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GCREC-Bradenton field plot... | |
Agenda | |
Table of Contents | |
Introduction | |
History of the Gulf Coast Research... | |
List of program leaders and support... | |
Map of facilities | |
Key to facilities | |
Summary of vegetable research... | |
Vegetable crop improvement | |
Vegetable crop protection | |
Vegetable crop production | |
Acknowledgement | |
Map: location of GCREC | |
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Front Cover
Front Cover GCREC-Bradenton field plot diagram Page i Agenda Page ii Table of Contents Page iii Introduction Page 1 History of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Page 2 List of program leaders and support staff Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Map of facilities Page 7 Key to facilities Page 8 Summary of vegetable research accomplishments Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Vegetable crop improvement Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Vegetable crop protection Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Vegetable crop production Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Acknowledgement Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Map: location of GCREC Page 75 Back Cover Back Cover |
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?/ -3 Bradenton GCREC Research Report BRA 1991-6 Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Bradenton, Florida 39th c.-:. Vegetable t~) ~ ?j32 D.N. Maynard, J.P Jones, W.E. Waters, Editors Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Florida Ur: s, i .t la1 GCREC-Bradenton Field Plot Diagram Caruso Rd. 60th Street East E GULF COAST RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER IFAS, University of Florida Bradenton, Florida 39TH VEGETABLE FIELD DAY PROGRAM Thursday, May 16, 1991 Field Day Coordinators Don N. Maynard and John Paul Jones Moderator: 8:15 AM 8:45 9:00 9:15 Don N. Maynard, Extension Vegetable Specialist Registration Welcome and Introduction, W. E. Waters, Center Director IFAS Research Overview, G. L. Zachariah, Vice President for Agricultural Affairs Biology and control of the sweetpotato whitefly, D. J. Schuster, Professor Geminiviruses Professor of vegetables, Jane Polston, Assistant COFFEE BREAK Tours (Choice of Tour 1, 2, or 3) LUNCH Tours (Choice of Tour 1, 2, or 3) Tours (Choice of Tour 1, 2, or 3) ADJOURN Individual Talks with Faculty Three tours will be available: Tourguides: Vegetable Vegetable Vegetable Crop Crop Crop Improvement Protection Production Karl Butts, Hillsborough County Extension Tim Cole, Lee County Extension Phyllis Gilreath, Manatee County Extension Mark Kessler, Sarasota County Extension 9:45 10:00 10:30 12:00 PM 12:45 2:15 3:45 3:45-5:00 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .................... History of GCREC Bradenton ........ List of Program Leaders ........... USPS Employees .................... Map of Facilities ................. Key to Facilities ................. Vegetable Research Accomplishments Vegetable Crop Improvement ...................... Vegetable Crop Protection .......................... Vegetable Crop Production .......................... Tour 1: Vegetable Crop Improvement ................... Tour 2: Vegetable Crop Protection ...................... Tour 3: Vegetable Crop Production ................... Acknowledgement/Grantors ........................... Paae ............. 1 ............. 2 ............. 3 ............. 5 ............. 7 ............. 8 8 .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... INTRODUCTION On behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to welcome each of you to the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, at Bradenton, Florida. This Center began in 1925 as the Tomato Disease Laboratory (a one-man operation in Palmetto), and the first ornamental programs began about 17 years later. This Center, with the affiliated Agricultural Research and Education Center in Dover, is a Research and Education unit of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. In Bradenton, we have two grant-supported scientist positions, four state extension specialist positions, and 20 state research scientists from various disciplines of training who participate in all phases of vegetable and ornamental horticulture. This interdisciplinary team approach, combining several research disciplines and a wide range of industry and faculty contacts, often is more productive than could be accomplished 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 on vegetable and ornamental crops 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 appropriate liaison appointments, and other research centers in extension, educational training, and cooperative research programs for the benefit of Florida's producers, students, and citizens. Program areas of emphasis include: (1) genetics, breeding, and cultivar development and evaluation; (2) biological, chemical, and mechanical pest management for diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds; (3) production, culture, and management of environmental stress; (4) water use, quality, management and natural resource protection; (5) post-harvest physiology, harvesting, handling and food quality of horticultural crops; (6) leader- ship in farm management, water management, floriculture, and vegetable crops extension programs in southwest Florida and assistance in statewide Florida Cooperative Extension Service programs; and (7) advancement of fundamental knowledge of disciplines represented by faculty and directing graduate student training and special undergraduate classes. Information presented in this publication summarizes the active research projects on vegetable crops. We sincerely appreciate your interest and support of these research programs, and continuously solicit your suggestions for improvement of research and extension programs. .i . Will E. Waters Center Director HISTORY OF THE GULF COAST RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center originated in the fall of 1925 with the construction of the Tomato Disease Laboratory. Tomato Disease Laboratory: A 20 acre tract of Manatee County-owned property in Palmetto was made available with the cooperation of the Manatee Board of County Commissioners. Operational and construction money and equipment were supplied by local growers. The primary objective of the laboratory was to formulate a control of nailhead spot of tomato. Later studies emphasized the breeding for resistance to Fusarium wilt and the control of tobacco mosaic on tomatoes. In 1937, with expansion of the vegetable industry in Manatee County and surrounding areas, the State Legislature authorized new facilities for the research program. Vegetable Crops Laboratory: In August, 1938, the Manatee County Commis- sioners donated 80% of the purchase price of a 106 acre tract in east Bradenton. The expanded facility and diversified vegetable crop research led to the establishment of the Vegetable Crops Laboratory. Following this relocation, horticultural, entomological, and soil studies were initiated on tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, sweet corn, and other vegetables. Since the laboratory was located in a region where gladiolus was grown for winter cut flowers, the scope of the laboratory was broadened in 1942 to include disease problems confronting gladiolus growers. Gulf Coast Experiment Station: In March, 1957, the State Board of Control elevated the status of the Vegetable Crops Laboratory to a branch station and renamed it The Gulf Coast Experiment Station. Investigations were begun on chemical weed control, nematodes, and other soil-borne pests. In 1954, the ornamental program was broadened to include chrysanthemums and other commercial cut-flowers. In 1959, a 200 acre tract was acquired 8 miles east of Bradenton along State Route 70 and the Caruso Road. All of the vegetable experimental field programs were moved to this new location. In 1965, after construction of office and laboratory facilities, farm buildings, greenhouses, and a residence, all research programs were conducted on this new farm. Agricultural Research & Education Center-Bradenton: In 1971, the Gulf Coast Experiment Station was renamed Agricultural Research and Education Center to emphasize the programs of both research and education. Gulf Coast Research & Education Center: In 1984, to reflect the regionality of the research and education programs at Bradenton, IFAS and the State Board of Regents renamed the center the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Current programs are in progress on production problems associated with vegetables and ornamentals grown on the sandy soils of Florida. The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center has administrative and research supervision over a satellite station, AREC-Dover (formerly the Strawberry and Vegetable Field Laboratory). The Dover station is the hub of strawberry research in Florida, including breeding, horticultural, and pathological studies. GULF COAST RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER BRADENTON, FLORIDA Program Leaders, Appointment Date, and Area of Specialization Waters, Will E., Bouzar, H. Clark, G. A., Csizinszky, A. A., Engelhard, A. W., Evans, M. R., Gilreath, J. P., Harbaugh, B. K., Howe, T. K., Jones, J. B., Jones, J. P., Maynard, D. N., Polston, J. E. 1960. Horticulturist and Center Director. Administration, soil and plant nutrition, and ornamental horticulture. 1990. Research Associate in Plant Pathology. Ecology of bacterial pathogens of ornamental and vegetable crops. 1986. Assistant Extension Water Management Specialist. Extension education and cooperative research on vegetable and ornamental crops. 1976. Associate Horticulturist. Production systems, crop management and post-harvest studies on vegetable crops. 1966. Plant Pathologist. Etiology and control of diseases of ornamental crops. 1990. Assistant Extension Floriculturist. Extension education and cooperative research for commercial floriculture production. 1981. Associate Horticulturist. Weed control of vegetable and ornamental crops. 1975. Ornamental Horticulturist. Production, harvesting and marketing systems for ornamental crops. 1979. Coordinator, Research Programs/Services. Variety evaluations for ornamental and vegetable crops. 1981. Associate Plant Pathologist. Ecology and control of bacterial diseases of ornamental and vegetable crops. 1958. Plant Pathologist. Etiology and control of diseases of vegetable crops. 1985. Extension Vegetable Specialist. Extension educational programs and cooperative research on vegetable crops. 1991. Assistant Plant Virologist. Ecology and control of viral diseases of vegetables and ornamentals. Prevatt, J. W., 1979. Associate Extension Farm Management Economist. Develop extension farm management education programs in agriculture and cooperative research on production economics of vegetable and ornamental crops. Price, J. F., 1978. Associate Entomologist. biology and control of insects ornamental and strawberry crops. Identification, and mites of Schuster, D. J., Scott, J. W., Somodi, G. C., Stanley, C. D., Wilfret, G. J., Woltz, S. S., 1975. Entomologist. Identification, biology control ofinsects and mites of vegetable crops. 1981. Associate Geneticist. development and genetics. and Tomato cultivar 1986. Assistant-In Plant Pathology. Ecology of bacterial pathogens of ornamental and vegetable crops. 1979. Associate Soil Scientist. Soil-water relations for ornamental and vegetable crops. 1969. Geneticist. Breeding and development of new cultivars of cut flowers and other ornamental crops. 