This time of year we often encounter citron melons in our crops and gardens. A citron is sometimes referred to as a stock melon or a preserving melon. The citron melon belongs to the same species as watermelon, but the fruit is inedible in the raw state. It should not be confused with the citron of the …
The recent increase in stink bug population is causing concerns for local pea, bean, and soybean producers. Researchers have noticed an increase in secondary insect pests, such as stink bug species, over the last few years as farmers have reduced their use of broad spectrum herbicides. Entomologist throughout the southeast United States believe the Redbanded stink bug could become …
North Florida continues to have a large acreage of watermelons and the crop has started under good conditions. Thanks to Gene McAvoy, Regional Vegetable Extension Agent in Hendry County, Florida for the following update of powdery mildew on watermelons in South Florida. Mr. McAvoy cautioned that dry conditions are ideal for the development of powdery mildew …
Continue reading ‘Watermelon Growers Scout for Powdery Mildew’ »
The Watermelon Bus! Throughout North-Central Florida watermelon farmers, harvesters, and packers are getting their harvesting buses ready to dive into what looks to be a nice watermelon crop. Farmers have been challenged with below average temperatures, and above average rainfall this spring, but the farmers appear to have made the right management decisions to deliver a …
Here at the Extension Office we often have farmers bringing in their locally grown produce to share and offer thanks for assistance through the season. This mostly occurs in the spring with the first harvest of squash, tomatoes, peppers, and other fresh vegetables. I was delighted to see a rarity in our area this week …
Did you know….. Florida ranks #1 nationally in the production and value of fresh market sweet corn, typically accounting for approximately 20 percent of both national sweet corn production and of U.S. cash receipts for fresh sales (1). Sweet corn has typically ranked as one of Florida’s four most valuable vegetable crops. During the 2004-05 …
One of our Columbia County farmers has started sweet corn harvest. The spring was challenging for the sweet corn crop with cool temperatures throughout March and April and a hard freeze on the mornings of March 27 and 28. However things have gone well overall and they have started harvest of a great crop. Prior to …
Continue reading ‘Sweet Corn Harvest (Video) and Stinkbugs’ »
Downy Mildew of Cucurbits Update for June 11, 2013 Nicholas S. Dufault, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, Extension Specialist for Vegetable and Field Crops. The risk of Downy Mildew disease development is high for many growers throughout North and South Florida. This disease, caused by the fungal like pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis, thrives in cool (59 …
Continue reading ‘Cucurbit Disease Update Suwannee Valley’ »