F 6 DOCUMENT

98-O \ UNIVERSITY OF
FLOORR DA
Institute of Food and Agncultiral Sciences

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
5007 6th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203
GCREC-Brad hton Research Report BRA-1998-06

Marston Sc ienr.
L 'hr. y,,
OCT 2 198
University of Florida

TOMATO

VARIETY TRIALURESULTS
FOR SPRING 1998

T. K. Howe, D. R. Combs, and J. W. Scott

GCREC Research Report BRA1998-06

TOMATO VARIETY TRIAL RESULTS FOR SPRING 1998

T. K. Howe, D. R. Combs and J. W. Scott'
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University of Florida, IFAS
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203

In 1996-97, 37,300 acres of tomatoes were harvested in Florida, yielding 54.8 million 25-pound
cartons worth $462 million (Fla. Agr. Stat. Serv., 1998). Tomatoes accounted for nearly a third of
the total production value for all vegetables grown during 1996-97, making it the most important
vegetable produced in the state. The Palmetto-Ruskin area (west-central Florida) accounted for 35%
of the state's total fresh market tomato production in 1996-97, the most recent year for which
statistics are available by region (Witzig and Pugh, 1998).

A tomato variety trial was conducted in spring 1998 at the Gulf Coast Research & Education Center
in west-central Florida to evaluate fresh market tomato varieties and breeding lines. Twenty-three
entries were evaluated in a replicated yield trial and an additional 55 entries were evaluated visually
in unharvested observational plots, including 38 standard fresh market tomato entries, 16 plum
tomato entries and one cherry tomato variety.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Bed Preparation: The 33-inch wide, 8-inch high beds were spaced on 5-ft centers with six beds
between seepage irrigation ditches. Fertilizer included 15-0-30 (N-P20s-K20) at 1568 lb/A (A =
8712 linear ft of bed) distributed in two narrow bands in shallow grooves on the bed surface 10
inches to either side of the bed center. This fertilizer regime provided a 1:2 ratio of N:K20 with
approximately 235 lb N/A and 390 lb K/A. Beds were fumigated with methyl bromide:chloropicrin
(67:33) at 350 lb/treated A and covered with black polyethylene film.

Transplant Production: Seeds were sown on January 13, 1998 into planter flats (1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5-inch
cells) containing vermiculite and Canadian peat (1:l,v:v) amended with dolomite, superphosphate,
and hydrated lime (11.3, 5.6 and 2.8 lb/cu yd, respectively), then covered with a layer of coarse
vermiculite and germinated in a greenhouse. Plants were hardened before transplanting by limiting
water and nutrients in the final phase of production.

Crop Production: Transplants were set in the field on March 2, and spaced 24 inches apart in single
rows down the center of each bed. Transplants were immediately drenched with water containing
imidacloprid for silverleaf whitefly control. Fields were also baited for mole crickets after
transplanting. Four replications of 10 plants per entry were arranged in a randomized complete block
design in the replicated trial and single 10-plant plots were used in the observational trial. Plants
were staked and tied without pruning.

'Research Program Coordinator, Biologist and Professor, respectively.

June 1998

2

Plants were scouted for pests throughout the season. Southern armyworm, stink bug and thrips were
the primary insects found. Bacillus thuringiensis, azadirachtin, methomyl, avermectin, endosulfan,
esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin and spinosad were used according to label instructions to control
insect pest populations during the season. A preventative spray program using maneb, copper salts,
metalaxyl-copper hydroxide and chlorothalonil was followed for control of bacterial and fungal
diseases.

Fruit of the replicated entries were harvested at or beyond the mature-green stage on May 21, June
1, and June 9-10, 1998. Tomatoes were graded as cull or marketable by U.S. standards for grades
(USDA, 1981) and marketable fruit were sized by machine (see footnotes Tables 2-4 for
specifications). Both cull and marketable fruit were counted and weighed. Subjective ratings of
plant and fruit characteristics were given to the observational entries.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

In the spring, average daily temperatures were near normal as compared to the 44-year means (Table
1). Particularly unusual was the record-breaking rainfall in March of 8.16 inches, which was 4.79
inches above normal for the entire month. This was followed by a very dry April (1.68 inches below
normal) and a fairly average May. June was also very dry, when only 0.32 inches fell in the first 10
days of the month in which 7.69 inches is average for the entire month.

REPLICATED TRIAL

Seasonal: Total marketable yield among all entries from three harvests ranged from 1397 25-lb
cartons/A for Srt 6683 to 2728 cartons/A for 'Suncrest' (Table 2). Only one entry was not
significantly different from 'Suncrest' in total seasonal yields. All entries were above the 1996-97
state average of 1473 cartons/A (Fla. Tomato Comm., 1997), except Srt 6682 and Srt 6683. Total
yields were average or slightly better than those obtained in all five of the most recent spring trials
at this location (Howe et al., 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997).

