Caterpillar pressure has increased to moderate levels in Homestead, Florida, though beet armyworm was reportedly at high levels in okra. Rindworm damage was also reported from melonworms and pickworms in watermelon.
UF/IFAS Extension
Fusarium wilt in N. Florida watermelon
Florida Grower Citrus Show
Producers and industry experts can register for the upcoming Florida Grower Citrus Show, scheduled for April 13. This year, the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory will co-host the event in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Insects in North Florida watermelon fields
Plant bugs are in the stink bug family. They are a piercing, sucking insect. Under real high populations, they prefer to get on the stem attachment of the watermelon fruit and cause wilting and stress in the plant.
Early watermelon crop survives frost events
Producers are very fortunate the cold temperatures were not more impactful, considering how early this year’s watermelon crop was planted in the region.
Early planting for Florida melon farmers
South Florida pest and disease hotline | March 2023
UF/IFAS entomologists report high whitefly populations on all crops. Scouts are reporting increasing whitefly pressure on vegetable crops with silverleaf symptoms showing on squash.
Florida watermelon crop updates
North Florida watermelon producers are expected to start planting this week in the Suwanee Valley area. Warmer temperatures and the potential for high market prices early in the season are enticing growers to go ahead and start planting earlier than normal.
