Four foliar diseases reduce watermelon yields in South Carolina. Gummy stem blight and powdery mildew are the most common diseases in spring crops.
Powdery Mildew
South Carolina Field Update | June 24, 2024
Cucurbit growers should be on the lookout for gummy stem blight, downy mildew, powdery mildew, and fruit disease. Other issues with cucurbits right now include squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
South Carolina Field Update | June 3, 2024
Tony Keinath, Extension Plant Pathologist reported that powdery mildew was found this week on watermelons at the Edisto Research and Education center.
Michigan Cucurbit update | May 22, 2024
Pumpkins planted with plastic mulch tend to grow faster. This may may result in longer powdery mildew foliage management to protect fruit from sunburn.
Florida watermelons face disease threats
Recent excessive rains in North Florida have impacted the region’s watermelon crop. Growers could soon face the potential buildup of diseases. Downy mildew, Powdery mildew, and Gummy stem blight have been reported in the last few weeks.
Powdery mildew observed in Florida watermelons
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension confirmed the presence of Powdery mildew this week, though most fields have not yet shown signs of the disease. A microclimate of humidity promotes disease on the watermelon vines.
Gummy Stem Blight and Powdery Mildew Strategies
Gummy stem blight has been observed in Florida. This is the time to be on the lookout for both gummy stem blight and powdery mildew and to think about upcoming disease management strategies.
Bio Fungicide Review on Winter Squash
The Smart Lab at Cornell University compared various organic controls for powdery mildew in winter squash including copper treatments.