Yield of extra-large fruit ranged from 695 cartons/A for Srt 6683 to 1777 cartons/A for 'Suncrest'
(Table 2). Three other entries were similar to 'Suncrest' in extra-large fruit yield for the season;
'BHN 22', 'Equinox' and 'Sunbeam'. Extra-large fruit yields were similar or greater than extra-large
fruit yields in the last four of five spring seasons (Howe et al., 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997). Yield
of large fruit ranged from 354 cartons/A for 'Sunbeam' to 708 cartons/A for 'Suncrest'. Eleven
other entries were similar to 'Suncrest' in yield of large-sized fruit. Average individual fruit weight
ranged from 5.4 oz for Srt 6683 to 6.6 oz for 'BHN 22'. 'BHN 22' had significantly greater fruit
weight than all but three other entries: 'Sunbeam', 4413w and Stm 5206. Cull fruit varied from 29
to 51% of total harvest for the various entries. Large blossom-end scars, rough shoulders, zippering,
heat scars, nipple-tipped blossom-ends and radial cracks were the predominant defects during the
season.

First Harvest (May 21): Marketable yield for the first harvest ranged from 106 cartons/A for 'Agriset
761' to 373 cartons/A for 'BHN 22' (Table 3). Five other entries (Stm 5206, 'Suncrest', 'Equinox',
'Sunbeam' and Ifas 7786) were similar to 'BHN 22' in total early yield. Extra-large fruit yield
ranged from 96 cartons/A for 'Agriset 761' to 350 cartons/A for 'BHN 22'. Four other entries were
similar to 'BHN 22' in early extra-large marketable yield: Stm 5206, 'Suncrest', 'Equinox' and
'Sunbeam'. Large fruit yields at the first harvest ranged from 6 cartons/A for 'Suncrest' and Srt
6631 to 41 cartons/A for Srt 6683. All entries in the medium fruit grade were at or below 16
cartons/A. Average individual fruit weight ranged from 6.3 oz for Srt 6683 to 8.0 oz for 'BHN 22'
and 'Floralina'. Fourteen entries were not significantly different in individual fruit weight from
'Floralina'. Cull fruit varied from 20 to 60% of the total fruit harvested for the entries. The
predominant defects of cull fruit were rough shoulder, large blossom-end scars, heat scars and
zippering.

Second Harvest (June 1): The total marketable yield for the second harvest ranged from 688
cartons/A for Srt 6683 to 1574 cartons/A for 'Suncrest' (Table 4). Three entries were similar to
'Suncrest' in total yield. Extra-large fruit yield ranged from 417 cartons/A for Srt 6683 to 1161
cartons/A for 'Equinox'. Only three other entries were not significantly different from 'Equinox'
in yield of extra-large fruit at the second harvest, 'Suncrest', 'BHN 22' and Acx 12. Large fruit
production ranged from 139 cartons/A for 'Sunbeam' to 369 cartons/A for 'Suncrest'. Average
individual fruit weight ranged from 5.7 oz for Srt 6683 to 6.8 for 4413w. Eight entries were not
significantly different in individual fruit weight from 4413w. Cull fruit varied from between 24 and
47% of the total harvest for the entries. Fruit defects at this harvest included rough shoulder, large
blossom-end scars, radial cracks, cuticle cracking (raincheck), zippering, heat scars and nipple-tipped
blossom-ends.

Third Harvest (June 9-10. 1998): Total marketable yield for the third harvest ranged from 450
cartons/A for 'Sanibel' to 850 cartons/A for 'Suncrest' (Table 5). All but three other entries were
similar to 'Suncrest' in total yield. Extra-large fruit yield ranged from 130 cartons/A for Srt 6629
to 422 cartons/A for Ifas 7787. Only five other entries were not similar to Ifas 7787 in early extra-
large marketable production: Ifas 7791, 'Sanibel', Acx 12, Srt 6683 and Srt 6629. Large fruit yields
at the third harvest ranged from 171 cartons/A for 4413w to 390 cartons/A for 'Floralina'. All
entries in the medium fruit grade were at or below 216 cartons/A. Average individual fruit weight
ranged from 4.7 oz for Acx 12 to 5.9 oz for 4413w. Four entries were not significantly different in
individual fruit weight from 4413w. Cull fruit varied from 35 to 54% of the total fruit harvested for
the entries. The predominant defects of cull fruit were nipple-tipped blossom-ends, radial cracks,
zippering, black shoulder, variable fruit shape and roughness.

NON-HARVESTED OBSERVATIONAL TRIAL

Horticultural Evaluation: All standard fresh market tomato observational entries were rated for
numerous horticultural characteristics (Table 6). All plum tomato observational entries were rated
for the same characteristics as the standard fresh market types (Table 7). Plant and fruit attributes
were rated on June 15 and 16. Ratings provide general indications of crop performance at a particular
location and time.

SUMMARY

Overall, this season's total yields were average based on previous spring yields obtained at
Bradenton (Howe et al. 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997). Total seasonal yields ranged from 1397
cartons/A to 2728 cartons/A for the entries in this trial. Twenty-one entries had seasonal yields of
extra-large fruit that exceeded the 1996-97 state average of 1473 cartons/A (Fla. Tomato Comm.,
1997). Extra-large fruit production was about average or slightly better than four of the last five
spring seasons, where seasonal yields of extra-large fruit ranged from nearly 695 cartons/A to more
than 1777 cartons/A.

