By Clint Thompson
Watermelon growers in Florida’s Suwanee Valley Region are a little more than two months away from planting next season’s crop. There’s plenty to think about and consider heading into next season, says Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County.
He discussed next year’s growing season during the Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on Dec. 5.
“Is there going to be a market? What’s the weather going to be like? How many more acres are there going to be this year than there were last year? What varieties are they wanting to look at?” Warren said. “I think our guys are pretty responsible, too, at looking at ways they can improve their efficiency, whether it’s through nutrient use or water use. A lot of people don’t give farmers the credit they deserve for being conscientious and environmentally concerned people that they are. They want to protect and conserve these resources as much as they can, too. That’s in their plans. They already know what land they’re going to use so what are the challenges that are going to come with it?
“I think one of the topics that scares our guys the most is this topic of fusarium (wilt). It’s a growing challenge in this area. Fresh land is becoming less available and maybe not even available anymore. Where are we going next?”
Fusarium Symptoms
Fusarium wilt symptoms can appear at any growth stage. If they appear at the seedling stage, the plants will not even make it to vines. Plants infected with the fusarium wilt pathogen will eventually die if the infection is severe. The plant can produce fruit if the infection is weak, but when it begins using the energy necessary to produce fruit, the plant will likely decline and slowly die.
Grafted Plants
There was estimated between 8 and 10 growers that utilized grafted watermelons this past season on approximately 400 to 500 acres. Growers who are challenged with fields heavily infested with the disease must consider alternatives since fungicides are limited. Grafted watermelon plants remain a significant defense against fusarium wilt disease.
“We’ve got this growing interest in grafted plants. That provides an opportunity to re-utilize some land multiple times without the challenge of fusarium,” Warren said.