1953. Plant Physiologist. Physiological and nutritional disorders and diseases of vegetables and ornamental crops. wXcwwwwwwwwwwww Xwwww XwwmX*~w**********************. Agricultural Research and Education Center-Dover. Florida Albregts, E. E., Chandler, C. K., Howard, C. M., 1967. Soil Chemist. Center administration, production, soil and plant nutrition of strawberry and vegetable crops. 1987. Assistant Geneticist. Strawberry breeding and development of new varieties of strawberry. 1967. Plant Pathologist. Etiology and control of strawberry and vegetable diseases. Emeritus Faculty Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Burgis, D. S., Geraldson, C. M., 1946. Horticulturist Emeritus. Vegetable production, weed control and growth regulators. 1951. Soil Chemist Emeritus. Soil nutritional problems and their relationship with cultural methods for vegetable production. Magie, R. 0., Overman, A. J., Spencer, E. S., 1945. Plant Pathologist Emeritus. control of diseases of ornamental crops on gladiolus flower and corm diseases. 1945. Nematologist Emeritus. of nematode incited diseases vegetables. Etiology and with emphasis Etiology and control of ornamentals and 1944. Soil Chemist Emeritus. Administration. Administrative and Professional Staff Teresa K. Howe Coordinator, Research Programs/Services VACANT Coordinator, Research Programs/Services Frederick W. Snyder Business Manager ************************************************************************ University Support Personnel Office Staff: Nancy J. Kost Tracey A. Revels Myra A. Fawbush Patricia W. Walker Mary Lee Huffman Debbie Smelser Service Staff: Richard J. Thomas Charles L. Pratt Goodlett H. Watson VACANT Farm Operations Staff: Program Assistant Word Processing Operator Senior Fiscal Assistant Secretary Clerk Typist Clerk Typist Engineer Maintenance Specialist Maintenance Mechanic Laborer Mark S. Knowles Shelley Scurry Hector G. Ortiz Nicolas Goris Feliciano Diaz Joyce Jones Lula M. McPherson Todd Test Lamar R. Parrish VACANT Farm Supervisor Senior Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural & Engineering Assistant Staff: Selwyne Langaigne Dagmar D. Taborsky Preston L. Young John Hogue Jan Watson Todd Underhill (TEMPORARY) VACANT Guillermo Alverio Brian Neumann Biological Technician Staff: Agricultural Assistant Superv. Senior Agricultural Assistant Senior Agricultural Assistant Senior Agricultural Assistant Senior Agricultural Assistant Senior Agricultural Assistant Senior Agricultural Assistant Engineering Technician Engineering Assistant Nancy G. West Laverne C. Barnhill Patricia M. Jones Richard 0. Kelly Karen I. Pearce Renata E. Zalewski Curtis A. Nagle Emily E. Vasquez Tracy Mahoney VACANT VACANT Russell W. Owens VACANT AREC-Dover Staff: Annie F. Turgeau Alicia J. Whidden James C. Sumler, Jr. Larry J. Smith Frederick D. Wenzel Michael C. Murphy Margaret Rush Chemist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Lab Technician Lab Technician Secretary Biological Scientist Biological Scientist Agricultural Assistant Superv. Senior Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant Agricultural Assistant 763?0 U z E II 1 176 9 6 L 6 S7611 7 . 1762.1 7616 76 Gulf Coast Research & Education Center 5007 60th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 \14 s8 70I1 J INSETr) FACILITIES IN 1991 OF THE GULF COAST RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER BRADENTON The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center-Bradenton has developed excellent new facilities since 1965. Each scientist has available office, laboratory, greenhouse and field areas as well as field and laboratory technicians to support his/her research programs. The research facilities consist of 200 acres of sandy soil located at the main Center, 47 buildings containing 30 offices, a library, 18 laboratories, 1 headhouse, 1 large research and storage service building, 18 greenhouses, 12 storage buildings, 4 walk-in cold rooms, 2 walk-in growth rooms, 2 large saran ranges for ornamental plants, 3 maintenance shops, 4 irrigation wells, and a fleet of vehicles and tractors. The list below is a numerical key to facilities shown on the map on the adjacent page. State Building Name Building # Office and Laboratories Residence Farm Maintenance Farm Operations Building Equipment Storage Building Pesticide Storage Building IPM Headhouse Pesticide Weighing Facility Horticultural Greenhouse Entomology/Tomato Breeding Greenhse Plant Pathology Greenhouse Ornamental Saran House Bulb Handling Building Potting Shed & Implement Shelter Headhouse-Laboratories. Offices Plant Production Greenhouse Ornamental Res. Saranhouse Ornamental Genetics Greenhouse Ornamental Greenhouse Chemical & Golf Cart Storaae SDeedlina Greenhouse Soil Sterilization Building Air Fumtiation Greenhouse Farm Storaae Buildino 7601 7602 7604 7605 7607 7609 7610 7611 7613 7614 7615 7616 7621 7623 7624 7625 7626 7627 7628 7629 7630 7631 7632 7633 KEY TO FACILITIES State Building # Building Name Graduate Student Housing Entomomology Weed Science Tomato Breeding Greenhouse Plant Physiology Greenhouse Aluminum Storage Building Tomato Processing Shed Irrigation Storage Bldg. Educational Pavilion Tomato Disease Screening Grei Soil and Media Storage Horticultural Greenhouse (Sat Graduate Student Housing Open Equipment Building Nematologv Greenhouse Pavilion Annex #1 Pavilion Annex #2 Horticultural Suoply Storaae Research and Service Storage Farm Service Building Hazardous Chemical Storage Vegetable Croos Greenhouse Phvcnlnav nraenhnoea nhnouse tooth) 7634 7635 7636 7637 7638 7639 7640 7641 7642 7643 7644 7645 7646 7647 7648 7649 7650 7653 7654 7655 7656 7A57 SUMMARY OF VEGETABLE RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1988-90 PAGE VEGETABLE CROP IMPROVEMENT 10 Variety Trials Program T. K. Howe and W. E. Waters 13 Specialty Vegetable Crops D. N. Maynard 15 Tomato Breeding J. W. Scott VARIETY TRIAL PROGRAMS T. K. Howe and W. E. Waters Numerous vegetable variety trials have been completed since the spring of 1989, the time of the last Vegetable Field Day held at GCREC. Evaluations included cabbage (winter 1989-90 and 1990-91), sweet corn (spring 1989 and 1990), cucumber (fall 1989), cubanelle pepper (spring 1990), sweet bell pepper (spring and fall 1989, spring and fall 1990), and tomato (spring 1989, spring and fall 1990). Highlights of these trials include: favorable assessments of new heat tolerant and Fusarium race 3 resistant tomato hybrids developed by IFAS; screening new bacterial spot resistant bell pepper lines from various commercial companies; and evaluation of numerous new cabbage cultivars. Cabbage. Thirty cultivars of cabbage were included in the winter 1989-90 replicated trial. Highest yields were produced by XPH 5787 (1375 crates/A), 'Showboat' (1360), 57-340 (1321), 'Blue Boy' (1293), 'Bravo' (1268), 'Tempo' (1259), XPH 5788 (1181) and 'Fortuna' (1176). Subjective evaluations characterizing head shape, density, and other attributes indicated the following were superior in density and lack of defects: 'Tempo', 'Green Cup', 'Genesis', 'Grand Prize', 'Krautman', 'Solid Blue 780', 'Blue Vantage', 'Royal Vantage' and 'Green Garden'. Thirty cultivars and breeding lines were also examined during the winter of 1990-91. Best yields were produced by 'Cheers' (1156 crates/A), 'Solid Blue 780' (1152), 'Olympic' (1048) and 'Rio Verde' (992), all met or exceeded 85% marketable harvest. Head weight ranged from 1.8 lb for 'Green Garden' (earliest in trial) to 3.5 lb for 'Cheers'. Corn (Supersweet). In the spring of 1989, eighteen supersweet (shrunken- 2) sweet corn entries were evaluated in trial. Seasonal yields based on ear counts ranged from 281 crates/A for 'Even Sweeter' to 467 crates/A for 'GSS 3617' and 'HMS 7348s'. Nine other entries were not significantly different than 'GSS 3617' or 'HMS 7348s' in yield. Average ear weight exceeded 11 oz for 'Sunset', 'NS 1217' and 'GSS 3854'. Earliest entries were 'HMX 7348s', 'Butterfruit' and 'MSI 3161'. In the spring of 1990, twenty-one entries were examined. Seasonal yield based on the number of ears ranged from 189 crates/A for 'Sweet Top' to 520 crates/A for 'HMX 7348s'. Ten other entries were similar to 'HMX 7348s' in yield. Average ear weight ranged from 8.0 oz for 'MM1-22' to 11.5 oz for 'Dazzle', which had the heaviest ear weight of all. Earliest entries with greater than 60% of seasonal yield harvested at the first pull were: 'HMX 7348s', 'MM1-22', 'Butterfruit', '87-3567' and 'Challenger'. Cucumber. Twenty-five cultivars and breeding lines were included in replicated trial in the fall of 1989. Total yield ranged from 244 bu/A to 592 bu/A, with greatest total yield for all grades essentially equivalent for 18 of the 25 entries. Twenty entries were similar in total yield of U.S. Fancy fruit, with yields ranging from 105 bu/A to 331 bu/A. Eleven entries were similar in greatest total early yield. All entries produced at least 43% of their respective seasonal yields as U.S. Fancy, but four entries 'Dasher II', 'MS 292', 'Flora-Cuke' and 'HMX 8424' produced at least 60% of total seasonal yields as U.S. Fancy fruit. Pepper, Cubanelle. Six cultivars/breeding lines were evaluated at the mature green stage during the spring of 1990. Seasonal marketable yields, from five harvests, ranged from 938 cartons/A for 'Carousel' to 1577 cartons/A for 'Flavor Fry'. Other entries in the trial, 'Key Largo', 'NK 9145' and 'Astrione' were not significantly different than 'Flavor Fry' in yield. The number of marketable fruit per plant ranged from 10.3 for 'Espana' to 18.9 for 'Astrione'. Pod color at the immature stage was light yellow for 'Astrione' and 'Carousel', light lime green for 'Flavor Fry' and 'Key Largo', lime green for 'NK 9145' and dark green for 'Espana'. Other characteristics noted were that 'Carousel' had a tapered bell shape, 'Espana' was quite variable in shape and did produce bell shaped fruit and 'NK 9145' had fruit which had very bumpy walls. Pepper. Sweet Bell. Thirty-three entries in replicated trial and thirty- seven entries in observational trial constituted the spring 1989 bell pepper study. Seasonal yields from 4 harvests for the replicated trial were greatest for 'Ssupersweet 860', 'Lucia', 'Verdel', 'Galaxy', 'Whopper Improved', 'Crispy', 'Mello', 'PR-200-2-1', 'Gator Belle' and 'PSX 17885'. Pod wall thickness was greatest for 'Whopper Improved', 'Verdel', 'PR-200- 2-1', 'Crispy' and 'PR-200-12-1'. Earliness was evident for 'PSX 17885', 'PR-200-2-1' and 'Whopper Improved'. In the fall of 1989, seventeen cultivars or breeding lines were evaluated in replicated trial. Damage from lepidopterous larvae (beet armyworm) was severe and marketable yields were reduced to approximately 50% of total harvested fruit. Total yields were greatest for 'Supersweet 860', 'PSR 10088', 'HMX 5661', 'Orobelle' and XPH 5693, while total marketable yields were not significantly different for ten of the seventeen entries in trial. During the spring of 1990, 45 cultivars and breeding lines were evaluated in replicated trial. Yields, from four harvests, ranged from 317 cartons/A for 'SPP 9102' to 1715 cartons/A for 'Zerto'. Fifteen other entries, one third of the trial, were not significantly different than 'Zerto' in yield. The number of marketable fruit per plant exceeded 7 for 'Whopper Improved', 'Zerto' and 'Crispy'. Most entries produced blocky, square fruit, however long-fruit entries included 'SPP 9201', 'Zerto', 'Clovis', 'Predi', 'Vidi' and 'HMX 7653'. Earliness as judged by yield from the first harvest was evident for 'PSX 8287', 'PSX 10088' ('King Arthur'), 'Predi', 'Clovis', 'Vidi', 'Whopper Improved', 'PSR 36886', 'Camelot', 'Mello', 'Ssupersweet 860' and 'PR 89-9'. In the fall of 1990, twenty-two entries were