Extra-large fruit yield is usually one of the most important aspects of marketing Florida tomatoes,
since this size fruit generally secures a premium price. Additionally, earliness can be a key to
profitability if one grower brings fruit to market ahead of competitors. This season's extra-large fruit
yield from the first harvest ranged from 96 to 350 cartons/A. Best early extra-large fruit yields came
from, 'BHN 22', Stm 5206, 'Suncrest','Sunbeam' and 'Equinox'.

Note: The information contained in this report is a summary of experimental results and should not
be used as recommendations for crop production. No discrimination is intended nor endorsement
implied where trade names are used.

Acknowledgment: The authors thank the following organizations/firms which donated funds toward
vegetable cultivar research during 1997 and 1998: Abbott & Cobb Inc., Agrisales, Seminis-Asgrow
Seed Co., Daehnfeldt Inc., Enza Zaden, Ferry-Morse, Novartis, Pepper Research, Sakata Seed
America Inc., Samen Mauser, Shamrock Seed Co., Sunseeds and Vilmorin.

LITERATURE CITED

Florida Agricultural Statistics Service. 1998. Vegetables: Acreage, production and value.
Fla. Agr. Stat. Serv., Orlando, FL.

Florida Tomato Committee. 1997. Florida tomato review. Fla. Tomato Comm., Orlando, FL.
27(11):1.

Howe, T. K., J. W. Scott and W. E. Waters. 1993. Tomato variety trial results for fall 1992. GCREC
Res. Rept. BRA1993-08.

Howe, T. K., J. W. Scott and W. E. Waters. 1994. Tomato variety trial results for fall 1993. GCREC
Res. Rept. BRA1994-05.

Howe, T. K., J. W. Scott and W. E. Waters. 1995. Tomato variety trial results for fall 1994. GCREC
Res. Rept. BRA 1995-11.

Howe, T. K., J. W. Scott and W. E. Waters. 1996. Tomato variety trials results for fall 1995.
Bradenton GCREC Res. Rept. BRA1996-05.

5

Howe, T. K., J. W. Scott and W. E. Waters. 1997. Tomato variety trials results for fall 1996.
Bradenton GCREC Res. Rept. BRA1997-03.

Stanley, C. D. 1998. Weather report for 1997, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center,
Bradenton, FL. Bradenton GCREC Res. Rept. BRA 1998-02.

Witzig, J. D. and N. L. Pugh. 1998. Vegetable Summary 1996-1997. Fla. Agr. Stat. Serv., Orlando,
FL.

United States Department of Agriculture. 1981. U.S. standards for grades of tomato. USDA Agr.
Marketing Serv., USDA, Washington, D.C.

Table 1. Temperature and rainfall at the GCREC during the spring of 1998 and
the 44-year averages (Stanley, 1998).

Average Daily Temperature (*F)

Maximum
19982 44-yr avg
77 78
82 82
88 87
92 90

Minimum
19982 44-yr avg
54 55
60 60
65 65
73 70

Rainfall (in.)
1998z 44-vr avg
6.65 3.37
0.10 1.78
3.41 3.24
0.32 7.69

Month
March
April
May
Juney

z Field transplanted March 2, 1998. Last harvest June 9 and 10, 1998.
Y June 1998 weather information is tabulated for the first ten days of the month only.

Table 2. Seasonal marketable yields, seed source, average fruit size, and cull percentages for fresh market
tomato entries in spring 1998. (Harvest Dates: May 21, June 1 and June 9-10, 1998).

Entry Seed Total X-Large Large Medium Culls Avg Fruit
Source (ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (%y Wt (oz)

