Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent for commercial vegetable crops, has reported downy mildew has shown up in the Suwannee Valley region of North Florida this week. “It was seen in small areas at the end of last week but as downy mildew can do, it spread rapidly over the …
Georgia Watermelon Harvests Still More Than a Week Away
By Clint Thompson A South Georgia watermelon scout believes this year’s crop is still more than a week away from being harvested. “I feel like they are every bit of two weeks off,” said Flanders in an interview with AgNet Media on May 18. “So, I would say it’s going to be two weeks, maybe a little bit longer. And …
Watermelon Harvests Beginning Across North Florida
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests have started across the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, pointed out in his weekly email that harvesting has begun across multiple farms. “I think by the time we get to the end of the …
Active Pathogens in North Florida’s Watermelon Region
Watermelon growers in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida must be mindful of potential pathogens that could spark devastating diseases and prematurely end production seasons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, noted several disease pathogens in his weekly email. It is important to monitor your …
Be On the Lookout: Watermelon Diseases a Concern
By Clint Thompson Watermelon growers should be on high alert for potential disease buildup in fields in the Suwanee Valley region of North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed what diseases his producers must be wary of, with the first harvests just days away. …
Extension Agent: North Florida Watermelons Progressing Like They Should Be
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons are progressing like they should, even amid a rare spring drought and following a dangerous freeze event that impacted the region in mid-March. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed the crop’s progression during an interview with AgNet Media. “I …
Simple Economics: Grafted Watermelon Plants’ Growth in North Florida Likely Minimal
By Clint Thompson The emergence of fusarium wilt disease in North Florida watermelons this year is a reminder about how effective grafted plants are in overcoming the disease. Unfortunately, their growth in the Suwanee Valley region may be limited by simple economics, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
Increased Costs for Watermelon Growers As Limited Volume Expected Out of Florida
By Clint Thompson Production costs are up for Southeast watermelon growers. That’s created concern for producers with harvest season just around the corner for much of the region. “I think what’s on the forefront of everybody’s minds is the challenges with costs we’re seeing already,” said George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association. “As a result from the …
Potential Dry Weather Impacts on North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers have dodged disease buildup with this year’s crop due to the lingering drought conditions present in the region. But that doesn’t mean growers should not be on high alert. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, highlighted what producers should …
Fusarium Wilt Observed In North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson North Florida and South Georgia watermelon producers must be aware that fusarium wilt disease is showing up across North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said in his weekly email that the disease has also been observed in UF/IFAS research trials. Symptoms …