examined in replicated trial and seven in observational trial. Seasonal yields for the replicated trial ranged from 144 cartons/A for Sunex 4507 to 786 cartons/A for PR 89- 3. All but six entries were comparable to PR 89-3 in yield. Fruit weight for the season averaged from 4.2 oz to 5.3 oz. Earliness could not be accurately assessed since early season bud and fruit set were reduced due to warm temperatures damage from beet armyworms. Late season harvests yielded more fruit than early season harvests. Bacterial leaf spot was not present in the cropping area. Tomato. Fresh market tomatoes evaluated in the spring of 1989 included 18 replicated (harvested) and 51 observational (not harvested) cultivars or breeding lines. Marketable yields after three harvests ranged from 2736 to 3460 cartons/A with only 4 entries of the 18 significantly lower than the highest yield. Good early yield was noted for 'Duke', 'Bingo', 'Regency', NVH 4459, 'Pacific', 'FTE 24', 'Solar Set', 'Bonita', IFAS 7209 and 'Shamrock 600'. The fall 1989 tomato trial was not harvested due to plant losses from Pythium and reduced fruit yields due to gemini virus. Only subjective evaluations for qualitative characteristics were completed. Eighteen replicated and 40 observational entries were studied in the spring of 1990. Greatest yields came from IFAS 7308, 'Solar Set', XPH 5628 ('Sunbeam'), IFAS 7304, 'Regency', 'Pacific', IFAS 7307, 'Summer Flavor 6000' and 'FTE 24'. First harvest yields were greatest for IFAS 7308, 'FTE 12', IFAS 7303, 'Regency', 'Solar Set', IFAS 7306, IFAS 7302, 'Bonita' and 'Rosario' all yielding more than 685 cartons/A. In the fall of 1990, nineteen entries were harvested for yield data and an additional 44 entries were in observational plots. Best seasonal yields came from IFAS 7384, 'Agriset 761', IFAS 7385, IFAS 7264, IFAS 7306, 'Heatwave', 'Sunny', IFAS 7303, XPH 5796, IFAS 7307 and 'SR 445'. Extra large fruit yield was greatest for IFAS 7306, which was also early to mature and is resistant to Fusarium race 3. Two other developments, IFAS 7384 (Fusarium race 3 resistant) and IFAS 7264 (heat tolerant) were not significantly different than IFAS 7306 in greatest total yields at the first harvest. EVALUATION OF SPECIALTY VEGETABLES FOR PRODUCTION IN WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA D. N. Maynard The importance of specialty vegetable crops has increased substantially in recent years. Specialty vegetables are a diverse group that includes those vegetables grown on small acreages (formerly called minor crops), ethnic vegetables, gourmet vegetables, and miniature vegetables. Production of specialty vegetables offers the opportunity of diversification for large growers and production of high-value crops by small growers that permit them to be competitive in the market place. The dramatic increased popularity of specialty vegetables in the U.S. is related to a) increased awareness of ethnic vegetables among the population at large, and increased demand by the growing Hispanic-American and Asian-American communities; b) increased demand for new, unusual, or exotic vegetables by young, urban professionals; c) increased demand for gourmet vegetables by the food-service industry; and d) an increased awareness of the health and nutritional benefits of vegetables that contribute diversity to the diet, are high in nutrients and fiber, and low in calories, saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Since these developments are driven by fundamental cultural, economic and demographic forces, it can be anticipated that they will continue for some time to come. Initially, new crop specialty vegetables are evaluated for their production potential in field plots at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Crops that appear to have commercial production potential are then advanced to trials or demonstrations with cooperating growers. Calabaza. The production potential of a short-vine type developed by G. W. Elmstrom, CFREC-Leesburg, was compared with 'La Primera' and 'El Segundo'. Highest yields and fruit weight were from 'La Primera'. Yields of 'El Segundo' and the short-vined type were similar, but 'El Segundo' average fruit weight was greater. The short-vined type produced nearly round fruit with thinner flesh and higher soluble solids than the named cultivars. Cantaloupe. Evaluations were made of 24 western-type cantaloupes in a replicated trial in the spring of 1990. Varieties that had smooth (sutureless), fully netted fruit, and were high yielding were 'Mission', 'Durango', 'Challenger', and 'Cruiser'. Garlic. The feasibility of garlic production was assessed in the winter- spring of 1989-90. 'California Early' was superior to 'California Late' which did not produce any marketable yield, however, 'California Early' yields were considerably lower than those reported from California. Large planting stock cloves (5.5 g) resulted in numerically higher yields than that from medium or small cloves, Onion. Time of transplanting as related to the development of split and multiple center onion bulbs has been studied for three seasons. Results indicate that there is an extremely high incidence of split and multiple- centered bulbs from transplantings made in September, October, and November. These disorders decline in the December transplanted onions and are rare in onions transplanted thereafter (with J. P. Gilreath). Plum Tomato. Evaluations of 19 plum-type tomatoes were made in a replicated trial in the spring of 1990. From the results of 1989 and 1990 trials, 'Earlypear', 'Milano', 'Roma VF', 'La Roma', 'La Rossa', and 'Hybrid 882' merit consideration by growers on the basis of yield, fruit shape, and fruit weight. Radicchio. Evaluations were made of 13 radicchio varieties in a replicated trial in the winter of 1989-90. With currently available varieties, radicchio is not an all together dependable crop in west central Florida. However, growers might consider 'Adria', 'Alto', 'Ronette', 'Palla Rosa', 'Liverette', 'Medusa', 'Cesare', and 'Augusto' for trial plantings. Icebox Watermelons. Eleven icebox watermelon entries were evaluated in a replicated trial in the spring of 1990. 'Mickylee', 'Southern Belle', and 'Tiger Baby' continued to be outstanding in the gray, dark-green, and striped rind classes. Seedless Watermelon. Evaluations were made of 30 seedless watermelons in a replicated trial in spring 1990. Based on yield, average fruit weight, soluble solids, and a relatively low incidence of hollowheart and mature seeds, 'King of Hearts', 'Scarlet Trio', 'Ssupersweet 5032', 'Ssupersweet 5344', 'Tiffany', and 'Tri X-313' had the best overall performance of the named varieties. Several CFREC-Leesburg and commercial experimental lines also had outstanding performance. Summary. The commercial production potential of specialty vegetables evaluated at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center thus far is as shown below. Specialty Vegetable Production Potential* Globe artichoke 1 Calabaza 3 Cantaloupe 3 Garlic 0 Leek 3 Miniature vegetables 3 Pepino 0 Plum tomato 3 Pumpkin 3 Radicchio 2 Rhubarb 2 Shallot 0 Snowpea 3 Icebox watermelon 3 Seedless watermelon 3 *0 = no production potential at this time, 3 = excellent production potential. TOMATO BREEDING RESEARCH J. W. Scott Variety Release. 'Micro-Tom', a miniature dwarf tomato claimed the world's smallest tomato variety was released in 1989. This ornamental and edible tomato features not only small tomatoes less than 1" in diameter, but also reduced canopy and leaf size. Three plants can be grown in a 5" hanging basket or 1 plant can be grown in a 3 or 4" pot on a windowsill. Seed is available from Royal Sluis Seed Company. Florida Tomato Geminivirus. This work was done in cooperation with D. J. Schuster. An array of accessions with reported virus resistances were field screened in fall 1990 under heavy disease pressure. Several accessions of Lvcopersicon chilense had no symptoms and may prove to be good sources of resistance. Hybrids from 8 accession have been obtained and further introgression is underway. Fusarium Wilt Race 3. Fla. promising in 1990 testing. could be released by 1992. 7384, a hybrid with race 3 resistance looked If testing in 1991 is also encouraging this Blossom-end Scar Studies. This work has been done with Ph.D. student Jan Barten and an Israeli research team at the Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot, Israel. The first comprehensive paper describing the inheritance of tomato blossom-scar size has been submitted for publication. Several other manuscripts are in preparation. Blossom scar size is highly heritable being controlled largely by additive gene action with a smaller dominance component. Generally breeding lines selected for smoothness in one environment will be smooth in other environments. Short term cold treatments induced blossom scar roughness in early developing flowers which were 21-25 days before anthesis at the time of the cold treatment. This work will provide a foundation for the understanding and breeding efficiency of this trait which is the main cause of unmarketable fruit production in Florida and elsewhere. SUMMARY OF VEGETABLE RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1988-90 PAGE VEGETABLE CROP PROTECTION 17 Weed Control J. P. Gilreath 18 Bacterial Disease Research J. B. Jones, G. C. Somodi, S. S. Woltz, H. Bouzar, and J. P. Jones 19 Vegetable Insect Control -D. J. Schuster, J. B. Kring, J. F. Price, J. W. Scott, and A. A. Csizinszky 21 Vegetable Disease Control S. S. Woltz, J. P. Jones, and J. W. Scott VEGETABLE WEED CONTROL J. P. Gilreath Research in vegetable crops concentrated on nightshade control in tomato and pepper row middles and herbicidal dessication or destruction of crops. Nightshade control. Replicated field trials were conducted on commercial farms to evaluate pre and postemergence herbicides for nightshade control in row middles of mulched tomato and pepper. Although numerous trials were planned and/or initiated in the spring of 1990, germination and emergence of nightshade was abnormally low and erratic, thereby rendering most trials worthless. Fall trials were much more definitive because the nightshade population was high, emergence was more uniform than in the spring, and germination occurred early in the season allowing more time for conducting experiments. Seven trials were successfully completed in the spring of 1990: three preemergence and four postemergence. One preemergence trial investigated the possibility of improving nightshade control with metribuzin (registered product) through multiple applications and application timing. The second preemergence trial evaluated 32 herbicide treatments for control of nightshade and other species in pepper row middles. These treatments represented promising individual herbicides and herbicide combinations. The third preemergence experiment investigated the relative efficacy of three diphenyl ether herbicides (Blazer, Cobra, and Goal) at four rates each. The first two postemergence trials evaluated individual and tank mix applications of Diquat, Paraquat, and Enquik at various rates and application volumes. The third trial determined the efficacy of Ignite as influenced by herbicide rate and application volume. The fourth trial investigated the response of nightshade and eclipta to individual and tank mix applications of two rates of Diquat and five rates of Cobra. Fall nightshade control experiments consisted of seven trials: two preemergence and five postemergence. One of the preemergence experiments evaluated different formulations of metribuzin and tank mixing metribuzin or Cobra with a stabilizing polymer, whereas the other trial evaluated four rates