 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Below you'll see everything we could locate for your search of “watermelon”
By Clint Thompson Scouting and correct diagnosis of diseases will be key steps in North Florida watermelon growers managing this year’s crop. Because watermelons can be impacted by a plethora of diseases, producers to know exactly what they’re dealing with and apply appropriate fungicides as quickly as possible. That’s the message shared by Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of …
By Clint Thompson An extremely dry North Florida region was hit with much-needed rainfall on Monday. That was a welcomed sight for the Suwanee Valley’s watermelon growers who are mostly done planting this year’s crop. “The rain will definitely help in those dry bed areas just to bring more moisture. All of it’s going to go in the hole but …
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon plantings have commenced in the Suwanee Valley. Water is a key resource in helping the plants grow over the next couple of months. Rain would be beneficial. Not much is expected, however, in the near future, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
By Clint Thompson One of the most devastating watermelon diseases in the Southeast can be overcome. But it comes with a high cost for growers. Fusarium wilt is an annual problem that North Florida and South Georgia watermelon producers must contend with every year. Some growers are resorting to grafted plants in hopes of overcoming the disease. Grafting is a …
By Clint Thompson Extreme drought conditions are still prevalent throughout North Florida, expanding from the Panhandle all the way as far south as Citrus and Sumter counties, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. They are challenging conditions for the watermelon producers in the Suwanee Valley who are beginning to plant this year’s crop. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of …
By Clint Thompson It is the second week in February which means North Florida watermelon plants are expected to be planted in a couple of weeks. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed the planting scenario facing growers in his region. “There are definitely transplants that …
By Clint Thompson Southeast watermelon producers who are pondering the use of grafted plants to combat fusarium wilt disease must remember that grafted plants have later maturity than regular plants. That’s a message that a panel, including Josh Freeman, regional sales manager with TriEst Ag Group, shared at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida. “Nobody knows …
By Clint Thompson Cost reduction is near the top of watermelon farmers’ priority lists heading into the 2026 season. It was the subject of a presentation at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, was one of …
By Clint Thompson Grafted plants provide watermelon growers a costly solution in their fight against fusarium wilt. Josh Freeman, regional sales manager with TriEst Ag Group, estimates the added costs to double what a normal watermelon plant would be. While the added expense is not ideal, it provides farmers a guaranteed solution in their fight against the annual plant disease. …
By Clint Thompson The harvest/marketing window for North Florida’s watermelon crop is not open for very long. That is why it is imperative that growers in the Suwanee Valley maximize their crop potential every year. They plant early and harvest the crop before the watermelon industry moves north to Georgia. It is the same scenario for watermelon-producing states up and …
