Downy mildew disease was observed in North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons last week. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed in an email that downy mildew was confirmed in the southern part of the Suwannee Valley. He also reported that Ty Torrance, University of …
North Florida Extension Agent: Weather Competitive Advantage for Watermelon Diseases
By Clint Thompson Like the rest of the Southeast, North Florida has been impacted by excessive rains over the past week, dating back to last Friday. It has impacted the region’s watermelon crop, which has just started being harvested. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked …
Powdery Mildew Observed in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew disease has been observed in North Florida watermelons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed the disease’s presence in an email this week, though most fields have not yet shown signs of the disease. “The disease is in its initial stages …
Shaping Up: North Florida Melon Harvests Less Than Two Weeks Away
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are less than two weeks away from harvesting this year’s crop. For some growers, it may be even sooner than that, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “There’s lots of volleyball size watermelons out there. The crop is …
May 9 Workshop to Explore Opportunities for Tropical Fruit Production in Florida
What conditions are ideal for farmers to successfully grow tropical fruit in different regions of Florida? Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) say this question is at the root of concern for them as they communicate with new and potential growers who are not aware of a bigger problem at stake. Way too …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Big Issues Addressed at Florida Citrus Show
By Frank Giles Last year, AgNet Media took over hosting responsibilities for the Florida Citrus Show in Fort Pierce. With that change, the event moved to the neighboring facilities of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service U.S. Horticultural Research …
Update on Florida Ag Legislation and Budget Presented
By Maegan Beatty In mid-April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted the 9th annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. The conference examines critical policy issues facing agribusiness leaders and provides economic insights. Participants heard from policymakers, key stakeholders and expert researchers on the farm …
Not Again: Fusarium Wilt a Recurring Concern for Florida Watermelon Producers
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt disease is once again rearing its ugly head in Florida watermelons this year, according to one University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher. Nick Dufault, a plant pathologist with the UF/IFAS, noted in a blog that while little can be done now to manage the disease, it is still vital for …
Attention Watermelon Producers: Be Alert for Increased Rindworm Feedings
By Clint Thompson Rindworm activity has yet to be reported in North Florida’s watermelon crop. But increased feedings are expected in the upcoming weeks, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Hochmuth reported in his weekly email on Sunday that growers should continue to scout for …
Added Benefit: Florida Blackberries May Become More Nutritious in the Future
Blackberries are already known for their health benefits, and someday, they might provide even more antioxidants than the ones you buy now, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. UF/IFAS scientists are trying to breed and grow blackberries, which ripen in April, May and June in the Sunshine State. In a new study, scientists found …


