each of three diphenyl ethers. The first postemergence trial evaluated Ignite at four rates and three application volumes. The second experiment assessed the efficacy of postemergence applications of four rates each of Blazer, Cobra, and Goal. The third trial investigated the response of nightshade and eclipta to individual and tank mix applications of two rates of Diquat and five rates of Cobra. The fourth postemergence experiment evaluated the effect of Kinetic (an adjuvant) rate (4 rates) on efficacy of Diquat and Ignite. The fifth trial was a preliminary screening trial to determine the efficacy of Tough and Sharpshooter (a fatty acid derivative) at three rates each. Overall, the most promising compounds are Cobra for pre and postemergence nightshade control and Ignite for postemergence control. Work is continuing to provide efficacy data for registration of these two products. Crop dessication: Crop dessication studies were conducted with 4 rates each of paraquat (Gramoxone Super) and Diquat on tomato, pepper, cucumber, summer squash, acorn squash, watermelon, and cantaloupe at two locations for each crop. Diquat generally was more effective than paraquat at any given rate. Application of 0.375 lb. a.i./A (1.5 pint) of Diquat was at least as effective as paraquat at 0.50 (1/3 gallon) or more Ib.a.i./A. Information on the new Gramoxone Extra formulation is not available at this time. BACTERIAL DISEASE RESEARCH J. B. Jones, J. W. Scott, G. C. Somodi, S. S. Woltz, H. Bouzar, and J. P. Jones Bacterial Spot of Tomato: Preconditioning of tomato seedlings in a mist chamber for 0, 8, 16, or 24 hours prior to inoculation with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (XCV) was tested to determine the optimum treatment for seedling screening to detect resistance. Results indicate the 16 hour preconditioning treatment most effectively differentiated susceptible from resistant genotypes. The chemistry of copper bactericides and their toxicity to XCV were explored by using micro-filtered dew solutions from tomato plants sprayed with cupric hydroxide and cupric hydroxide plus mancozeb combinations. Mancozeb plus cupric hydroxide was most effective in reducing populations of the pathogen. Monoclonal antibodies were proven useful for distinguishing a high percentage of South American and Florida strains of XCV from one another. Strains of XCV, which are differentiated on the resistant genotype Hawaii 7998, were distinguished by differential banding using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a silver staining protocol. Bacterial Wilt of Tomato: Several inoculum concentrations, age of plants at inoculation, and placement of inoculated susceptible plants adjacent to or alternately with uninoculated susceptible plants or resistant plants, were tested to determine the most effective method to use under field conditions in southwest Florida to obtain a good screen of tomato lines for bacterial wilt, caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum. The application of 5 ml of 108 colony forming units/ml of P. solanacearum around the base of each plant prior to transplanting produced the best results. Ideally, resistant plants should survive the treatment and susceptible plants should succumb to the disease. Fruit Blotch of Watermelon: Further studies were completed on the strains of a bacterium isolated from watermelon fruit in the spring of 1989. It now appears that the bacterium is closely related to, but not identical to Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes subsp. citrulli (PPC), based on differences in hypersensitivity (Hr) results and pathogenicity on mature fruit. PPC was originally described in the late 1970's on watermelon seedlings in Georgia. PPC does not produce a Hr response in tomato and is not pathogenic on mature watermelon fruit, whereas our strain does produce a Hr in tomato and is pathogenic on mature watermelon fruit. VEGETABLE INSECT CONTROL D. J. Schuster, J. B. Kring, J. F. Price, J. W. Scott, and A. A. Csizinszky Sweetpotato Whitefly. The sweetpotato whitefly was shown to vector a new tomato geminivirus that occurred on tomato in the fall of 1989. Plastic soil mulch sprayed with aluminum, yellow or orange paint resulted in fewer alighting adults of the sweetpotato whitefly, delayed increase in densities of whitefly immatures and delayed infection with geminivirus 1-2 weeks on tomato relative to white plastic mulch. The number of adults of the sweetpotato whitefly collected with a hand- held vacuum did not vary according to time of day as did the number captured on yellow sticky traps. More adult parasites of the whitefly were captured on yellow sticky traps than on traps of other colors. More parasites were captured on traps placed at tops of mature tomato plants than in the middles or bottoms of plants. In a crop preference test, the greatest number of immatures of the sweetpotato whitefly were observed on eggplant and the fewest on okra although the differences from tomato were not significant. A greater percentage of parasites of the whitefly were also observed on eggplant in the field. In preliminary trials, the geminivirus of tomato was not found to be transmitted to eggplant or okra by the sweetpotato whitefly. The wild species of tomato, Lvcopersicon hirsutum and L. pennellii, were found resistant to the sweetpotato whitefly in greenhouse and field evaluations. Resistance appeared related to density and stickiness of glandular trichomes on leaf surfaces. Over 20 insecticides or insecticide combinations, including registered and experimental products, were evaluated in field trials on tomato for control of the sweetpotato whitefly. Pyrethroids combined with organophosphate insecticides appeared more effective than either of the products applied alone. Experimental insect growth regulators appeared as effective as registered alternatives. Four petroleum oil products were evaluated in the field on tomato for control of the sweetpotato whitefly and geminivirus. All oils resulted in fewer whitefly adults on foliage on some sampling dates but none resulted in fewer immatures. Some oils delayed virus infection 1-2 weeks. Weeds and crops were surveyed biweekly for the sweetpotato whitefly and its hymenopterous parasites in west-central, southwest and south Florida. Whitefly immatures were sampled on 18 weed species and 12 crop species. Most of the sweetpotato whitefly and whitelfy parasite adults (77 and 60%, respectively) were reared from foliage of yellow primrose willow (Ludwigia spp.), Parthenium sp. and nightshade (Solanum sp.). The most abundant parasite species include E. tabacivora (59%), Eretmocerous californicus (25%) and Encarsia niqricephala (16%). Eleven predator species were observed attacking the sweetpotato whitefly in unsprayed tomato. Chrvsoperla rufilabris, a lacewing, readily fed upon the immature lifestages of the whitefly in the laboratory and did not demonstrate a preference for aphids over the whitefly. Leafminers. Selections of Lycopersicon germplasm derived from crosses of L. esculentum and L. hirsutum were evaluated in the field for resistance to leafminers. Resistance intermediate to the parents was identified on some selections with acceptable fruit set. Resistance appeared related to density of glandular trichomes on leaf surfaces. VEGETABLE DISEASE CONTROL S. S. Woltz, J. P. Jones, and J. W. Scott Fusarium Crown Rot of Tomato. A medium was developed which enabled the consistent development of crown rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici. With the use of this medium several environmental, biological, and nutritional factors were discovered to materially affect crown rot occurrence. By manipulation of these factors and the medium, a root-dip inoculation method was developed to screen tomato cultivars and cultigens quickly and reliably for resistance or susceptibility to crown rot. In general, expression of crown rot in short term experiments was strongly influenced by the cation balance in the rhizosphere. The disease was encouraged by hydrogen, sodium, ammonium, and to a lesser degree, by potassium, with chlorides being worse than sulfates. Calcium nitrate reversed some of the adverse effects. The development of crown rot was greatly inhibited by raising the soil or medium pH. However, this inhibition could be negated within a day by reducing the soil or medium pH. The control given by raising the medium pH was determined not to be due to inhibition of spore germination, nor by shifts in soil microflora. In the attempt to determine the reason for control, procedures were developed for the bioassay of soil solution/root exudates for support of the growth of various Fusaria without interference from other microorgan- isms. In field experiments, high soil pH and calcium hydroxide drenches increased plant and fruit weights and decreased the occurrence and severity of crown rot. Fumigation with a broad-spectrum fumigant decreased crown rot occurrence and increased marketable yields especially in high pH soils. Fusarium Wilt of Vegetables. Similarities and differences were identified between wilt, caused by Fusarium oxvsporum f. sp. lvcopersici (FOL) and crown rot of tomato. It was established that Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxvsporum f. sp. niveum in sequential watermelon seedings was quickly responsive to pH adjustments in the media used in repeated seedlings: high pH controlled the disease, whereas low pH encouraged disease development. A six-month overseasoning period between two tomato crops greatly reduced the occurrence of Fusarium wilt caused by race 1, 2, or 3 FOL Race 3 survived much better in plots planted to the highly susceptible Bonny Best variety than race 1 or 2 and resulted in a far greater incidence of disease than race 1 or 2 on Bonny Best. Very little disease occurred in plots planted to cultivars tolerant to races 1, 2, or 3 after the six month period. Lvcopersicon pennellii was determined to be resistant to three races of the tomato wilt Fusarium and to the current isolate of the crown rot Fusarium. Target Spot of Vegetables. Found that Corvnespora cassiicola isolated from tomato did not affect cucumber and that the isolate from cucumber did not affect tomato. Demonstrated that benomyl and chlorothalonil resulted in equal control of target spot of cucumber. A decade ago benomyl gave far superior results compared to mancozeb or chlorothalonil. SUMMARY OF VEGETABLE RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1988-90 PAGE VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION 23 Water Management G. A. Clark, C. D. Stanley, A. A. Csizinszky, and D. N. Maynard 24 Vegetable Crop Culture A. A. Csizinszky 26 Agricultural Economics J. W. Prevatt WATER RESEARCH PROGRAM G. A. Clark, C. D. Stanley, A. A. Csizinszky, and D. N. Maynard Reduced Bed Widths with Drip Irrigation. The effects of soil bed width were evaluated for production of vegetables using drip irrigation, fertigation, and plastic mulch. Bed widths of 16, 24, and 32 inches were tested for yield differences using drip irrigation with ten different vegetable crops including tomatoes, pepper, squash, and melons. Yield differences from the spring 1990 season were not significantly different for any of the vegetable varieties tested. Reduced bed widths with drip irrigation of vegetables use less polyethylene mulch, less soil fumigant, less fuel for bed formation, and could provide for closer bed spacing. Fully Enclosed Subirrigation (Seepage). A modified seepage irrigation conveyance system which uses a drip tube rather than lateral ditches was initially designed and tested for improved subirrigation water application uniformity and application efficiency. Drip