The April issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine puts watermelons in the spotlight. There is new leadership in the National Watermelon Association. George Szczepanski talks about his new role as NWA executive director after succeeding Bob Morissey, who was in the role for nearly 20 years. Szczepanski inherits an organization amid a challenging era for growers, including high input costs …
Powdery Mildew Moderate to High in South Florida
Powdery mildew disease is being observed in cucurbits in South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestation is moderate in some squash plantings in southwest Florida. Pressure is high on mature squash along the east coast. Scouts also report increased infestations in squash fields in Homestead, Florida. All cucurbits are vulnerable to powdery mildew, though the …
Disease Management Recommendations for Florida Melon Growers
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommends North Florida watermelon producers continue a weekly application of Bravo or other chlorothalonil product. This helps protects against early disease development, said Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Early in the season, we suggest that they continue with a weekly application of chlorothalonil,” …
Early Season Disease Management Options for North Florida Melon Growers
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommends North Florida watermelon producers continue a weekly application of Bravo or other chlorothalonil product. This helps protects against early disease development, said Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Early in the season, we suggest that they continue with a weekly application of …
Speaker Spotlight: Scott Adkins
This year, AgNet Media is expanding the Florida Grower Citrus Show to include vegetable seminars. Scott Adkins, U.S. Department of Agriculture research leader, will be talking about what’s new in vegetable viruses and detector dogs during the afternoon breakout session. Adkins will discuss new and emerging problems that come with Florida’s sub-tropical climate. His talk will highlight a new way …
North Florida Melon Producers Escape Bullet From Recent Frost Events
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon plants appear to have survived frost events in the past two weeks. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, described what growers are observing in the fields. “I think so far, the frost last week, the one that probably touched up …
Possible Early-Market Access Encourages Earlier Planting for North Florida Melon Farmers
By Clint Thompson The early-market watermelon window in May prompted North Florida producers to begin planting their crop earlier this season. Some were even finished planting by the first couple of days of March, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I would say that over …
Potential Early-Market Access Prompts North Florida Melon Farmers to Plant Earlier
By Clint Thompson The early-market watermelon window in May prompted North Florida producers to begin planting their crop earlier this season. Some were even finished planting by the first couple of days of March, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I would say that …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Justin Ballew reports, “Well, we knew a “late” cold spell was likely to happen at some point. Growers will need to take some steps to prepare for the cold over the next few …
UF’s Guan Highlights Trade Deficit with Mexico During Outlook Conference
By Clint Thompson The United States’ trade deficit with Mexico regarding fresh fruits and vegetables directly impacts Florida’s specialty crop producers. With imports from Mexico intensifying in recent years, the problem has increasingly become worse, according to University of Florida (UF) associate professor Zhengfei Guan. He highlighted the problem during last week’s Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference. “We see that …