VSCNews

Jan 2, 2020

Grafted Watermelon Seedlings Could Benefit Growers | VSCNews

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.

Jan 2, 2020

Managing Cucurbit Diseases | VSCNews

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

Other Cucurbit Pests: Root-Knot Nematode Update

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.

Oct 15, 2019

Technology to Grow Better Cucurbits | VSCNews

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.

Oct 4, 2019

UF Research Shows Best Fungicides for Downy Mildew | VSCNews

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.

Aug 28, 2019

More Ways to Manage Fusarium Wilt | VSCNews

Five years ago, there was no solid foundation for managing Fusarium wilt in watermelons. Now, researchers have identified several techniques watermelon growers can use to help combat the disease.

Oct 3, 2018

A new race of Fusarium wilt brings trouble | VSCNews

Fusarium wilt has been a problem in watermelon for several years. A new race of the disease makes it even more of a struggle to deal with. This article from University of Florida Extension Plant Pathology was published in the October 2018 edition of Vegetable and Specialty crop news. To view this page in the…

Sep 7, 2018

Higher prices save Florida watermelon season | VSCNews

The 2018 Florida watermelon season posed challenges for most growers that resulted in lower yeilds and higher fruit prices.

Aug 11, 2018

The Buzz on Hollow Heart | VSCNews

A lot of watermelon growers have had to deal with hollow heart this season. It’s not known for certain what causes hollow heart, but research is pointing toward pollination deficiency.

Aug 1, 2018

Pest and disease management for organic squash | VSC News

Vegetable and Specialty Crop News published an article about disease management in their August 2018 digital edition. “Both summer and winter squash can be plagued by many pests and diseases.” Read the article from University of Georgia Extension Plant Pathology.