tubes with a 24-inch emitter spacing and a water discharge of 0.3 gpm per 100 ft length, were buried 2 to 4 inches deep on 25 ft centers. The tubes were operated continuously to establish and maintain a water table. The test field was seeded with sorghum as a cover crop. The drip tubes were operated at three different test pressures, 6, 10, and 15 psi. At the 10 psi pressure, water table levels fluctuated between 15 and 20 inches from the ground surface during May of 1990. Initial results indicate that water application rates may be reduced by 30 to 40 percent, with similar reductions in total pumpage. However, water filtration and treatment must be performed to avoid clogging of the tubes. Water Requirements of Fresh Market Tomatoes. Water requirement studies were initiated on fresh market staked tomatoes. Spring 1990 crop plant water use averaged 9 to 10 inches to meet the evaporative demand. This does not include water necessary to meet the inefficiencies of the irrigation system, for plant establishment, or for system maintenance. Spring crop coefficients based on pan evaporation indicate plant water use ranged from 5% to 15% of pan evaporation during early growth, to 50% to 60% during the mid part of the season, and increasing to 80% to 100% during peak growth and development. Fall data are still being analyzed but show a similar trend with the crop coefficients. VEGETABLE CROP CULTURE A. A. Csizinszky A. Seepage (furrow) irrigated systems 1. Color mulch trials for tomatoes. In the fall season, cv. Sunny yields were best with yellow color mulch treated with a vegetable oil and with aluminum color mulch. Tomato yields with white (control), orange, orange with vegetable oil, and yellow without vegetable oil were significantly lower than with yellow color mulch treated with the oil. 2. Slow-release nitrogen sources for tomatoes cv. Solar Set. In studies conducted for 3 consecutive seasons, spring and fall 1989 and spring 1990, early yield of large fruits and early and seasonal yields of marketable fruits were best with a 50% oxamide:50% methylene urea N-source. Tomato yields with 100% oxamide, 100% methylene urea and 70% N03:30% NH4 (control) or other ratios of oxamide-methylene urea, had lower yields. Sulphur coated urea reduced large fruit yield and increased the proportion of small fruits. 3. Nitrogen and potassium rates and plant spacing for tomatoes. 'Sunny' tomatoes were grown in the spring of 1990 with four N & K rates, lx, 2x, 3x and 4x [Ix N and K rates were equivalent to 78 lb N and 129 lb K per acre (1 acre = 8712 linear bed ft)], and three in-row spacings, 18, 24, and 30 inches, in replicated trials. Yield of large fruit was highest with the 4x N & K rate (316 N and 525 K Ib/A). Medium and small fruit yields and marketable yields were highest with the 3x N & K rate (235 N and 390 K Ib/A). Large fruit yield was best with 30-inch spacing, medium and small fruit, and marketable yields were best with the 18-inch spacing. B. Micro (trickle)-irrigated system 1. Pre-plant soil-applied slow-release fertilizer sources and rates for 'Solar Set' tomato. Two plastic coated urea (PCU), a plastic coated KNO3 (PCK), and isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) N and K sources at two pre-plant rates, 25% or 50% of the total seasonal N-rate, were used for tomato production. The remaining amounts of the N and K were applied from a liquid fertilizer source. Control plots had 25% or 50% of the season's N-rate from 70% N03-N and 30% NH4-N soluble N-source. Studies were conducted during summer- fall (Aug.-Dec.) 1989 and spring (Feb.-May) 1990. Fruit size and total marketable yields were similar with all slow-release N and K sources to the conventional soluble N-source. 2. Soil and foliar-applied biostimulants for vegetables in sequential cropping system. Soil and foliar biostimulant (TRIGGRR), containing cytokinin-like compounds and macro and micronutrients, was applied to vegetables in a sequential cropping system during the summer-fall 1989, winter 1989-90 and spring 1990 season. Plastic mulch and micro-irrigation tubes were left in place and were the same for all 3 crop sequences. Vegetable crops, tomato and bell pepper in summer-fall, cauliflower and cabbage in fall-winter, cucumber and zucchini in spring, were treated with the commercial Triggrr preparations according to manufacturer's recommendations. Combinations of soil and foliar Triggrr treatments slightly increased marketable bell pepper yields, cabbage yields after a pepper pre-crop, and squash yields after pepper and cabbage crop sequence. Tomato and cucumber yields were similar or lower with the biostimulant than with other water treatments. 3. Investigation of the use of polvsorb soil amendment for micro- irrigated bell peppers. Bell pepper, cv. Bell Captain, was grown in fall 1990 with Ix, 2x and 3x rates (Ix = 50 Ib/A) of 'Alcosorb AB3C' gel (crosslinked polyacrylamide copolymer) at two placements, banded on the bed shoulders or broadcast in the full width of the bed. The Alcosorb was placed approximately 3 inches deep in the banded and 6 inches deep in the broadcast application. The non-treated control plots had higher yields of US Fancy (extra large) and total marketable fruits than any of the polyacrylamide gel treatments. 4. Foliar nutrient and biostimulant spray treatments for micro- irrigated bell peppers. Bell pepper, cv. Bell Captain, was treated with 3 rates of 'Librel RMx4' chelated micronutrient spray and with 'KeyPlex 360' biostimulant. In the control plots, peppers were grown with or without pre-plant soil applied micronutrients and were sprayed with water. The water-treated control plots, with or without the soil applied micronutrients, had higher marketable yields and larger fruit size than the nutrient spray treated plots. AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS PRODUCTION AND MARKETING J. W. Prevatt A cost analysis of a containerized tomato production system was conducted to determine the investment cost and the annual total production cost per acre. Break-even and sensitivity analyses also were evaluated to determine cost per unit relationships for various levels of marketable yield. Performed survey of agricultural land use for five counties in the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Data collected included type and acreage of crops grown, and irrigated acreage by crop and type of irrigation system. A cost analysis was conducted of semi-closed seepage, micro-irrigation, and fully enclosed seepage irrigation systems. This study evaluated the initial investment, annual fixed and variable costs associated with irrigating a 100-acre tomato crop in Southwest Florida. Evaluated Best Management Practices of vegetable production for the Lake Manatee Watershed Demonstration Project. Formulated economic considerations of adopting Best Management Practices. Incorporated risk in the optimal vegetable enterprise selection decision. Measured the effect of capital indebtedness and seasonality on expected returns and risk associated with fresh market vegetables. TOUR 1 VEGETABLE CROP IMPROVEMENT Page Topic 28 Bell Pepper Cultivar Trials T. K. Howe and W. E. Waters 30 Tomato Cultivar Trials T. K. Howe, J. W. Scott and W. E. Waters 32 Asparagus Production Feasibility D. N. Maynard 33 Icebox Watermelon Variety Evaluation D. N. Maynard 34 Standard Watermelon Variety Evaluation D. N. Maynard 35 Seedless Watermelon Variety Evaluation D. N. Maynard 37 Cantaloupe Variety Evaluation D. N. Maynard 38 Insect Resistance in Tomato D. J. Schuster and J. W. Scott 39 Miniature Dwarf Tomato Breeding J. W. Scott and B. K. Harbaugh 39 Tomato Bacterial Spot Resistance Breeding J. W. Scott, G. C. Somodi, and J. B. Jones 40 Tomato Heat Stable Nematode Resistance Genetics and Breeding - J. W. Scott, A. J. Overman, and G. C. Somodi 41 Tomato Bacterial Wilt Resistance Breeding J. W. Scott, G. C. Somodi, and J. B. Jones 41 Evaluation of Heat Tolerant Inbreds J. W. Scott 42 Southern Tomato Exchange Program Tomato Trial J. W. Scott 43 Tomato Fusarium Wilt Race 3 Resistance Breeding J. W. Scott and J. P. Jones 44 Tomato Breeding: Plant Habit, Parthenocarpy, Male Sterility, Shelf Life, and Target Spot Resistance J. W. Scott 45 Genetic Resistance Against Rough Blossom-End Scarring J. H. M. Barten and J. W. Scott 46 Tomato Fusarium Crown Rot Resistance Breeding J. W. Scott and J. P. Jones 47 Relationship of Volatile Compounds to Tomato Flavor Comppnents - J. W. Scott and Elizabeth A. Baldwin BELL PEPPER CULTIVAR TRIALS T. K. Howe and W. E. Waters Location: Objective: Crop: Block P, Land 1 To evaluate yield and horticultural characteristics of bell pepper cultivars and advanced breeding lines harvested at the green stage. Bell pepper; transplanted February 21, 1991; double row, 11 x 10 inch plant spacing; 5 ft row spacing. Replicated Entries (#1-15 are in trial statewide) Jupiter (op) Early Calwonder (op) Ssupersweet 860 Orobelle Memphis Bell Captain Galaxy Gator Belle Whopper Improved XPH 5693 Ranger Capistrano (op) PR 300-7 Thickwall Red King Arthur (PSX 10088) PSX 3187 PSX 72286 Crispy Belmont Empressa (XPH 5545) (op) PR 300-6 Verdel P-1288 Lamuyo NS 43504 PR 300-1 PR 300-2 PR 89-3 Bellguard (HMX 5661) Bell King (HMX 7653) Zerto Zico Observational Entries 33. PSX 8287 34. PSX 37786 Northrup King Asgrow Abbott & Cobb Northrup King Northrup King Petoseed Northrup King Petoseed Northrup King Asgrow Asgrow Petoseed Pepper Research Enza Zaden (Prec. Ag.) Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Burpee Asgrow Asgrow Pepper Research Northrup King Northrup King Neuman Neuman Pepper Research Pepper Research Pepper Research Harris Moran Harris Moran Nunhems (Canners) Nunhems (Canners) Petoseed Petoseed PSR 49587 PSX 88888 PSR 14890 NS 413 NS 412 NS 411 Park's Early Thickset 8076 9139 HMX 8862 Operation: Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Neuman Neuman Neuman Park Northrup King Northrup King Harris Moran The replicated (4 plots per entry) and observational (single plots) trials will be harvested at the mature green stage. Samples of fruit will be measured to determine pod length, diameter, wall thickness and lobe number. Yields will be computed by weight for each harvest and for the entire season. Subjective evaluations will be made on plant size, uniformity and habit, foliage cover, fruit habit, color and uniformity. TOMATO CULTIVAR TRIALS T. K. Howe, J. W. Scott, and W. E. Waters Location: Objective: Crop: Block P, Lands 2, 3 and 4 To evaluate yield and horticultural characteristics of tomato cultivars and advanced breeding lines harvested at the mature green stage or beyond. Fresh market tomato; row; 28.5 inch plant pruned. Replicated Entries transplanted February 20, 1991; single spacing; 5 ft row spacing; staked; not (#1-7,and 13 in trial statewide) 1. IFAS 7306 2. IFAS 7307 3. IFAS 7308 4. IFAS 7264 5. IFAS 7385 6. IFAS 7384 7. Solar Set 8. Cobia 9. Merced (NVH 4461) 10. Spitfire (FMX 157) 11. Summer Flavor 5000 12. Summer Flavor 6000 13. Sunny 14. Sunbeam (XPH 5628) 15. XPH 5796 16. FTE 24 17. PSR 853689 18. PSR 864189 19. Regency 20. Agriset 761 Observational Entries Duke FTE 12 Colonial Olympic PSR 855389 PSR 860889 PSR 868889 PSR 869089 NC 8911 NC 87175 NC 9022 NC 88112 NC 87294 NC 88289 IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS Asgrow Northrup King Northrup King Ferry-Morse Abbott & Cobb Abbott & Cobb Asgrow Asgrow Asgrow Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Harris Moran Agrisales Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed NCSU NCSU NCSU NCSU NCSU NCSU 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. HMX 8813 Mogambo Sunre 6589 Sunre 6590 87-27 88-17 STM 9102 ( STM 9202 ( STM 9203 (1 NUN 8066 870.189 IFAS 