Suncrest Rogers 2728 ax 1777 a 708 a 243 ab 31 g-i 5.8 c-f

Equinox Agrisales 2460 ab 1698 ab 613 a-d 150 b-f 29 i 6.1 bc

BHN 22 BHN 2313 bc 1769 a 450 c-f 95 ef 30 hi 6.6 a

Ifas 7786 UF 2121 b-d 1428 b-d 531 a-f 161 b-f 39 b-f 5.8 c-f

Floralina Petoseed 2056 cd 1220 d-g 675 ab 162 b-f 31 g-i 5.7 c-f

Sunbeam Asgrow 2022 cd 1604 a-c 354 f 64 f 32 f-i 6.5 a

Sunleaper Rogers 2019 cd 1344 c-e 553 a-e 122 c-f 34 e-i 5.9 c-f

Ifas 7792 UF 1990 c-e 1411 b-e 466 c-f 113 c-f 41 b-e 5.9 b-d

Stm 5206 Sakata 1981 c-e 1360 c-e 520 a-f 100 d-f 38 c-g 6.3 ab

Acx 12 A&C 1964 c-e 1121 d-g 641 a-c 201 a-d 34 e-i 5.7 c-f

Ifas 7763 UF 1931 c-e 1078 d-g 673 ab 180 a-e 39 b-e 5.6 d-f

Ifas 7791 UF 1903 c-e 1187 d-g 584 a-d 132 c-f 43 b-d 5.6 c-f

Agriset Agrisales 1897 c-e 1156 d-g 561 a-e 179 a-e 36 d-i 5.6 c-f
775

Ifas 7787 UF 1776 d-f 1187 d-g 460 c-f 129 c-f 46 ab 5.8 c-f

Solimar Asgrow 1773 d-f 1054 e-g 568 a-e 151 b-f 37 c-h 5.8 c-f

Sanibel Petoseed 1759 d-f 1169 d-g 491 b-f 100 d-f 40 b-e 5.8 c-f

Srt 6631 Sunseeds 1753 d-f 1163 d-g 474 c-f 117 c-f 36 d-h 5.9 b-e

4413w Rogers 1718 d-f 1266 c-f 383 ef 69 f 30 hi 6.5 a

Acx 12a A&C 1700 d-f 884 gh 554 a-e 262 a 42 b-d 5.5 ef

Srt 6629 Sunseeds 1568 ef 953 f-h 453 c-f 162 b-f 39 b-f 5.7 c-f

Agriset Agrisales 1565 ef 931 f-h 486 b-f 147 b-f 44 a-c 5.5 d-f
761

Srt 6682 Sunseeds 1426 f 883 gh 421 d-f 122 c-f 41 b-e 5.7 c-f

Srt 6683 Sunseeds 1397 f 695 h 494 b-f 208 a-c 51 a 5.4 f

z Carton = 25 lbs.
Cull = 2.25".

y By weight.
X Mean separation within columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.

Acre = 8712 linear ft of bed on 5 ft centers. Grading belt hole sizes: Extra-large = no belt, greater than 2.75"; Large = 2.75', Medumn = 2.5': and

Table 3. Marketable yields, average fruit size, cull percentages and plant stands for fresh market tomato entries
in the first harvest, May 21, 1998.

Entry Total X-Large Large Medium Culls Avg Fruit Plant
(ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (ctns/A4) (ctns/A)z (%)Y Wt (oz) Stand (%)

BHN 22 373 ax 350 a 21 a-c 3b 30 e-g 8.0 ab 100 a

Stm 5206 333 ab 312 ab 20 a-c 1 b 33 d-g 7.5 a-c 95 a

Suncrest 304 a-c 293 a-c 6 c 6 b 28 e-g 7.5 a-c 98 a

Equinox 304 a-c 279 a-e 24 a-c 1 b 29 e-g 7.1 a-d 98 a

Sunbeam 301 a-c 284 a-d 16 a-c 1 b 20 g 7.3 a-c 95 a

Ifas 7786 267 a-d 225 b-f 37 ab 6 b 54 a-c 7.0 b-d 95 a

Ifas 7792 257 b-d 230 b-f 21 a-c 5 b 47 a-d 6.9 cd 95 a

4413w 238 b-e 206 b-g 29 a-c 4 b 28 e-g 7.3 a-d 95 a

Sunleaper 220 b-f 202 c-g 17 a-c 1 b 43 b-d 7.1 a-d 100 a

Ifas 7763 212 c-f 184 d-g 23 a-c 5 b 54 a-c 7.0 b-d 95 a

Ifas 7791 193 c-f 174 e-g 15 a-c 3b 56 ab 7.1 a-d 100 a

Srt 6683 192 c-f 135 fg 41 a 16 a 53 a-c 6.3 d 98 a

Acx 12 189 c-f 169 fg 19 a-c 1 b 41 b-e 7.1 a-d 98 a

Ifas 7787 186 c-f 166 fg 20 a-c Ob 60 a 6.8 cd 95 a

Solimar 185 c-f 153 fg 27 a-c 5 b 40 b-e 7.1 a-d 95 a

Floralina 180 d-f 173 e-g 7 bc 0 b 38 c-f 8.0 a 95 a

Srt 6629 170 d-f 160 fg 10 be 0 b 25 fg 6.9 cd 100 a

Sanibel 169 d-f 160 fg 7 bc 1 b 49 a-d 7.6 a-c 98 a

Srt 6631 160 d-f 154 fg 6 c 0b 38 c-f 7.5 a-c 95 a

Agriset 134 ef 101 g 27 a-c 6 b 37 d-f 7.1 a-d 100 a
775

Acx 12a 129 ef 110g 12 be 7b 55 ab 6.8 cd 98 a

Srt 6682 128 ef 121 fg 7 bc Ob 44 a-e 7.3 a-d 98 a

Agriset 106 f 96 g 8 bc 1 b 57 ab 6.9 cd 98 a
761_____

z Carton = 25 Ibs. Acre = 8712 linear t ofbed on 5 ft centers. Grading belt hole sizes: Extra-large = no belt, greater than 2.75"; Large = 2.75'; Medium = 2.5"; and
Cull = 2.25".
y By weight.
X Mean separation within columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.

Table 4. Marketable yields, average fruit size, cull percentages and plant stands for fresh market tomato entries
in the second harvest, June 1, 1998.

