By Clint Thompson Plant bugs are making their way into some watermelon fields in the North Florida region. Producers need to take action to avoid having a small population explode into a much larger one, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “There’s spots where …
Irrigation Tips for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson Irrigation management is essential in North Florida watermelon plants especially if the current dry period continues in the region. But producers should be wary about how much water they apply this early in the season, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. …
Florida Watermelon Producers Could Start Planting This Week
By Clint Thompson 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, said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent …
North Florida Watermelon Producers Could Start Planting This Week
By Clint Thompson 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, said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension …
MELCAST System Could Help Watermelon Producers Reduce Fungicide Sprays
By Clint Thompson Imagine a system in place that would aid watermelon growers in knowing when to apply fungicide sprays for management of foliar diseases. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is conducting research to verify the effectiveness of one such system. Mathews Paret, UF/IFAS associate professor of plant pathology, discussed MELCAST, a spray advisory …
Fungicide Programs Key for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson Fungicide programs are crucial for North Florida watermelon growers trying to stave off disease development in their young plants. Especially following cooler temperatures and heavy winds last weekend, the watermelon crop in the Suwanee Valley region is susceptible to various diseases. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent …
Attention North Florida Watermelon Producers: Diseases Observed in Isolated Fields
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, …
Copper Applications: What to Know for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson A better understanding of copper applications could provide North Florida watermelon producers a safer management plan in producing their crop this season. Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County, wants to better educate producers about the different forms of copper and its potential impact on watermelon plants. …
Management Tips for North Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson Watermelon plants are in the ground in North Florida. Producers need to consider various management options so plants can achieve successful growth over the next few months. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, recommends that growers use a weekly Bravo or other chlorothalonil …
Powdery Mildew a Growing Concern for South Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson What was once a disease that feasted mostly on squash in South Florida has quickly taken more of a liking to one of its fellow cucurbits – watermelons. Pamela Roberts, vegetable plant pathologist at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, discussed at last week’s Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo how powdery mildew disease has …