close up photo of sliced watermelon

North Florida Melon Producers Reaping Benefits of High Demand

Jim Rogers Florida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers are in prime position to reap the benefits of the current market demand. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, explains how his region’s producers want harvests to remain fruitful as long as possible. “With the demand so strong, South …

Protecting Against ‘Wildfire’: Melon Growers Should Be Wary of Downy Mildew

Jim Rogers Florida

By Clint Thompson Recent rainfall events in North Florida have watermelon producers on high alert from disease pressure building up. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, cautions growers against downy mildew disease as harvests continue across the region. “I expect that the weather pattern here is …

Harvest Time: North Florida Watermelon Growers Take Advantage Following Early Plantings

Jim Rogers Florida

By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers hoping to take advantage of an early harvest by planting this year’s crop in late February are enjoying the fruits of their labor. Harvests are well under way across the Suwanee Valley Region. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, …

Spider Mites in North Florida Watermelons

Jim Rogers Florida

By Clint Thompson Spider mites have been observed in North Florida watermelons. While the pest is a common occurrence in dry weather, most are very isolated and require minimal action on the part of the grower. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses what growers are …

pieces of fresh juicy watermelon

Early Watermelon Harvests Begin in North Florida

Jim Rogers Florida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson A handful of watermelons were harvested last week in North Florida. More will be picked this week. It is the earliest that a significant portion of the crop has been harvested in the Suwanee Valley area, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. …

Downy Mildew Disease Confirmed in North Florida Watermelons

Jim Rogers Disease, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease has been confirmed in North Florida watermelons. South Georgia and South Alabama watermelon producers should be wary since the disease can spread easily by the high winds being experienced this week. “With the way the winds have been blowing here recently I think we’re in a situation where it’s relatively high risk throughout the …

North Florida Watermelon Producers Should Implement Multiple Irrigation Events Daily

Jim Rogers Florida, Irrigation, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson The current prolonged dry period covering most of Florida is impacting North Florida watermelons. While producers prefer drier weather, they need to ensure their crop is receiving adequate moisture. Growers need to be more diligent in making sure fields are saturated with multiple irrigation events per day while the drought persists, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida …

Watermelon Acres Down Across North Florida

Jim Rogers Florida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Watermelon plants are in the ground across the Suwanee Valley region of Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, expects there to be a decrease in acres this year across the northern part of the state. “I would say we might be down …