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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Watermelon”
By Clint Thompson Watermelon plants are in the ground throughout North Florida. Growers are now tasked with ensuring their plants are protected and cared for over the next couple of months. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, provides some management tips for producers. “We want to …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers have the majority of this year’s crop in the ground … and there is a lot of it following a substantial increase in acres. “I think the consensus is there is an increase in acreage in this vicinity. Exactly how much? It seems like it’s 10% more,” said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …
By Clint Thompson Georgia watermelon producers are on the cusp of planting this year’s crop. How many acres that equates to remains a question mark. “In general, I’ve heard that acreage is going to be increased this year,” said Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “I talked to a few (growers) …
By Clint Thompson Persistent rains in the North Florida region amid the current El Niño weather pattern is a potential concern for the region’s watermelon producers. But as long as growers stay on top of their fungicide applications, any disease inoculum should be controlled, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension …
By Clint Thompson The calendar may say Feb. 20 but for some watermelon growers in North Florida, it says it is planting time. “I believe that there are some that intend on starting around (Feb. 20) if the weather looks good during that period of time,” said Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional …
By Clint Thompson A costly but effective option for watermelon producers hoping to overcome fusarium wilt disease is the use of Carolina Strongback rootstock. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Extension vegetable pathologist, spoke about the rootstock during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. He talked about its success in research trials on the UGA Tifton Campus. “This is our …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers should be wary of increased potential for fusarium wilt disease with planting season looming. The current El Niño weather pattern is offering cooler temperatures and wetter conditions, says Nick Dufalt, a plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “I think being cooler always promotes fusarium wilt. Having …
By Clint Thompson First chlorothalonil. What’s next for watermelon growers? It was the message delivered by Nick Dufalt, a plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, to producers and industry leaders at the Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs on Nov. 30. Chlorothalonil’s usage could be reduced in the near future by …
By Clint Thompson Paper mulch is a management option that watermelon producers could be using in the near future. While plastic mulch has long been utilized in vegetable production, paper mulch provides growers a more efficient and effective product to use during the season. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent …
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers should be wary that the number of chlorothalonil spray applications could soon be reduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nick Dufalt, a plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discussed the issue at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on Nov. …
