Late registration for the event ends Jan. 5. Interested attendees can register for the full four-day conference or register for each day individually. Continue Reading
VSCNews
Vegetable and Specialty Crop News is an online publication from Southeast AgNet Radio Network, VSCNews Magazine, AgNet West Radio Network,| Citrus Industry Magazine, and Citrus Expo
Cucurbit Downy Mildew reported in Florida
Downy mildew is a problem for Florida’s cucurbit farmers. The disease has been reported recently in cucumber, squash, and watermelon fields.
Anthracnose Awareness | VSCNews
Anthracnose is a disease noticed on cucurbits in warm and high moisture conditions. The symptoms are noticed on leaves as necrotic lesions with or without cracked centers.
Fall Watermelon Production Not Recommended in North Florida
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences scientists do not recommend that Florida watermelon growers grow watermelons in the fall. This assessment is attributed to the multiple variables growers must overcome including weather, high disease pressure and whitefly infestations.
Whitefly infestations vary across Florida
The October newsletter from the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline reports that whitefly infestations are widely present across central Florida. They are low to moderate in cucumber and squash. Populations are very low in watermelon.
Two New Viruses a Concern for Florida Watermelon Industry | VSCNews
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.
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.
Florida vegetable specialist recommend virus prevention strategy
Whiteflies cause feeding injury issues in vegetables and transmit two viruses: cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus. Sanitation of vegetable crops susceptible to whiteflies remains a key management strategy for Florida producers.