US: Watermelon yields up, May rain hurts quality

Published 2023년 6월 8일

Tridge summary

The article provides an overview of the expected watermelon production in Texas for the 2023 season, as reported by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. It highlights that the season is projected to see average yields, potentially reaching 45,000-50,000 pounds per acre, but with lower quality fruits due to consistent rainfall in May. Despite the quality issues, the increased acreage and average yields indicate that there will be a sufficient watermelon supply for the market. The article also mentions that the Winter Garden region is experiencing ideal growing conditions for watermelons and cantaloupes, thanks to the recent rainfall. Additionally, the article touches on the conditions of other crops and livestock in the region, noting improvements due to the rainfall but also challenges like increased disease pressure and the need for sunny days for cotton planting. Overall, the season is shaping up to be average, with some positives and negatives, but it's expected to result in a good watermelon harvest for Texas.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Texas watermelon production is expected to be average with better yields but lower quality fruit than last season so far, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Juan Anciso, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Weslaco, and Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Uvalde, said the 2023 melon season was shaping up to be average in the Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden regions. So, there should be plenty of Texas-grown watermelons to pick from at grocery stores, local farmers markets and roadside melon sellers. Last year, watermelon production in the Rio Grande Valley dipped 17% compared to the season prior, Anciso said. Watermelon acreage increased this year in South Texas, Anciso said. Fruit yields were about average while quality was lower due to consistent rains throughout the month of May. Producers were yielding 45,000-50,000 pounds per acre. Watermelon fields reaching 50,000 pounds per acre are average for the Rio Grande Valley. At the beginning of ...

Source: Farm Progress