Jan 2, 2020
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are studying grafted watermelon seedlings because of the advantages they can provide to growers. The grafted seedlings, an intentional fusion of plant parts, are resistant to Fusarium wilt and tolerant to cold temperatures.
University of Florida presenters at the Florida Ag Expo in November discussed control Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, and Gummy Stem Blight on Cucurbits.
Dec 12, 2019
Florida has at least 15 root-knot nematode species, far more than most other states. At least six species are known to be in vegetables.
Nov 4, 2019
The MELCAST and ipmPIPE cucurbit disease forecasting tools have discontinued updates for the 2019 growing season.
Oct 15, 2019
With a wide variety of options to choose from, researchers are working with technology in order to grow better cucurbits. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker assisted selection and genomic selection have been used to improve specialty crops like squash, pumpkins and watermelons.
Researchers will focus specifically on vegetable systems and find long-term sustainable solutions to manage whiteflies and whitefly-transmitted virus complexes. There are three whitefly-transmitted viral pathogens, which are known to reduce the quality of vegetable crops, specifically cucurbits: cucurbit leaf crumple virus, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus and sida golden mosaic virus.
Oct 9, 2019
The Schultheis Vegetable Production Lab in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University cooperates with extension researchers to evaluate pumpkin cultivars for yield and quality. Seed company representatives joined the Extension researchers in the field for the early September pumpkin harvest.
Oct 6, 2019
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a highly polymorphic cucurbit prized around the world for its sweet, juicy fruit that are consumed fresh. Melon fruits are harvested immature in many areas for use as a fresh or cooked vegetable. Melon fruit are commonly dried in the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Fruit may also be…
Oct 4, 2019
Growers can learn about research on pest control for specialty crops at the upcoming Florida Ag Expo: View the agenda here. We’re looking at ways to try to minimize the development of fungicide resistance as well as ways to try to make programs more cost-effective.
Oct 3, 2019
Between September 13 and 30 CDM was reported in OH, MS, WV, NY, PA, VA, MD, and AR on jack-o-lantern pumpkin and cucumber.