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By Clint Thompson One Florida watermelon industry expert believes South Florida’s production succeeded this fall, due in large part to minimal whitefly pressure and zero tropical system impact. Laura Land, member of the executive council of the Florida Watermelon Association, talked about South Florida’s season during the Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute on Dec. 4. “I think they had a good …

Reports of Choanephora Rot in South Florida vegetable crops range from medium to low populations, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. In Southwest Florida, crop scouts report Choanephora in multiple pepper fields with low incidences, typical for the current hot fall weather. However, some fields have experienced significant infections leading to plant damage. In fields in the …

Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Overall worm pressure varies from low to high in southwest Florida. It mostly depends on location, crop and date of planting. Scouts indicate that sweet corn fields experienced low to moderate, but constant pressure from fall armyworm on young and silking corn. Beet armyworm laid …

Choanephora is being reported in medium and high levels across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. In central Florida, an outbreak of choanephora was first reported in both pepper and tomatillo. Scout reports indicate that the wet rot symptoms have slowed. In southwest Florida, scouts are reporting moderate levels of choanephora in bell peppers, though …

The cotton jassid, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, has been problematic for cotton and vegetable growers across the Southeast. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, the jassid is impacting growers in southern Florida. Scouts are reporting the insect’s presence in Southwest Florida, with population levels ranging from low to high on eggplant. Population levels are …

The May 29 issue of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions expanding and worsening across southern Florida. Abnormally dry conditions cover a wide area of Southwest Georgia, while minimal drought is observed in Alabama. The worst area in Florida is covered in the southwest part of the state. Extreme drought is observed in Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Lee, …

Thrips population levels range from low to high across fields in southern Florida. This is according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts in central Florida are reporting low to moderate population levels in tomatoes and cucurbits. In southwest Florida, scouts indicate levels varying between crops from low to high. Thrips are increasing in pepper and watermelon and …

Whitefly populations are increasing in South Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Multiple reports indicate low to moderate whitefly populations in melons, tomatoes and snap beans in Southwest Florida. Whitefly infestations in melons is concerning, not just because of the risk of virus but in some populations, levels are high enough …

By Clint Thompson The calendar says mid-April which means vegetable season is underway in South Florida. Gene McAvoy, a crop consultant, discussed the current season. “We’re just getting into full swing with watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, just about everything right now,” McAvoy said. “We’re just now finishing up with cool season crops, cabbage and what not. But just about everything else …

Whitefly populations are low in some areas across southern Florida and high in others, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Reports show low levels of whiteflies in tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Moderate levels are reported in watermelon and bean fields. Scouts are reporting low population levels of whitefly in tomatoes along the …