7303 IFAS 7304 IFAS 7406 IFAS 7407 IFAS 7262 IFAS 7389 IFAS 7248B IFAS 7249B IFAS 7267 IFAS 7296 IFAS 7362 IFAS 7368 38-28) 38-11) 39-12) Fusarium Race 3 Resis. Fusarium Race 3 Resis. Heat Heat Heat Heat Heat Heat Heat Heat Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant Mountain Gold (PVP) Mountain Spring (NC 87127) Park's Whopper VFNT Better Bush VFN Whirlaway FMX 174 Bingo Horizon Suncoast Flora-Dade Pacific Tango (NVH 4467) Santiago (NVH 4465) Bonita 8-12958 Piedmont Summit SR 600 SR 445 Rosario NS 262R NS 207 (plum) NS 273 (indeterminate) NS 269 (cherry) FMX 173 (cherry) Mountain Belle (cherry) Cherry Grande (cherry) Agristar Agriset 1000 Hayslip NCSU NCSU Park Park Ferry-Morse Ferry-Morse Ferry-Morse IFAS IFAS IFAS Asgrow Northrup King Northrup King Northrup King Northrup King NCSU NCSU Shamrock Shamrock Neuman Neuman Neuman Neuman Neuman Ferry-Morse NCSU Petoseed Agrisales Agrisales IFAS Harris Moran Sunseeds Sunseeds Sunseeds Sakata Sakata Sakata Sakata Sakata Nunhems(Canner's) Nunhems(Canner's) IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS Heat Tolerant Heat Tolerant Heat Tolerant Operation: The replicated trial (4 plots per entry) will be harvested at the mature green stage or beyond and the fruit sized as in commercial practice. Marketable yields will be assessed for each harvest and for the entire season. Subjective evaluations of all entries will be made on fruit characteristics, plant habit and general adaptability to Florida production. ASPARAGUS PRODUCTION FEASIBILITY STUDY D. N. Maynard and G. A. Clark Location: Objective: Planted: Fertilizer: Spacing: Irrigation: Block L, Land 12 To determine the feasibility of commercial production in southwest Florida. asparagus One-year old crowns planted on 18 February 1991. Preplant; 50-200-100 Ibs N-P205-K20/acre Fertigation; to provide 100-0-100 Ibs N-P205-K20/acre Beds on 5 ft. centers; in-row spacing is 18 in. Drip tubing installed 2 inches above crowns. Apollo Syn 4-362M Syn 4-51 Syn 4-53 Syn 4-56 Syn 4-MD10 UC 157F, Viola California Asparagus Seeds & Transplants Nourse Farms, Inc. Nourse Farms, Inc. Nourse Farms, Inc. Nourse Farms, Inc. Nourse Farms, Inc. California Asparagus Seeds & Transplants California Asparagus Seeds & Transplants Operation: Planting will be maintained for possible small harvest in Spring 1992 and regular harvests thereafter. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS 7374 7375 7376 7408 7392 IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS IFAS Entries: ICEBOX WATERMELON VARIETY EVALUATION D. N. Maynard Location: Objective: Planted: Fumigation: Fertilizer: SDacing: Entry and Plot No.: Block P, Lands 8, 9, 10, and 11 (ditch rows) To determine yield and quality of eight icebox watermelon varieties or experimental lines. The icebox watermelons serve as pollenizers for center rows of seedless watermelons in the same lands. 21 February 1991 MC-33, 3.6 lb/100 Ibf Incorporated; 0-20-0; 6 lb/100 Ibf Bands; 18-0-25; 11.5 lb/100 Ibf Beds on 9 ft. centers; per plot; plot size is Baby Gray Exp. 1184 Exp. 1185 Mickylee Minilee Sugar Baby S89J39-1 Tiger Baby in-row spacing 16 ft. Petoseed Northrup King Northrup King Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed CFREC Petoseed is 2 ft.; 8 plants Operation: Watermelons will be harvested at marketable maturity, counted, weighed individually, assessed for internal quality, and soluble solids determined. STANDARD WATERMELON VARIETY EVALUATION D. N. Maynard Location: Objective: Planted: Fumigation: Fertilizer: Spacina: Entry and Plot No.: Block P, Lands 8, 9, 10, and 11 (ditch rows) To determine yield and quality of 16 standard watermelon varieties or experimental lines. The standard watermelons serve as pollenizers for center rows of seedless watermelons in the same lands. 21 February 1991 MC-33; 3.6 lb/100 Ibf Incorporated; 0-20-0; 6 Tb/100 Ibf Banded; 18-0-25; 11.5 lb/100 Ibf Beds on 9 ft. centers; in-row spacing per plot; 16 ft. is plot size. Crimson Tide Early Jubilee Fiesta Hyb. 1152 Jubilation Jubilee II Mirage NVH 4200 Regency Royal Jubilee Royal Majesty Royal Star Royal Sweet Sangria Starbrite S90CW is 3 ft.; 8 plants Northrup King Petoseed Northrup King Northrup King Northrup King Asgrow Asgrow Northrup King Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Northrup King Asgrow CFREC Operation: Watermelons will be harvested at marketable maturity, counted, weighed individually, assessed for internal quality, and soluble solids determined. SEEDLESS WATERMELON VARIETY EVALUATION D. N. Maynard Location: Objective: Planted: Transplanted: Fumigation: Fertilizer: Spacing: Entry and Plot No.: Block P, Lands 8, 9, 10, and 11 (center rows) To determine yield and quality of 27 replicated and eight observational seedless watermelon varieties or experimental lines. Icebox and standard watermelons in the ditch rows of these lands serve as pollenizers. 29 January 1991 26 February 1991 MC-33; 3.6 lb/100 Ibf Incorporated; 0-20-0; 6 lb/100 Ibf Bands; 18-0-25; 11.5 lb/100 Ibf Beds on 9 ft. centers; in-row spacing per plot; plot size is 24 ft. R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8 R-9 R-10 R-11 R-12 R-13 R-14 R-15 R-16 R-17 R-18 R-19 R-20 R-21 R-22 R-23 R-24 R-25 R-26 R-27 CFREC 88-2 CFREC 89-4 CFREC 89-6 CFREC 89-10 CFREC 89-11 CFREC 90-2 CFREC 90-7 Crimson Trio HMX 7924 HMX 7928 HMX 7932 Honeyheart King of Hearts Laurel Nova NVH 4256 NVH 4296 Queen of Hearts Scarlet Trio Ssupersweet 2532 Ssupersweet 5032 Ssupersweet 5244 Ssupersweet 5344 Sweet Heart SWM 8702 (158) Tiffany Tri-X-313 is 3 ft.; 8 plants CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg Northrup King Harris Moran Harris Moran Harris Moran Petoseed Petoseed American Takii Sakata Northrup King Northrup King Petoseed Northrup King Abbott & Cobb Abbott & Cobb Abbott & Cobb Abbott & Cobb Park Seed Sakata Asgrow American Sunmelon CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg CFREC-Leesburg Operation: Watermelons will be harvested at marketable maturity, counted, weighed individually, assessed for internal quality, and soluble solids determined. 0-1 0-2 0-3 0-4 0-5 0-6 0-7 0-8 CFREC CFREC CFREC CFREC CFREC CFREC CFREC CFREC 88-1 88-3 89-7 89-8 89-9 89-13 90-1 90-6 CANTALOUPE VARIETY EVALUATION D. N. Maynard Block P, Land 12 To identify varieties with high production potential round/oval fruit with no or indistinct sutures, netting, and excellent internal quality. 22 February 1991 MC-33; 3.6 lb/100 Ibf having heavy Location: Objective: Planted: Fumigation: Fertilizer: Spacing: Entry and Plot No.: Beds on 5 ft. centers; per plot; plot size is 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. Argonaut Challenger Cruiser Durango Goldmark Hiline HMX 9583 HMX 9584 Hy-mark Mission Premier Primo Pronto PSR 189 PSX 30787 (Laredo) Road Runner Solid Gold SME 8101 Sunex 7006 Sunex 7007 Sunre 7029 Sunre 7030 Tasty Sweet Valley Gold in-row spacing is 2 ft.; 8 plants 16 ft. Northrup King Northrup King Harris Moran Petoseed Sunseeds Asgrow Harris Moran Harris Moran Petoseed Asgrow Abbott & Cobb Northrup King Abbott & Cobb Petoseed Petoseed Petoseed Northrup King Sakata Sunseeds Sunseeds Sunseeds Sunseeds Sunseeds Harris Moran Operation: Cantaloupes will be harvested at the full slip stage, counted, weighed, and external and internal quality assessments made. Incorporated; 0-20-0; 6 lb/100 Ibf Bands; 18-0-25; 11.5 lb/100 Ibf INSECT RESISTANCE IN TOMATO D. J. Schuster and J. W. Scott Location: Objective: Crop: Selections: Block B, Land 13 To develop Lycopersicon germplasm resistant to leafminers and to the sweetpotato whitefly. Tomato; transplanted March 6 and 27 'Sunny' PI-126449 - LA 1340 - 0639-0681 - 0927-0939 - susceptible standard leafminer & whitefly resistant standard (Lycopersicon hirsutum f. qlabratum) whitefly resistant standard (Lycopersicon pennellii) L. hirsutum f. glabratum derived germplasm L. pennellii derived germplasm Operation: Summary: Each plant will be evaluated at least once for leafmining damage and the numbers of sweetpotato whitefly immatures. Concomitantly, selected entries are being evaluated in the greenhouse for oviposition and development of leafminers and whiteflies. Individual plants indicating resistance to one or both of the insect species will be evaluated for horticultural characteristics and advancement in the germplasm development program. Last fall, certain selections with improved horticultural type indicated leafminer resistance intermediate between PI-126449 and Sunny. The resistance of PI-126449 is related to glandular trichomes on leaves and has been difficult to transfer to germplasm with good horticultural characteristics. Some of this germplasm has also indicated some resistance to the sweetpotato whitefly. Germplasm derived from L. pennellii is not far removed from the wild parent horticulturally. MINIATURE DWARF TOMATO BREEDING J. W. Scott and B. K. Harbaugh Location: Objective: Crop: Operation: Summary: Location: Objective: Crop: Operation: Summary: Block C, Land 13 To develop a miniature dwarf tomato variety with yellow fruit. Tomato, transplanted Feb. 26, 1991 Twenty-three yellow fruited, miniature dwarf breeding lines in the F6 generation are being evaluated in the field and in pots in a greenhouse. These lines are being considered for release as a companion variety for Micro-Tom. Detailed data are being taken in the greenhouse and pending results, such a release may be made late this year or in 1992. TOMATO BACTERIAL SPOT RESISTANCE BREEDING J. W. Scott, G. C. Somodi, and J. B. Jones Block C, Lands 14-18, Block N, Land 9 To develop inbred or hybrids with good horticultural type and resistance or tolerance to bacterial spot. Tomato, transplanted March 5, 1991 except hybrids in N9 transplanted on March 25, 1991. Two hundred forty-eight lines including 212 F3's were spray inoculated with a suspension of 108 cfu/ml of Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria (Xcv) and subsequently evaluated for horticultural type. Some of the lines have heat tolerance and are being assayed under spring conditions. Additionally, thirty-eight hybrids are being evaluated as possible varieties. It is unlikely that there will be adequate disease pressure this season so the more promising lines will be screened for Xcv resistance in the summer or early fall. It is anticipated that a few good parents will be derived from this early generation material. TOMATO HEAT STABLE NEMATODE RESISTANCE GENETICS AND BREEDING J. W. Scott, A. J. Overman, and G. C. Somodi Location: Block C, Lands 19-20 Objective: To determine the inheritance of nematode resistance from two genetic sources and develop breeding line releases for Florida. Crop: Tomato, transplanted Apr. 25, 1991 (estimated) Operation: Materials 1. PI 126443 Lycopersicon peruvianum var. qlandulosum resistant source 2. PI 129152 Lycopersicon peruvianum resistant source 3. Horizon susceptible control 4. Ohio NV8 Mi gene for resistance, not heat stable 5. Three homozygous resistant breeding lines derived from PI 129152 6. Two homozygous resistant breeding lines derived from PI 126443 7. Several F,'s of 5 & 6 above 8. Numerous other breeding lines Methods At the cotyledon stage, plants were dipped in a suspension of nematode eggs and transplanted to wooden flats containing sand and perlite. A suspension of nematode eggs was then injected in 4 places 1 cm from each plant so that 2000 eggs were placed near each plant. About 35 days later, the plants were dug and rated for gall formation. Resistant plants (primarily) were transplanted to the field for evaluation and in some cases, crossing for genetic studies. Summary: Preliminary indications are that both resistances are controlled by single dominant genes. The crossing this season should establish