By Clint Thompson The largest produced tropical fruit in Florida is enduring a disease that is having similar impact that Greening is having on the state’s citrus industry. Avocados, which are produced on approximately 1,500 acres in South Florida, are being severely impacted by laurel wilt disease. “It seems like as it’s getting worse and worse,” said Alan Chambers, plant …
Downy Mildew Alert: Watermelon Disease Found in Two South Carolina Counties
Downy mildew disease was found on watermelon this week in two South Carolina counties – Allendale and Barnwell – according to The South Carolina Grower. This is especially concerning, since it reduces sugar content once 25% are infected. All watermelons should be sprayed with a fungicide effective against downy mildew. Gavel, Ranman and Elumin are the least expensive fungicide choices. …
Management of Alternaria Blight and Head Rot in Brassica
By Bhabesh Dutta and Aparna Petkar Alternaria blight and head rot (ABHR) of broccoli and other brassicas is caused by several species in the genus Alternaria, including A. brassicicola, A. brassicae and A. raphanin. All these species can cause significant economic losses. These fungi are facultative pathogens that primarily survive in crop debris, although chlamydospores and microsclerotia are known to …
Factors to Consider When Managing Phytophthora Fruit Rot in Watermelons
Increased rainfall means conditions are favorable for the development of phytophthora fruit rot (Pcap) in watermelon, according to University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Blog and Extension plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta. There are several pre- and post-harvest considerations growers need to be mindful of in protecting their watermelon crop from the disease. Dutta recommends: Avoid harvesting watermelons from low spots in …
Wet Weather Could Lead to Disease Issues in South Carolina
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall the past couple of weeks in South Carolina means more potential for disease development in crops that are just getting ready for harvest. That is a concern for growers, says Clemson Extension agent Zack Snipes. “We got a bunch (of rain) here in Charleston for sure. We got a bunch the previous week, too. It’s …
Developing Diseases: Increased Rains Expected to Challenge Melon Growers
By Clint Thompson Increased rain events in June mean a potential increase in disease development for Georgia’s watermelon producers. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there are a few diseases that growers need to be mindful of following excessive rain in parts of South Georgia over the past week. “I would say I’ve been seeing a …
Alabama Growers Be Mindful of Blueberry Rust
Blueberry rust has been identified in rabbiteye blueberries in Alabama, according to Alabama Extension. It has the potential to be very damaging to yields and is most prevalent in the Southeast. Rabbiteye cultivars suffer from premature defoliation, while highbush blueberries are subject to occasional localized outbreaks. It is important to scout blueberries to see if symptoms are present. Yellow leaf …
At the Forefront: Strawberry Disease Still on Producers’ Minds
By Clint Thompson Last year presented its share of challenges for Florida strawberry growers; imports, heavy insect pressure and low market prices early in the season, just to name a few. None compared to Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease, however. The disease that one producer dubbed the citrus greening of strawberries is on the minds of Florida producers with plantings still …
Powdery Mildew: Conditions Ripe for Disease
By Clint Thompson North Florida’s watermelon season is nearing an end in multiple fields, but one disease continues to persist. Growers in the region still need to be wary of powdery mildew disease. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said in his weekly email that if growers have a couple of harvest weeks left, they …
Fusarium Wilt: Disease Worse This Year Amid Cooler Spring
By Clint Thompson It wasn’t ideal conditions for most watermelon diseases this spring. But one pathogen preferred the cool temperatures. Fusarium wilt, the disease that can cause plant death if the infection is severe enough, has been spotted throughout Florida and in the South Georgia production region, said Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate Professor in Horticultural Science. The cooler …