melons
UGA leads effort to tackle emerging threat to watermelons
Growers of cucurbits — which include melons, pumpkin, squash and cucumbers — face numerous challenges in production, leading to decreased profitability and less produce on grocery shelves. Weeds, insect pests and plant diseases are prominent... more »
Florida watermelon growers benefit from UF disease, nutrient info
Excellent crop care including disease management and extended water and nutrient programs from University of Florida Extension personnel are important in helping Florida growers supply the watermelons that many Americans enjoy during the heat of... more »
GFVGA comments on FDA salmonella report, recommendations
A recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report on a summer 2022 outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to cantaloupe illustrates the agency’s disconnect with its food safety mission, according to the Georgia Fruit and... more »
New children’s watermelon activity guide encourages healthy eating
The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has launched a new do-it-yourself watermelon day activity guide for children. The guide is designed to inspire creativity while encouraging healthy eating habits among children. It provides a wide... more »
Sarah Frey of Frey Farms to advise House Committee on Agriculture
Sarah Frey, founder and CEO of Illinois’ Frey Farms, has been appointed to serve as an Advisor to the chair of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. Frey will advise the U.S. House of Representatives’... more »
Watermelon board promotes marketing achievements
The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has released the findings of a new study that shows how the organization’s marketing activities help shape the demand for watermelons. The study, conducted with research partner Armada Corporate... more »
Registration open for Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day
Registration is open for Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day. The university is inviting fruit and vegetable growers to participate in Purdue Extension's annual event, which is scheduled for July 20 from 9 a.m. to 1... more »
Longtime melon shipper VP leaving post
Jim Malanca, melon grower Westside Produce’s longtime vice president of sales and marketing, is planning to leave his position. Westside Produce’s Jim Malanca, left, and Steve Patricio. Malanca, who was a... more »
Marvin Davis, south Texas produce vet, dies
Marvin Davis, the founder of Tex-Mex Sales LLC, of Weslaco, died Oct. 31. The longtime produce industry veteran worked other produce companies and founded Tex-Mex, a grower-shipper of onions, vegetables and melons. Davis, 84, passed... more »
New Syngenta melon includes harvest indicator
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds’ IDEAL Melon seed varieties are now widely available to growers in the U.S. and Central America. Syngenta’s newest innovation will provide consumers a portfolio that consistently deliver flavorful and aromatic fresh melons... more »