By Clint Thompson
Georgia’s watermelon crop is off to a sluggish start following cool temperatures, heavy rains and high winds in recent weeks.
Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, describes the impact he has noticed in fields so far.
“There’s a little bit of cold injury. The largest impact is everything’s moving a little bit slower because of the cooler temperatures. We’re seeing a lot of sand blasting and marginal burn on plants because of the high winds that came with the storms,” Torrance said. “Some of the plantings that I’ve looked at, the plants were so young and tender that the injury on that leaf, the plant had just dropped that leaf. Plants are coming out from the growing point again. It’ll be a setback, just slowing down their growth.”
Torrance also said growers are seeing an increase in plants girdling themselves. The wind blows the plants and whips them around that they spin in circles. It is another effect from the inclement weather being experienced so far this spring.
“We’re looking for some warmer weather in the near future,” Torrance said.
Watermelon crop producers’ wish may soon become a reality, starting next Tuesday. Warm temperatures and minimal chances of rainfall are in the forecast for Tifton, Georgia, through the rest of April, according to weather.com. Those are ideal conditions for watermelon farmers, who prefer it hot and dry.
“As long as we can keep moisture on them, either with a pivot or drip irrigation,” Torrance said. “We could really use some warmer, calmer weather.”
