Field Scouting Guide: Squash Powdery Mildew
Updated: June 30, 2021
When scouting pumpkin fields that are being sprayed with a protectant fungicide (i.e. chlorothalonil), keep in mind the fungicide is likely protecting the upper leaf surface, so the typical circular white powdery colonies may appear more chlorotic or yellow in color on the upper surface, but will be powdery white on the corresponding lower leaf surface. Photo by Beth K. Gugino.
This edition of Field Scouting Guide covers squash powdery mildew.
We reached out to pathologists to learn how to spot and treat powdery mildew. This month, our contributors are Beth K. Gugino, Penn State University, Debra Inglis, Washington State University (retired), and Anthony Keinath, Clemson University.
Hollow heart is a condition in watermelons that causes unfilled spaces in the flesh, and it can also leave growers feeling a bit empty in the wallet.
The condition can severely reduce the marketability of watermelons, and the problem was a main topic during a session on vine crops Feb. 10 at the virtual Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention.
Seedless watermelon varieties â which total 95% of U.S. production â are particularly vulnerable to hollow heart, as are varieties that donât have dense flesh.
Inadequate pollination is the primary cause of the problem, said Gordon Johnson, an Extension fruit and vegetable specialist at the University of Delaware.