert sent by Suwannee Valley Extension agents, the region’s watermelon crop is undergoing high gummy stem blight pressure. High temperatures and humidity along with rain showers have provided the perfect environment for gummy stem blight.
Fusarium Wilt a Problem in Watermelons in South Carolina
CucCAP plant pathologist Tony Keinath recently reported in The South Carolina Grower that Fusarium wilt disease is becoming more widespread in watermelon fields in South Carolina.
Managing Fusarium Wilt Disease in Watermelons | VSCNews
Growers can protect against Fusarium wilt disease by checking their seedlings for wilting symptoms before transplanting, monitoring plants in the field, and timing fungicide applications.
Faster test detects watermelon disease | VGNews
University of Georgia researchers have now developed a faster way to detect the presence of Fusarium wilt.
August 19, 2020 Vegetable Production Updates | MSU Extension
Squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins experienced disease pressure from plant viruses, powdery mildew, fusarium, and phytophthora in Michigan during the week of August 13 to 19, 2020.
Managing Fusarium Wilt Disease in Watermelons | VSCNews
Vegetable & Specialty Crop News reports on crop and disease management information from UGA: Watermelon plants can become infected in multiple ways. The pathogen can produce spores that survive in the soil, be seedborne and be introduced to fields where watermelons have never been grown.
Grafted Watermelon Seedlings Could Benefit Growers | VSCNews
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are studying grafted watermelon seedlings because of the advantages they can provide to growers. The grafted seedlings, an intentional fusion of plant parts, are resistant to Fusarium wilt and tolerant to cold temperatures.