By Clint Thompson Cucurbit farmers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama need to be wary of certain diseases that are already present in some fields. Mathews Paret, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), describes what growers should be concerned about with regards to angular leaf spot and …
Powdery Mildew: What Cucurbit Growers Need to Know
By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew is a disease all cucurbit farmers need to be familiar with this spring season. Unlike other pathogens that need wet, rainy conditions to flourish, powdery mildew prefers a drier environment. If weather conditions turn dry this spring, powdery mildew could be most concerning, says Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of …
Management Strategies for Cucurbit Farmers Against Anthracnose
By Clint Thompson The best management strategies for cucurbit farmers in combating anthracnose disease occurs before the crop will be planted this season. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, discusses the importance of using varieties that are resistant to the pathogen. “Fortunately, we do have resistant varieties to …
Alabama Cucurbit Producers: Be Mindful of Cucumber Beetles
Alabama cucurbit producers need to be mindful of looming insect pests they are likely to encounter this growing season. It starts with cucumber beetles, usually the first pest farmers will see this year, according to Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “They’ll jump onto the plants right when they’re young. They will start feeding …
Early Cucumber Planting Protects Against Downy Mildew Disease
Early cucumber planting helps avoid downy mildew disease and increases yields, according to Clemson plant pathologist Tony Keinath in The South Carolina Grower. Keinath said producers should plant within one month of recommended planting dates which avoids downy mildew disease that is most prevalent between May 15 and June 15. In an experiment in 2021 at Clemson’s Coastal Research and …
Whitefly Severity Varies Across Florida
Whitefly populations continue to vary in Florida vegetable fields. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, adult whiteflies are being observed in melons, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers in Southwest Florida. Respondents in Homestead indicate that whiteflies are present in tomatoes, beans and squash. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus is widespread in tomato, though most fields are still under …
Alabama Extension to Host Online Vegetable Production Meetings
Alabama Extension has scheduled vegetable production meetings via zoom, starting on Feb. 23 through March 30. Every Wednesday, from noon to 1:30 p.m., a different vegetable topic will be discussed with specialists at Alabama Extension. Andre da Silva, assistant professor in horticulture, and Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology, will discuss tomato varieties and tomato insect management …
Downy Mildew Alert: Alabama Cucurbit Growers Be Proactive in Management
By Clint Thompson Florida’s recent diagnosis of downy mildew in lettuce should have Alabama growers on alert about the disease’s eventual movement northward. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, discusses why producers should be wary of this disease. “With these moist conditions, that’ll build up the winter nursery …
GFVGA Responds to USITC Cucumber, Squash Investigations
By Clint Thompson The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) investigations into the impact of imports of cucumbers and squash on seasonal domestic markets generated a positive response from the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “They were never going to come out and make a recommendation or suggest any policy. It was really to provide the trade representative, Katherine …
USITC Releases Results of Investigations Concerning Imports of Cucumbers, Squash
Two investigations by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) yielded various conclusions about the impact that imports of cucumbers and squash are having on U.S. seasonal markets. The USITC’s conclusions regarding cucumbers include: Mexico is a highly competitive supplier of summer squash, with low costs, a reputation for consistently high product quality, and preferential packing and sorting. In the United …