By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon farmers are on the cusp of another planting season. They are currently planning for next year’s crop. Part of that planning stage was attending the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute. Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County, helped organize the event this year in …
Early Watermelon Plantings the Norm in North Florida
By Clint Thompson As soon as North Florida watermelon producers can get their plants in the ground, the sooner they can harvest their crop amid a tight marketing window. So, it has been no surprise to see so many farmers start their planting seasons earlier and earlier in recent years. But that has been the case and will likely happen again …
Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute Panel Highlights Grafting’s Importance During Fusarium Wilt Discussion
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt remains a challenge for watermelon producers in North Florida and South Georgia. Grafting is a way for growers to navigate its challenge, says Josh Freeman, regional sales manager with TriEst Ag Group. “If you take markets aside, markets come and go, but fusarium, that’s not going to change. In my opinion, varietal resistance is not …
Paper Mulch Research Update for Southeast Watermelon Growers
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are continuing their studies in paper mulch with respect to watermelon production in the Southeast. Its development is important for a region that depends heavily on watermelon production. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, …
South Florida Watermelon Update
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 …
North Florida Watermelon Acreage Needs to Decrease
By Clint Thompson Watermelon acreage in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida could see a reduction in 2026. According to one industry expert, it needs to decrease. Reduced acres could benefit the industry in North Florida and South Georgia. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked …
Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute Informs Growers Ahead of 2026 Season
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers are in the planning stages for next year’s crop in the Suwanee Valley region. That made Thursday’s Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida, especially important. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers highlighted trendy topics that producers must consider, a little more than two months away from …
Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute Scheduled for Dec. 4
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers should mark their calendars for Thursday, Dec. 4 for the annual Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked about the upcoming meeting, scheduled to take place in Fanning Springs, Florida. “The first Thursday in December we’ll …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Methods for Managing Watermelon Disease
By Frank Giles In watermelon, diseases can spread fast. In fields where diseases have a history of establishment, outbreaks can arise quickly when conditions are favorable. Most production guides recommend a lengthy rotation of watermelon in fields to help reduce disease inoculum. According to Bhabesh Dutta, professor of plant pathology and Extension vegetable disease specialist for the University of Georgia …
South Carolina Watermelon Producers Struggle with Diseases This Summer
By Clint Thompson South Carolina watermelon producers encountered their share of rainfall this production season. They had to overcome a plethora of diseases as a result. Brittney King, Clemson commercial horticulture Extension agent in Florence, South Carolina, provided an overview of the watermelon season and the challenges it presented this year. Growers still achieved strong yields. “Overall, it went pretty …



