Entry Total X-Large Large Medium Culls Avg Fruit Plant
(ctns/A)z (ctns/A)2 (ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (%Y Wt (oz) Stand (%)

Suncrest 1574 ax 1159 a 369 a 45 a-d 27 f-i 6.0 cd 98 a

Equinox 1563 a 1161 a 345 a-c 57 a-c 26 g-i 6.4 a-d 98 a

Ifas 7791 1255 ab 846 b-f 355 ab 54 a-d 40 a-c 5.8 d 100 a

BHN 22 1253 ab 1026 ab 199 c-f 28 a-d 24 hi 6.7 a-c 100 a

Acx 12 1198 bc 802 b-g 336 a-d 60 ab 33 c-g 6.0 cd 98 a

Ifas 7786 1189 bc 871 b-d 252 a-f 67 a 32 c-h 5.9 d 93 a

Sanibel 1141 b-d 846 b-f 263 a-f 31 a-d 35 c-f 6.0 cd 98 a

Stm 5206 1122 b-d 846 b-f 255 a-f 20 b-d 32 c-h 6.7 a-c 95 a

Sunbeam 1119 b-d 971 a-c 139 f 9 d 29 e-i 6.7 ab 95 a

Floralina 1110 b-d 789 b-g 277 a-f 44 a-d 27 f-i 6.1 b-d 100 a

Sunleaper 1108 b-d 819 b-g 244 a-f 45 a-d 28 e-i 6.1 cd 100 a

Agriset 1107 b-d 796 b-g 267 a-f 44 a-d 29 e-i 5.9 d 100 a
775

Ifas 7792 1086 b-e 856 b-e 196 d-f 34 a-d 39 a-d 6.3 a-d 95 a

Ifas 7763 1059 b-e 706 d-h 307 a-e 47 a-d 36 c-e 5.8 d 95 a

4413w 961 b-f 744 c-h 184 ef 34 a-d 24 i 6.8 a 95 a

Srt 6629 940 b-f 663 d-i 221 b-f 56 a-c 36 c-e 6.1 b-d 98 a

Agriset 838 c-f 584 f-i 220 b-f 34 a-d 38 b-d 5.8 d 98 a
761

Srt 6631 837 c-f 678 d-h 147 f 12 cd 35 c-f 6.3 a-d 95 a

Ifas 7787 804 d-f 600 e-i 178 ef 27 a-d 45 ab 6.0 d 95 a

Acx 12a 800 d-f 562 g-i 200 c-f 39 a-d 39 a-d 6.0 d 95 a

Srt 6682 776 d-f 569 g-i 179 ef 28 a-d 39 a-d 6.2 a-d 98 a

Solimar 739 ef 520 hi 187 ef 33 a-d 31 d-i 6.3 a-d 95 a

Srt 6683 688 f 417i 222 b-f 49 a-d 47 a 5.7 d 98 a

z Carton = 25 Ibs. Acre = 8712 linear ft of bed on 5 ft centers. Grading belt hole sizes: Extra-large = no belt, greater than 2.75"; Large = 2_75'; Medium = 2"; and
Cull = 2.25"
y By weight.
X Mean separation within columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.

Table 5. Marketable yields, average fruit size, cull percentages and plant stands for fresh market tomato entries
in the third harvest, June 9 and 10, 1998.

Entry Total X-Large Large Medium Culls Avg Fruit Plant
(ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (ctns/A)z (%)Y Wt (oz) Stand (%)

