This Spring we will be doing the first on-farm testing of cantaloupe and honeydew lines which are being developed at the Weslaco Station. These lines have been selected for general disease resistance and adaptation to LRGV conditions, and have good fruit quality. In addition, the vine decline tolerant lines will also be grown in areas where vine decline has been a severe problem. These TAES lines are being developed as potential open-pollinated varieties for the LRGV, and also as parental lines for hybrid production by seed companies. If used as open-pollinated varieties, they would best fit a main season planting slot.
Hybrids provide the earliness and size required for the early plantings.
To R.S.V.P. for this event, or if you would like an informational flyer mailed to you, please contact Brad Abrameit at the Hidalgo County Extension Office at 383-1026. 2 TDA CEU's and 4 CCA credits will be given. Tom Isakeit Downy mildew of onions has been confirmed in the Pharr and Edinburg areas. It has also been reported from Rio Grande City. Growers should be especially observant for this disease and should be prepared to apply fungicide formulations containing Ridomil or Aliette on a preventative basis.