Watermelon is a favorite summertime treat for consumers. Naturally anticipating those summer picnics and BBQs, consumers may want to enjoy this sweet treat earlier or even later in the year, outside of California’s traditional harvest window. Determined to meet consumer demand with an innovative spirit, California growers are planting watermelons earlier than ever before and expanding their seasons late into the fall as well. This does not come without consequence though, and growers faced some particular challenges during their extended 2024 season that they won’t soon forget. Watch this brief interview as Zheng Wang, UCCE Vegetable Crop Advisor — specializing in Central Valley melon crops, discusses these challenges with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Watermelon Growers Face Challenges When Expanding Their Season
California Association of Pest Control Advisers California Fruit and Vegetable Magazine California heat wave CAPCA Conference cucumber beetle damage cucumber beetle larvae cucumber beetle watermelon fusarium diseases in plants fusarium wilt watermelon Integrated Pest Management Malcolm Media Matthew Malcolm Melon Farmer soilborne diseases soilborne pathogens soilborne pests spider mite treatment spider mites control methods spider mites watermelon UC Cooperative Extension UC IPM UC IPM Watermelon Vegetables West Watermelon Grower Zheng Wang Zheng Wang UCANR
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