The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) continues to spout the benefits of rye as a windbreak in watermelon fields in the Suwanee Valley. Their value has been undisputable this year, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida.
He noted in a recent email to Florida growers that rye can protect the young crop from high winds and sand blasting that can occur in March and April, like what has happened this year. Rye provides the greatest growth in the winter when temperatures are cool.
“Studies have shown that the effective distance of wind reduction on the lee side (protected side) of a windbreak is at least 10 times the height of the windbreak. So, the taller the windbreak, the greater the distance it provides protection,” Hochmuth noted. “A 4-to-5 foot tall windbreak should provide 40 to 50 feet of protection, assuming the rye strips are perpendicular to the wind direction.”
Producers should note that aphids found feeding in rye pose no threat to watermelon, so there is no need to spray the rye strips. The grain aphids are a food source for many beneficial insects, mainly lady beetles in the Suwanee Valley. Cereal rye also produces compounds in its plant tissues and releases root exudates that inhibit germination and growth of weed seeds. These effects, along with cereal rye’s ability to smother other plants with cool weather growth, make it an ideal choice for a windbreak.
A healthy rye windbreak, after it is mowed down can also provide cover to the soil, keeping the soil cooler and helps in shading out weeds in the row middles.
“Florida 401” is the best rye variety for windbreaks.