It’s been anything but a smooth Spring melon season this year. Mild winter temperatures have contributed to the persistence of weeds and whitefly populations culminating in high viral pressure observed from the very first melon plantings onward. Through a collaborative effort between the University of California, USDA, and University of Arizona we would like to invite growers, PCAs, farm managers, researchers, and other stakeholders from the desert melon production regions in California, Arizona, and Mexicali to join us for a stakeholder meeting to discuss field observations and disease management research priorities.
This meeting will provide an opportunity to review this season’s observations and trends across production areas, hear research and strategy updates from plant pathology specialists, and, most importantly, create space for discussion among stakeholders to better understand what is happening and give input on the disease management research priorities you want to see pursued moving forward. Topics and invited speakers include:
Meeting details:
Where: AgWest Imperial 485 Business Pkwy, Imperial, CA 92251
When: June 2, 2026 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (lunch to follow until 1:00 pm)
Lunch will be provided. Please register here if you plan to attend so we can have an accurate food count and seating estimate: Registration Survey
If you have any concerns regarding the health of your plants/crops please consider submitting samples to the Yuma Plant Health Clinic for diagnostic service or booking a field visit with me:
Christopher Detranaltes, Ph.D. Cooperative Extension – Yuma County
Email: cdetranaltes@arizona.edu
Cell: 602-689-7328
6425 W 8th St Yuma, Arizona 85364 – Room 109
