Downy mildew disease was found on watermelon this week in two South Carolina counties – Allendale and Barnwell – according to The South Carolina Grower. This is especially concerning, since it reduces sugar content once 25% are infected. All watermelons should be sprayed with a fungicide effective against downy mildew. Gavel, Ranman and Elumin are the least expensive fungicide choices. …
Factors to Consider When Managing Phytophthora Fruit Rot in Watermelons
Increased rainfall means conditions are favorable for the development of phytophthora fruit rot (Pcap) in watermelon, according to University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Blog and Extension plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta. There are several pre- and post-harvest considerations growers need to be mindful of in protecting their watermelon crop from the disease. Dutta recommends: Avoid harvesting watermelons from low spots in …
Insect Impact: Whiteflies, Wireworms, Rindworms Impacting Florida Watermelons
Insects are active in North Florida watermelon fields. According to his weekly email, Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said rindworms remain a problem. Growers need to maintain a good preventative program up until the last week of harvest. There have also been various reports of whitefly populations. This is especially concerning because they vector …
Tasty Treat: Exceptional Quality Expected for Watermelons This Year
By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions contributed to “exceptional” quality of this year’s watermelon crop. That’s the expectation of two industry experts. “I think the quality this year has been outstanding,” said Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Some of that is due to the climatic conditions. We had a lot of real, clear, bright …
Watermelon Prices Just Average Amid Rising Input Costs
By Clint Thompson The watermelon prices that were good, maybe, 10 years ago are not so much in the current economic climate. Branford Florida watermelon producer Laura Land estimated that current prices are approximately 18 to 20 cents per pound for 45-count seedless; roughly $126 per bin. However, the same input expenses that cost Southeast vegetable producers all spring are …
Sun Protection: Keep Watermelon Crop Safe During Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson South Georgia is on the brink of starting its watermelon harvest season. If farmers hope to capitalize with multiple harvests, they may need to apply chemical applications to protect against sunburn, which has been one of the few concerns during the production season. “The last couple of folks I spoke with, watermelons were volleyball size, if not …
Collision Course: North Florida, South Georgia Watermelons Likely Hitting Market at Same Time
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons are likely on a collision course for the Southeast market this summer. Weather is the main reason why. Florida Frost Producers in the Suwanee Valley Region in North Florida have started harvesting this year’s crop. But many of their fields were impacted by a scattered frost late in the season. …
Weekly Update: UF/IFAS Communication Key in Florida’s Watermelon Production
University of Florida/IFAS Extension agents provide producers key information in a timely fashion through the Weekly Watermelon Update. When an issue emerges – like gummy stem blight for example on May 10 – Bob Hochmuth, a regional specialized vegetable Extension agent and 11 other Extension agents in the Suwanee Valley region, activate an alert system that informs growers and managers …
Disease Alert: Downy Mildew Observed in North Florida Watermelons
University of Florida/IFAS Extension agents in the Suwanee Valley area are confident downy mildew disease is in the region’s watermelon crop. Producers need to spray for this disease, also known as “wildfire.” Spray programs especially need to be initiated in the southern parts of the Suwannee Valley region, including in Levy and Gilchrist counties, where the first reports of the …
Fertilization Keeps Watermelons ‘Happy’
By Clint Thompson Fertilization remains a vital part of the watermelon production season up until harvest time, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “One harvest, every five to seven days let’s say, it’s the second and the third and the potentially fourth harvest that we need to make sure we’re taking care and keeping …