families to be used in definitive testing this fall. The genetic relationship of these resistances with each other and the Mi gene will also be studied. The genes are being incorporated to advanced breeding lines by backcrossing. Breeding lines may be released within 2 years. TOMATO BACTERIAL WILT RESISTANCE BREEDING J. W. Scott, G. C. Somodi, and J. B. Jones Location: Objective: Block C, Lands 25 and 26 To develop horticulturally resistance to bacterial wilt. acceptable inbreds with Tomato, transplanted Feb. 25, 1991 Operation: Summary: Location: Objective: Seventy-six lines derived from several resistance sources were inoculated with 5 ml of 5 x 107 cfu/ml of Pseudomonas solanacearum in Speedling trays when plants were 32 days old. Transplanting was done 5 days later and susceptible plants were reset with healthy plants for several weeks thereafter. Healthy plants will be rated for horticultural type when fruit ripen. It has been difficult to get consistent screening results and to recover a high level of resistance. Eighteen F,'s derived from two new sources from Taiwan (AVRDC) are also being tested in another land. EVALUATION OF TOMATO HEAT TOLERANT INBREDS J. W. Scott Block C, Land 32 To better evaluate the genetic potential of heat tolerant inbreds. Tomato, transplanted Feb. 26, 1991 Operation: Summary: Twenty-eight more advanced heat tolerant inbreds are being evaluated for horticultural performance. Most heat tolerant selection takes place in the summer. These lines are being tested this season because it is easier to discern potential fruit size and blossom scar size in the spring among other things. This will assist in determining which are the best lines to emphasize in the future. SOUTHERN TOMATO EXCHANGE PROGRAM (STEP) TOMATO TRIAL J. W. Scott Location: Objective: Crop : Operation: Block C, Land 30 To provide yield and quality data on breeding lines being considered for release by University breeding programs. Tomato, transplanted Feb. 26, 1991 A. Replicated Trial STEP # Flora-Dade Floradel STEP 709 STEP 714 STEP 716 STEP 717 STEP 722 STEP 724 Pediaree NC 87175 NC 87294 47-St-30 47-St-31 NC 88112 NC 88289 University Florida check line Florida check line North Carolina State North Carolina State Missouri Missouri North Carolina State North Carolina State B. Observational Trial Pediaree University Flora-Dade Floradel STEP 711 STEP 720 STEP 723 STEP 725 STEP 729 STEP 730 STEP 731 STEP 732 STEP 733 m-- Mo. Hy 117 ATH-59 NC 88286 Mo. 49-y 149 Iowa 90-9005 Iowa 90-9010 Iowa 90-10001 Fla. 7264 Fla. 7385 Florida check line Florida check line Missouri Auburn North Carolina State Missouri Iowa State Iowa State Iowa State Florida Florida Yield data will be taken on the replicated trial. Notes as to defects, taste, color,. firmness, and yield will be made on the observational trial and notes on the former 4 will be made on replicated lines. STEP trials are grown at several locations in the southeastern U.S. and Hawaii. In the observation trial, recommendations are made to continue to look at a line, drop it, or move it to the replicated trial. The data are used by breeders in assessing adaptation and making variety release decisions. STEP # Summary: TOMATO FUSARIUM WILT RACE 3 RESISTANCE BREEDING J. W. Scott and J. P. Jones Location: Objective: CroD: Operation: Summary: Block C, Lands 31, 32; Block M, Land 2 To develop improved inbreds (in C31-32) and hybrids (M2) with Fusarium Wilt race 3 resistance. Tomato, transplanted Feb. 26 (C31-32) and March 25, 1991 (M2) Sixty-three inbreds were inoculated by dipping plants at the cotyledon stage in a suspension of 107 spores/ml of the race 3 pathogen. Resistant plants were transplanted to the field for horticultural evaluation. Eleven new race 3 resistant hybrids are being evaluated for possible release. Two groups of inbreds looked promising last summer and fall. Hybrids were made within one of these groups which are being tested. If F,'s have some merit, they will be considered for release. Hybrids from the other inbred group will be made this spring for testing in the fall. Parents will also be considered for breeding line release. TOMATO BREEDING: PLANT HABIT, PARTHENOCARPY, MALE-STERILITY, SHELF-LIFE, AND TARGET SPOT RESISTANCE J. W. Scott Location: Block N, Lands 4-7 Objective: To develop breeding lines adapted to Florida conditions with as yet unavailable genetic improvements. CroD: Tomato, transplanted Feb. 22 and Feb. 25, 1991 Summary: These projects are in various stages of development. A brief summary will be given here for each. A. Plant Habit The objective is to develop plants with modified short internodes and extensive branching without apical dominance which would not require staking. It is hoped that such plants would not blow to one side of the plastic, would not outgrow the plastic, and would have adequate fruit cover. Most lines have been crossed with a brachytic (br) mutant to enhance the above branching characteristics. Extensive evaluation is needed to assess the level of development still required for breeding line releases. B. Parthenocarpy Genetically seedless tomatoes theoretically could set fruit when conditions are not conducive to the pollination and fertilization process. Past work indicated that parthenocarpic expression is better under cool than hot conditions. Expression of parthenocarpy has been erratic between seasons. The genetic background appears critical to expression, thus it is not a simply inherited characteristic from a practical point of view. A modest effort to obtain breeding lines with good fruit set, size, and quality under Florida conditions is underway. C. Male-sterility is being backcrossed into a few parent lines to facilitate production of experimental seed volumes. Ultimately, a male-sterile seed parent could be used to reduce seed production costs and increase seed availability on a commercial scale. Some steriles have a seedling marker called anthocyanless (a) and some have an isozyme marker peroxidase 2 (Prx-2) to aid in selection of sterile segregants. D. Shelf Life A ripening inhibitor gene (rin) is being backcrossed into several parent lines. When a line with rin is crossed with a normal tomato, the hybrid has an extended shelf life due to enzymatically slowed ripening. Such a hybrid could allow for a more advanced stage of harvesting and shipping without appreciable postharvest losses. This concept requires considerable testing. E. Target Spot Resistance Thirty BC2F3 lines are being evaluated primarily for horticultural type. Strong vines are being emphasized. Resistance will be evaluated in the fall. Another cross is probably required before breeding line releases will be possible. GENETIC RESISTANCE AGAINST ROUGH BLOSSOM-END SCARRING J. H. M. Barten and J. W. Scott Location: Objective: Block N, Land 10 To identify relationships between several genes that influence blossom-end morphology and their usefulness in breeding for smooth blossom-end scars. Tomato, transplanted on March 5 Operation: Summary: Four accessions with mutant genes influencing blossom-end morphology were obtained from the Tomato Genetics Stock Center (n in LA2353, bk in LA986, Bk-2 in LA1787 and Dst in LA2-5). Three breeding lines that had nippled fruits without the associated leaf curl are being tested for allelism with these mutant genes and each other. Parent, F, and F2 generations are grown and the amount of nippling will be scored for individual plants. The nipple-tip gene (n), which codes for a pointed blossom- end, especially in young fruits, is generally used to breed for blossom-end smoothness. However, occasional problems with beakiness in mature fruits and leaf curl which is linked to n and can increase foliar disease problems, prompted the search for alternatives. Three breeding lines were obtained that showed nippling without the associated leaf curl. The present study investigates whether these genotypes contain new, undescribed genes, or previously reported genes without the linkage to leaf curl. This is part of a larger project aimed at establishing efficient breeding strategies for incorporation of blossom-end smoothness. TOMATO FUSARIUM CROWN ROT RESISTANCE BREEDING J. W. Scott and J. P. Jones Location: Objective: Operation: Summary: Block N, Land 10 To develop inbreds with good horticultural type and resistance to Fusarium crown rot. Tomato, transplanted March 12, 1991 Plants at the cotyledon stage were inoculated by dipping roots into a suspension of 107 spores/ml of the crown rot pathogen and transplanting into a medium of peat and vermiculite amended with 0.75 g/l CaC03 to obtain a pH of 5. Disease symptoms were read 10 days later and resistant plants were transplanted to Speedling trays with media at pH 6.5 They were evaluated for horticultural type in the field. This disease has caused considerable problems in Florida. It appears another cross will be needed adequate fruit size for commercial acceptance. line releases are the likely end product. southwest to obtain Breeding RELATIONSHIP OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS TO TOMATO FLAVOR COMPONENTS J. W. Scott and Elizabeth A. Baldwin1 Location: Objectives: Crop: Block N, Land 11 1) To assay new and old varieties for flavor and volatiles to determine relationships between the two. 2) To define off flavors in tomato and determine if these flavors relate to specific volatiles. Tomato, transplanted March 5, 1991 Operation: Summary: In the first experiment the following varieties are being grown; Rutgers, Better Boy, Manalucie, Manapal, Jefferson, Celebrity, Sunny, Solar Set, Flora-Dade, Walter, Duke, and Olympic. Taste panel work will be done to discern the varieties with the most desirable and least desirable flavor. These types will be characterized for volatile compounds to distinguish if there are common differences in an attempt to find important volatiles which would then be selected for in breeding. In the second experiment 33 breeding lines with off-flavors noted in 1990 will be tasted and the off-flavors will be grouped as to type of off flavor. These groups will be compared to each other and controls (Solar Set) to try to identify volatiles which might be associated with a particular off-flavor. The importance of volatiles to tomato flavor has been reported but little is known about which of the 400 or so volatiles present are of most importance. These experiments should provide some clues as to volatiles which are related to good and poor flavor. This information may lead to further experiments which will help us in our understanding of the complexities of tomato flavor and ultimately assist in breeding efforts for improved flavor. 