Georgia watermelon growers eye disease pressure following rains | UGA

University of Georgia (UGA) plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta issued an alert last week to all Georgia vegetable farmers announcing that downy mildew was discovered in northern Florida. The pathogen that causes downy mildew can’t survive a hard frost, so it overwinters in frost-free regions like southern Florida. During May and early June, wind currents blow the spores into Georgia.

Downy mildew can degrade or destroy watermelon plants’ foliage. The pathogen thrives in wet, humid conditions and needs moisture on the plant’s surface for successful spore germination and further infection.

Read more about Downy mildew outbreaks and treatment options from Vegetable Grower’s News.