Suncrest 850 ax 325 a-d 333 ab 192 ab 38 cd 5.0 cd 98 a

Solimar 849 a 382 a-c 355 ab 113 b-e 40 b-d 5.4 a-c 93 a

Ifas 7787 786 ab 422 a 262 a-c 102 c-e 42 a-d 5.4 a-c 95 a

Acx 12a 771 ab 212 a-d 342 ab 216 a 42 a-d 4.9 cd 95 a

Floralina 766 ab 257 a-d 390 a 118 b-e 36 d 5.0 cd 100 a

Srt 6631 756 ab 331 a-d 321 a-c 105 c-e 38 cd 5.2 b-d 93 a

Sunleaper 691 ab 324 a-d 291 a-c 76 c-e 43 a-d 5.3 b-d 100 a

BHN 22 687 ab 393 ab 230 a-c 64 c-e 39 b-d 5.7 ab 100 a

Ifas 7786 664 ab 333 a-d 243 a-c 88 c-e 42 a-d 5.3 b-d 93 a

Ifas 7763 660 ab 188 a-d 343 ab 129 b-d 38 b-d 5.0 cd 95 a

Agriset 656 ab 259 a-d 267 a-c 129 b-d 45 a-d 5.0 cd 100 a
775

Ifas 7792 647 ab 325 a-d 249 a-c 74 c-e 41 a-d 5.2 b-d 95 a

Agriset 621 ab 251 a-d 258 a-c 112 b-e 49 a-c 5.1 cd 95 a
761

Sunbeam 602 ab 348 a-d 200 be 54 de 42 a-d 5.7 ab 95 a

Equinox 593 ab 257 a-d 244 a-c 92 c-e 39 b-d 5.0 cd 98 a

Acx 12 578 ab 151 cd 287 a-c 140 a-d 35 d 4.7 d 98 a

Stm 5206 526 ab 202 a-d 246 a-c 79 c-e 51 ab 5.1 cd 95 a

Srt 6682 522 ab 193 a-d 235 a-c 94 c-e 42 a-d 4.9 cd 98 a

4413w 519 ab 317 a-d 171 c 31 e 40 b-d 5.9 a 95 a

Srt 6683 517 ab 144 cd 230 a-c 143 a-c 54 a 4.8 cd 95 a

Srt 6629 458 b 130 d 222 bc 106 c-e 47 a-d 4.8 cd 98 a

Ifas 7791 455 b 168 b-d 213 bc 74 c-e 45 a-d 4.9 cd 100 a

Sanibel 450 b 162 b-d 221 bc 67 c-e 50 a-c 4.9 cd 98 a

z Carton = 25 Ibs. Acre = 8712 linear ft of bed on 5 ft centers. Grading belt hole sizes: Extra-large = no belt, greater than 2.75"; Large = 2,75'; Medium = 2.5"; and
Cull = 2.25".
y By weight.
X Mean separation within columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level,

Table 6. Late season ratings of fruit and plant characteristics for fresh market observational entries, spring 1998.

Fruit Con- Persistent
Plant Fruit Fruit Fruit Fruit Blossom Finn Internal Gray Radial centric Rain Green
Source/Entry Height' Shoulder Stem' Set" Size' Maturity Shape' End" ness" Quality Blotchy' Wall' Zipper' Cracks' Cracks' Check' Shoulder Comments'

Agrisales
Agricherry (cherry) m (var) 5.0 ug jo 5.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 g 5.0
Asgrow
Fla. 47 m 3.0 Igb jo 2.5 3.5 (v) 3.0 3.5 f-g 3.5
Solar Set m 3.0 Igb jo 3.0 4.0 2.5 3.5 f-g 3.5
XPH 10091 m 3.0 ug jo 2.5 4.0 2.5 4.0 f-g 3.5
Daehnfeldt
Pegase (cluster type) t 4.5 ug jo 2.5 2.5 3.0 4.5 f 4.5
EXP. LD 958905 vs 4.5 ug jo 4.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 f-g 3.5
EXP. LD 958922 t 3.5 gb jo 3.0 2.0 3.5 4.0 g 5.0
NCSU
NC 9559 (LSL) s-m 3.0 ug jo 3.0 4.0 2.5 3.5 f-g 4.0
NC 9745 m 3.5 ug jo 4.0 3.5 3.0 3.0 f-g 3.0
NC 96357 s 4.0 ug jo 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.5 g 3.0
NC 93678 m-t 3.5 Igb jo 3.0 3.0 2.5 3.0 f-g 3.0
Rogers/Novartis
Carolina Gold t 3.0 ug jo 3.0 3.0 (v) 3.0 2.5 f-g (v) 3.0
RFT 6131B t 3.0 gb jo 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 f 4.5
University of Florida
7749 m-t 3.5 ug j2 3.5 3.5 2.5 3.5 (v) 3.5
7754 m-t 3.5 ug j2 3.5 4.0 3.0 2.0 (v) 3.5
7794 m-t 4.0 ug j2 3.0 3.5 (v) 2.0 3.5 g 4.0
7795 m 4.0 ug j2 3.5 3.5 2.0 4.0 dp-g 3.5
7806 m 4.0 ug j2 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 dp-g 4.0
7807 m 4.0 ug j2 3.5 3.5 2.5 4.0 g 4.5
7808 t 4.0 ug j2 3.5 3.5 3.0 4.0 g 4.5
7784 m-t 3.0 ug jo 3.5 4.0 2.0 4.0 f 3.0
7809 t 3.0 ug jo 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 f-g 3.0
7810 m 3.0ug jo 3.0 3.5 2.5 3.0 f-dp(v) 3.0
7811 var 2.5 ug jo 3.0 4.0 2.0 3.0 f-g 3.0
7812 m-t 2.5 ug jo 3.0 3.0(v) 2.5 2.5 f(v) 3.0
7813 m 3.0 gb jo 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.0 f-g 2.5
7796 m 3.5 ug jo 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 f-g 3.5
7814 m 2.5 gb jo 3.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 f-g 3.0
7815 s-m 3.5 gb jo 3.5 4.0 (v) 3.0 3.5 f-g 3.0
7816 m 3.0 gb jo 3.0 3.5 2.5 3.0 f-dp 3.0
7817 m-t 4.0 ug jo 3.5 3.5 2.5 4.0 g 2.5
7818 m 3.5 ug jo 3.5 4.0 3.0 3.0 f-g 3.5
7819 t 3.0 (v) ug jo 2.0 4.0 2.5 2.0 (v) 4.0
7820 m 3.0 ug jo 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.0 f-g 4.0
7821 m-t 3.5 Igb jo 2.5 4.0 2.5 3.0 f-g 3.5
7822 s-m 4.0 ug jo 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 f-g 3.0
7823 m 3.0 Igb jo 2.5 4.0 2.5 3.0 f-g 3.5
NVestem
W840080 (ESL) m 3.5 Igb jo 3.0 3.0 2.5 3.5 f-dp (v) 4.0
W850942 (ESL) t 30 gb jo 3.0 3.0 2.5 4.0 f-g 2.5

