By Clint Thompson
While disease incidences have been minimal so far in North Florida watermelons, growers would be wise to plan accordingly, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida.
Hochmuth said in his weekly email that only gummy stem blight has been observed in the Suwanee Valley, but farmers “would be wise” to think about upcoming strategies for gummy stem blight and powdery mildew.
“This is the time of the season to be on the lookout for both diseases. Of course, most fields do not have gummy or powdery yet, but both diseases are serious enough that we want to be proactive,” Hochmuth noted. “Curing these two diseases after they appear is much more difficult.”
Fungicide Options
Chlorothalonil may still be the best option for late planted fields at first fruit set or later. If gummy stem blight is not present in early planted fields, Miravis Prime is the ideal fungicide to use ahead of infection, not after gummy stem blight has been well established. While Miravis Prime has activity for powdery mildew as well, Hochmuth encourages producers to add a material like Quintec, Procure or Rhyme to stay ahead of powdery mildew.
Rhyme has been added to the list of recommended fungicides for powdery mildew based on university research trials.