Melons
Pursue benefits of cover crops in watermelons
Researchers with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are conducting a series of experimental trials that may help the state’s watermelon growers improve their yields while improving the soil and reducing pest pressure.... more »
Phytophthora crown rot on cucurbits, peppers requires diligence
This year’s wet conditions are just what phytophthora ordered. This plant pathogen lives in the soil and survives Michigan winters. It does not move via air currents but spreads via splash of contaminated soil, surface... more »
USDA standards removed from some melon crops, celery stalks
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on July 16 rolled out a final rule that removes seven voluntary U.S. grade standards and one consumer standard for fresh fruits and vegetables from the Code of Federal Regulations... more »
‘Wonder Melon’ name of new organic watermelon beverage
Bayonne, New Jersey food manufacturer Kayco is releasing a... more »
Watermelon questions to be addressed at Clemson’s 2019 Field Day
What came first, the chicken or the egg? If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? If seedless watermelon don’t make seeds, what... more »
Georgia watermelon season kicks off with ‘quality’ crop
Sweet, refreshing Georgia watermelon is in a store near you. The 2019 watermelon crop is expected to have the crisp, sweet flavor and high quality unique to Georgia watermelon. Georgia growers report that after two... more »
Georgia growers need to apply fungicides to curb downy mildew disease
Georgia vegetable farmers should be on alert as downy mildew disease has been spotted in at least three southern Georgia counties this spring. Additional counties could follow as weather conditions remained favorable for the disease... more »
Melon-linked illness outbreak over, contamination source not found
A 10-state outbreak of Salmonella Carrau illness linked to pre-cut melon products appears to be over, government agencies announced last week. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease... more »