2.5 3.5

3.0 2.5
2.0 2.0
4.0 3.0

4.0 0.5
2.0 1.5
2.0 1.5

3.0 2.0
2.5 1.5
4.0 1.5
2.5 2.0

2.5 4.0
3.5 3.0

3.0 2.0
3.0 2.0
3.0 2.0
3.5 3.0
2.5 2.0
4.0 2.0
4.5 2.0
3.5 3.0
3.5 2.5
4.0 2.0
2.5 2.0
3.0 2.0
3.5 2.5
4.0 3.0
5.0 2.5
4.0 2.0
4.0 2.0
3.0 2.5
3.0 2.0
3.0 2.5
4.0 3.0
4.0 2.5
3.0 3.0
4,0 2.5

2.0 0.5
3.5 2.0

5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

5.0 5.0 5.0 yellow gel, be indented

5.0 4.9 4.7
5.0 4.9 4.0
5.0 4.9 5.0

5.0 4.9 5.0
5.0 5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0 5.0

5.0 4.9 4.9
5.0 3.0 5.0
5.0 3.0 5.0
5.0 4.5 4.0

5.0 5.0 4.5 4.8
5.0 5.0 5.0 3.5

5.0 5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0 4.0

5.0 4.0 4.5
5.0 4.9 4.0
5.0 4.7 4.7
5.0 5.0 4.7
5.0 4.7 4.5
5.0 4.9 4.5
5.0 5.0 4.8
5.0 4.9 5.0
5.0 4.9 4.7
5.0 5.0 4.9
5.0 5.0 4.7
5.0 4.9 4.7
5.0 2.5 4.9
5.0 4.7 4.7
5.0 4.5 4.9
5.0 4.5 4.9
5.0 4.7 5.0
5.0 4.5 4.7
5.0 4.9 4.9
5.0 4.9 4.7
5.0 5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0 4.7
4.9 4.5 4.9
5.0 5.0 5.0

3.0 4,9 5.0 5.0
4.0 5.0 5.0 4.5

yellow gel, be indented
white halo around stem
be indent

nipple tip, sl. spider
heat scar
catfacing

sl catfacing

nipple tip, It grn gel
nipple tip, green gel

c
nipple tip
spider track, arth joints
spider track, nipple tip, arth joint
spider track, heat scar
nipple tip
cat facing

nipple tip, heat scar
I plant w/gold frt

catfacing

catfacing
sv nipple tip
poor leaf coverage

sl heat scar
nipple tip

5.0 4.9 5.0 be indent, bact, wilt
5.0 5,0 4.7 sv be indent

Table 6 Footnotes.

zAbbreviations: s = short, m = medium, t = tall, v = very, var = varies.
Y1 = rough, 5 = smooth, gb = green base, Igb = light green base, ug = uniform green, v = varies.
'jo =jointed, j2 = jointless.
"w = poor, 5 = excellent.
'1 = small, 5 = extra large.
"1 = late, 5 = early.
'1 = inconsistent, 5 = very consistent, dp = deep, f= flat, g = globe, v = varies.
s" = severe, 5 = absence of defect.
'Abbreviations: arth = arthritic (joint tears), bact = bacterial, be = blossom end, frt = fruit, sv = severe, sl = slight, w/ = with. Definitions: catface = distorted shape,
scars and gaps at blossom end and sides of fruit; heat scar = typified by folded tissue, circular blossom scar, distorted blossom end, open blossom end; nipple tip
= pointed blossom end; spider track = small, white, tan or green streaks on fruit radiating from stem.

Table 7. Late season ratings of fruit and plant characteristics for plum tomato observational entries, spring 1998.

Fruit Con- Persistent
Plant Fruit Fruit Fruit Fruit Blossom Firm Internal Gray Radial centric Rain Green
Source/Entry Heightr Shoulder' Stem' Set" Size' Maturity' Shape' End' ness" Quality Blotchy' Wall' Zipper' Cracks' Cracks' Check' Shoulder' Comments'

