Two diseases have been observed in North Florida watermelon.
Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, reported in his weekly email that Psudomonas (angular leaf spot) and gummy stem blight have been reported, though in isolated fields.
“If bacterial diseases are not a concern in your fields, we recommend continuing applications of chlorothalonil (Bravo) to prevent disease development,” Hochmuth said. “If you observe any disease symptoms, please contact your local agent for prompt identification through our early detection program.”
The watermelon plants are still recovering from the mid-March freeze that brought dangerously low temperatures to the North Florida region.
“Many growers who have damage on very early plantings and medium length vines at the time of the freeze are expressing concern about how “bad” the plants still look. In those fields I have seen, the new growth is pushing from the crown. Even though the older vines still look rough, I feel like things will be okay,” Hochmuth said. “In these instances, most of the yield will come from those new buds at the base of the plants. Focus on how those new buds look and try to look past the rough looking old and damaged vines.
“Our suggestion continues to keep it simple and let the plants recover.”
