In the Central Florida area, whitefly populations are increasing yet remain low in squash.In SW Florida, growers and scouts are reporting high levels of whitefly adults and nymphs in melons, and squash.
On the East Coast, whitefly populations are moderate in cucumber. Reports from Homestead indicate that whitefly populations are mostly sporadic in squash.
The South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline
The South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline shares vegetable scouting reports, research highlights, weather and crop reports, and is compiled by UF / IFAS Extension Agents. This report is sent to the vegetable industry every 3 weeks to highlight pest and disease populations and trends across five locations in south Florida.
Whitefly Pressure Varies Across Florida
Whitefly pressure has been increasing to high levels in Southern Florida which is normal at this time of year. Whiteflies are vectors for viruses. Management of whiteflies later in the season depends on early suppression of whitefly populations.
Vectors and disease present in Florida cucurbits
Florida cucurbit growers are reporting whiteflies, gummy stem blight, powdery mildew, and cucurbit downy mildew.
Downy Mildew & Powdery Mildew on Florida Squash
The January 31, 2022 edition of The South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline reported widespread issues with downy mildew in squash in South Florida. Downy mildew is also widely present in Homestead on squash and oriental cucurbits.
Florida Cucurbit pest report for January 2022
Sanitation Important Management Tool
Downy mildew and powdery mildew on melons can spread from older, diseased plants to surrounding fields where plants are still maturing.
Virus transmitting Whiteflies in Florida and Georgia | VSCNews
Whiteflies cause feeding injury issues in vegetables and transmit two viruses: cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus.