Agrisales
Agriroma m 4.0 ug j2 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.5 Iplm 4.0 4.0 2.5 5.0 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 nipple tip & indented be, sl ber,
conc, rad, zipper
Harris Moran
Plum Dandy s 4.0 ug jo 4.0 3.5 3.0 3.0 Iplm 4.5 3.5 3.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 nipple tip
NCSU
NC 97240 s 4.0 ug jo 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 eg 4.5 3.0 2.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 sl indented be
NC 97297 s 3.5 ug jo 4.0 3.5 3.0 3.0 sl pr 4.5 4.0 2.5 5.0 3.0 4.9 5.0 5.0 4.7 5.0 sl spider track, sv gray wall on 1 pit
NC 97345 s 4.5 ug jo 3.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 eg 4.5 4.0 2.5 5.0 5.0 4.9 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.0
NC 97380 m 4.0 ug jo 3.0 4.0 3.5 4.0 Ig 5.0 2.5 2.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
NC 97399 s-m 3.0 ug jo 3.5 3.5 3.5 4.0 sl pr 4.5 4.0 2.5 5.0 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 nipple tip
Petoseed
Hybrid 882
(Spectrum 882) m 4.5 ug jo 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 Itpr 5.0 4.0 2.5 5.0 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.0 4.5 5.0 green gel, sl spider track
Puebla s-m 4.0 ug j2 2.0 3.5 3.0 3.0 ltpr 4.5 3.5 2.5 5.0 5.0 4.8 4.7 5.0 4.7 5.0 concentric zipper
Rogers/Novartis
Supra m 3.5 ug j2 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 Ig 4.0 4.0 3.5 5.0 5.0 4.8 4.7 5.0 5.0 5.0 nipple tip, cone zipper, indented be
Sakata America
Marina s-m 4.0 ug j2 3.5 3.5 3.0 4.0 Ig 4.5 4.5 3.5 5.0 5.0 4.9 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 be indented
Veronica m-t 3.5 ug j2 3.0 3.0 4.0 3.0 Ig 4.5 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.7 5.0 4.5 5.0 sl pear necked, sv be indent
Margarita (Stm 4809) m 4.0 ug jo 3.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 sh-lg 4.5 4.0 3.0 5.0 5.0 4.9 4.7 5.0 4.9 5.0
Vilmorin
V104 s 4.0 ug jo 3.5 3.0 4.0 3.0 Ig 3.5 4.5 2.0 5.0 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 concentric zipper, puffy, fibrous
Western
W851021 m 4.0 ug j2 4.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 sq 5.0 4.5 2.5 5.0 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 puffy
W862978 s-m 4.5 ug jo 4.0 3.5 4.0 3.0 eg 4.5 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.5 4.0 5.0 gold fit, be indented

"Abbreviations: s = short, m = medium, t = tall.
I = rough, 5 = smooth, gb = green base, ug = uniform green.
ljo = jointed, j2 = jointless.
w" = poor, 5 = excellent.
1 = small, 5 = extra large.
"1 = late, 5 = early.
'1 = inconsistent, 5 = very consistent, eg = egg, Ig = long, lplm = long plum, Itpr = long tapered plum, pr = pear, sh = short, sl = slight, sq = square.
'1 = severe, 5 = absence of defect.
'Abbreviations: be = blossom end, cone = concentric, frt = fruit, pit = plant, rad = radial, sl = slight, sv = severe. Definitions: nipple tip = pointed blossom end;
puffy = unfilled spaces in the interior of fruit between solid seed mass and fleshy part of skin; spider track = small, white, tan or green streaks on fruit radiating
from stem, zipper = very narrow radial scars.

* *

DOCUMENT

The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center is
a unit of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sci-
ences, University of Florida. The Research Center
originated in the fall of 1925 as the Tomato
Disease Laboratory with the primary objective of
developing control procedures for an epidemic out-
break of nailhead spot of tomato. Research was ex-
panded in subsequent years to include study of sev-
eral other tomato diseases.

In 1937, new research facilities were established
in the town of Manatee. and the Center scope was
enlarged to include horticultural, entomological, and
soil science studies of several vegetable crops. The
ornamental program was a natural addition to the
Center's responsibilities because of the emerging in-
dustry in the area in the early 1940's.

The Center's current location was established in
1965 where a comprehensive research and extension
program on vegetable crops and ornamental plants is
conducted. Three state extension specialists posi-
tions, 16 state research scientists, and two grant
supported scientists from various disciplines of
training participate in all phases of vegetable and
ornamental horticultural programs. This interdisci-
plinary team approach, combining several research
disciplines and a wide range of industry and faculty
contacts, often is more productive than could be ac-
complished with limited investments in independent
programs.

The Center's primary mission is to develop new
and expand existing knowledge and technology, and
to disseminate new scientific knowledge in Florida. so
that agriculture remains efficient and economically
sound.

The secondary mission of the Center is to assist
the Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS campus
departments, in which Center faculty hold appropri-
ate liaison appointments, and other research centers
in extension, educational training, and cooperative
research programs for the benefit of Florida's pro-
ducers, students, and citizens.

Program areas of emphasis include: t1) genetics,
breeding, and variety development and evaluation:
(2) biological, chemical, and mechanical pest manage-
ment in entomology, plant pathology, nematology,
bacteriology, virology, and weed science; (31 produc-
tion efficiency. culture. management, and counteract-
ing environmental stress; 14, water management and
natural resource protection: (51 post-harvest physiol-
ogy, harvesting, handling and food quality of horti-
cultural crops; (61 technical support and assistance to
the Florida Cooperative Extension Service; and (7)
advancement of fundamental knowledge ofdisciplines
represented by faculty and (8) directing graduate
student training and teaching special undergraduate
classes.

Location of
GCREC Bradenton

IFAS IS:
3 The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
3 A statewide organization dedicated to teaching,
research and extension.
" Faculty located in Gainesville and at 13 research
and education centers, 67 county extension
offices and four demonstration units throughout
the state.
" A partnership in food and agriculture, and natural
and renewable resource research and education,
funded by state, federal and local government,
and by gifts and grants from individuals, founda-
tions, government and industry.
L An organization whose mission is:
Educating students in the food, agricultural.
and related sciences and natural resources.
Strengthening Florida's diverse food and
agricultural industry and its environment
through research.
Enhancing for all Floridians, the application
of research and knowledge to improve the
quality of life statewide through IFAS exten-
sion programs.