'USDA, Winter Haven TOUR 2 VEGETABLE CROP PROTECTION Paqe Topic 49 Phytotoxicity and Movement of Cobra in Tomato Middles J. P. Gilreath 50 Phytotoxicity of Ignite to Tomato J. P. Gilreath 51 Squash Plant Dessication with Diquat and Gramoxone Super J. P. Gilreath 51 Fusarium Crown Rot of Tomato J. P. Jones and S. S. Woltz 52 Fusarium Wilt of Tomato I J. P. Jones and J. W. Scott 53, Fusarium Wilt of Tomato II J. P. Jones and J. W. Scott 54 Control of Early Blight of Tomato J. P. Jones and J. B. Jones 54 Fusarium Crown Rot of Tomato J. P. Jones and S. S. Woltz 55 Evaluation of Danitol for Sweetpotato Whitefly Control D. J. Schuster 56 Sweetpotato Whitefly Field Cage Study D. J. Schuster 57 Evaluation of Insecticides for Armyworm Control D. J. Schuster 58 Evaluation of Insecticides for Sweetpotato Whitefly Control - D. J. Schuster 59 Evaluation of Potential Trap Crops for the Sweetpotato Whitefly - D. J. Schuster 60 Evaluation of Possible Pepper Weevil Pheromones D. J. Schuster 61 Impact of Bioregulators on Irregular Ripening of Tomato D. J. Schuster 62 Tomato Bacterial Wilt Screening Procedure G. C. Somodi, J. W. Scott, and J. B. Jones PHYTOTOXICITY AND MOVEMENT OF COBRA IN TOMATO MIDDLES J. P. Gilreath Location: Objective: Crop: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Block E, Land 2 To determine the movement and phytotoxicity potential of Cobra during periods of high rainfall. Tomato, cv. Sunny, transplanted 25 March 1. Untreated 2. Cobra 0.50 Ib.a.i./A pretransplant 3. Cobra 0.50 Ib.a.i./A postemergence Simulated rainfall applied to row middles via irrigation after application of each treatment. overhead Cobra was applied pre or posttransplant and overhead water was applied to all plots within 24 hours of application. Plots were irrigated with 5 to 6 inches of water to simulate the leaching conditions of heavy rains. Plants were evaluated at intervals for injury. Soil samples were collected at the same time to determine the position of Cobra in the soil profile via bioassay. Although Cobra has a very low water solubility (similar to Goal), this research is being conducted to determine if damage could result under conditions similar to those which existed several years ago when Goal was purported to cause damage to a commercial tomato crop in the Naples area. PHYTOTOXICITY OF IGNITE TO TOMATO J. P. Gilreath Location: Objective: Treatments: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Block E, Land 2 To determine the extent of phytotoxicity of Ignite to tomato when allowed to contact tomato foliage during directed application to tomato row middles. Tomato, cv. Sunny, transplanted 25 March Treatment no. Ignite rate (Ib.a.i./A) 0.0 0.50 0.75 1.0 0.50 0.75 1.0 0.50 0.75 1.0 Growth staoe Ignite was applied as a directed spray at the rates and times indicated above to the foliage on the lower 6 inches of tomato plants. Phytotoxicity was evaluated at intervals and yield effects if any will be determined. Previous research on commercial farms indicated the extent of damage with Ignite was the same as or less than that associated with paraquat (Gramoxone Super). The upward translocation along affected stems occasionally observed with paraquat has not been observed with Ignite. This research is being conducted to better ascertain the validity of these observations. staae |-- SQUASH PLANT DESSICATION WITH DIQUAT AND GRAMOXONE SUPER J. P. Gilreath Location: Objective: Crops: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Location: Block E, Land 6 To evaluate Diquat and Gramoxone Super as dessicants for acorn and summer squash plants at the end of the season as part of crop sanitation management program. 'Taybelle' acorn squash and 'Dixie' summer squash Treatment No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Herbicide Diquat Diquat Diquat Gramoxone Gramoxone Gramoxone Rate (lb.a.i./A) 0.25 0.375 0.50 0.25 0.375 0.50 Treatments will be applied to crop foliage at the end of the season similar to the commercial timing. Assessments will be made of percentage crop dessication at intervals of 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after application. Research conducted during 1989 and 1990 was the basis for the registration of Diquat for destruction of a number of crops in Florida as a management tool for sweet potato whitefly hosts. This research is being conducted to fine tune the dosage response of these two squash types to Diquat and Gramoxone Super. FUSARIUM CROWN ROT OF TOMATO J. P. Jones and S. S. Woltz Block P, Land 15 Objective: Evaluate the effect of two tomato varieties and one pepper variety on the overseasoning of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici Variables: I. Tomato varieties 1. Sunny susceptible 2. Ohio 89-1 resistant II. Pepper variety 1. Jupiter Cultural Data: 1. Set in field 3/11/91 2. Drip irrigation FUSARIUM WILT OF TOMATO I J. P. Jones and J. W. Scott Location: Objective: Variables: Block A, Land 16 Determine the effect of overseasoning on survival of races 1, 2, and 3 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. yIcopersici I. Varieties (season 1 and 2) 1. Bonny Best (susc. to races 1, 2, and 3) 2. Manapal (resist. to race 1, susc. to races 2 & 3) 3. Walter (resist. to races 1 & 2, susc. to race 3) 4. Rutgers (susc. to all races, tolerant to race 1) 5. 13 (resist. to all races) II. Variety (season 3) 1. Bonny Best Cultural Data: 1. Field fumigated and infested with races 1, 2, & 3 fall, 1989. Varieties set and grown until December, 1989. 2. No crop December until fall, 1990 3. Second crop of varieties grown from September to December, 1990. 4. Bonny Best set March, 1991 5. Drip irrigation FUSARIUM WILT OF TOMATO II J. P. Jones and J. W. Scott Location: Objective: Variables: Cultural Data: 1. Block A, Land 17 Determine the effect of overseasoning on survival of Fusarium oxvsporum f. sp. Iycopersici races 1, 2, & 3 I. Varieties (season 1) 1. Bonny Best (susc. to all races) 2. Manapal (resist. to race 1, susc. to races 2 & 3) 3. Walter (resist. to races 1 & 2, susc. to race 3) 4. Rutgers (susc. to all races, tolerant to race 1) 5. 13 (resist. to all races) II. Varieties (season 2) 1. Bonny Best (susc. to all races) 2. Manapal (resist. to race 1, susc. to races 2 & 3) 3. Walter (resist. to races 1 & 2, susc. to race 3) 4. Rutgers (susc. to all races, tolerant to race 1) 5. 13 (resist. to all races) Field fumigated and infested with races 1, 2, and 3 spring, 1990.. Varieties set and grown until June 1990. 2. No crop until spring, 1991. Set next crop March 11, 1991. 3. Drip irrigation. CONTROL OF EARLY BLIGHT OF TOMATO J. P. Jones and J. B. Jones Location: Objective: Block A, Land 19 Evaluate several fungicides alone and in combination for the control of early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani Treatments: Cultural Data: Fungicides and Rates 1. Bravo 720 2. Bravo 82.5 3. Bravo-Copper 4. Chipco 5. Bravo 720 + Chipco 6. Manzate 200 7. Manzate 200 + TBCS 8. Thiram 9. Bravo 720 + Benlate 10. Ridomil-Copper 11. Ridomil-Bravo 12. Control 1. Variety: Sunny 2. Set 3/19/91 3. Treatments: applied 4. Irrigation: seep 2.0 1.8 5.6 2.0 1.0 2.0 1.5 6.0 1.0 1.5 1.6 pt lb lb lb pt + 1.0 lb lb lb + 4.0 lb lb pt + 0.5 lb lb lb once weekly FUSARIUM CROWN ROT OF TOMATO J. P. Jones and S. S. Woltz Location: Objective: Variables: Block A, Land 20 Determine the effect of soil pH, nitrogen source, and sodium chloride on development of crown rot of tomato Soil pH: 7.0 vs 5.0 Nitrogen source: Amr Sodium chloride: Na( nonia vs Nitrate :1 (1000 Ib/A) vs no NaCI Cultural Data: Variety: Sunny Set: 3/5/91 Irrigation: seep EVALUATION OF DANITOL FOR SWEETPOTATO WHITEFLY CONTROL D. J. Schuster Block A, Lands 13-14 Evaluate the pyrethroids, Asana XL and Danitol, combined with Monitor for management of the sweetpotato whitefly, irregular ripening (IRR) and geminivirus on tomato. Tomato, cv. Sunny; transplanted March 8 Treatments: Operation: Summary: 1. Check (water) 2. Asana XL 0.66EC (0.05 lb ai) + Monitor 4EC (0.75 lb ai) 3. Danitol 2.4EC (0.2 lb ai) + Monitor 4EC (0.75 lb ai) Treatments will be applied weekly on a per acre basis at 200 psi beginning March 15. At least two counts of crawlers, sessile nymphs and pupae of the sweetpotato whitefly will be made. Yellow pan traps will be placed weekly in each plot for 24 hrs the day after spraying. All plants in each plot will be inspected weekly beginning one week after transplanting for geminivirus. The plastic will be marked with paint for those showing definite symptoms. Fruit will be harvested at least once. The number and weight of fruit and the number showing symptoms of IRR will be determined. The combination of pyrethroids (ie. Asana XL and Danitol) with organophosphates (ie. Monitor) has appeared more effective against the sweetpotato whitefly than when either is applied alone. In an experiment last fall, the combinations suggested some delay in geminivirus although the differences from the check were not significant. Larger plots are being utilized to try and better measure this effect. Location: Crop: SWEETPOTATO WHITEFLY FIELD CAGE STUDY D. J. Schuster Location: Objective: Crop: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Block B, Land 6 To evaluate the relationship between density of the sweetpotato whitefly and severity of irregular ripening on tomato. Tomato, cv. Sunny, transplanted March 22 No whiteflies 5 whitefly pairs 25 pairs 50 pairs Plant disease control will be maintained by twice weekly applications of fungicide/bactericides. Sweetpotato whiteflies for release will come from a colony on tomato. The release will be made when plants have approximately 5 true leaves. Plants in uninfested cages will be sprayed at least weekly with a combination of Danitol and Monitor to help ensure they remain whitefly-free. All cages will be monitored weekly and sprayed with Bacillus thurinqiensis should they become infested with armyworms. Mites will be controlled by releases of predaceous mites. Each plant in each cage will be sampled weekly for immature lifestages of the sweetpotato whitefly. Fruit will be harvested in the mature green stage, held in paper bags for ripening and rated for severity of irregular ripening. The relationship between whitefly density and irregular ripening will be described mathematically. Previous experiments in field cages and in insecticide trials have indicated a relationship between density of the sweetpotato whitefly and severity of irregular ripening. A more detailed understanding of this relationship may enable the formulation of a threshold of whitefly density that could be tolerated without losses to irregular ripening. EVALUATION OF INSECTICIDES FOR ARMYWORM CONTROL D. J. Schuster Location: Objective: Block B, Land 9 Evaluate management biological and chemical insecticides of armyworm larvae on tomato. Crop: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Tomato, cv. Sunny; transplanted March 5 1. Check (water) 2. MK 243 0.16EC (0.01 lb ai) 3. MK 243 0.16EC (0.005 lb ai) 4. ABG 6314 WP (1.0 lb product) 5. ABG 6314 WP (0.5 lb product) 6. Dipel 2X WP (1.0 lb product) 7. Condor OF (1.5 qt product) 8. Cutlass WP (2 lb product) 9. Foil OF (3 qt product) 10. Javelin WG (1.0 lb product) 11. Diatomaceous Earth (3.0 lb product, as dust) 12. Lannate 1.8EC (0.45 lb ai) Treatments will be applied on a per acre basis with a hand- held sprayer beginning about 3 weeks after transplanting. The number of armyworm larvae and large (>0.5 inch) and small (<0.5 inch) leafmines will be recorded per minute search in each plot at least once. At least one harvest will be completed, separating fruit damaged by armyworm larvae and counting and weighing them. The avermectin MK 243 has demonstrated efficacy against both leafminers and armyworm larvae on tomato in a previous study. The other products with the exceptions of diatomaceous earth and Lannate are new formulations and new strains of Bacillus thurinaiensis which may have greater activity against armyworm larvae. for EVALUATION OF INSECTICIDES FOR SWEETPOTATO WHITEFLY CONTROL D. J. Schuster Location: Objective: Crop: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Block B, Lands 10-12 Evaluate new and old insecticides alone or combined for management of the sweetpotato whitefly, irregular ripening (IRR) and geminivirus on tomato. Tomato, cv. Sunny; transplanted March 14 1. Check (water) 2. Lorsban 50WP (1.0 lb ai) + Asana XL 0.66EC (0.05 lb ai) 3. Lorsban 50WP (1.0 lb ai) alternated with Asana XL 0.66EC 0.05 lb ai) 4. Lorsban 50WP (1.0 lb ai) + Saf-T-Side Oil (1% v/v product) 5. "New" Agri-Mek 0.15EC (0.01 lb ai) 6. "Old" Agri-Mek 0.15EC (0.01 lb ai) 7. "Old" Agri-Mek 0.15EC (0.01 lb ai)+ Saf-T-Side Oil (1% v/v) 8. RH-9999 20WP (0.20 lb ai) + Triton B-1956 (0.06% v/v) 9. RH-9999 20WP (0.10 lb ai) + Triton B-1956 (0.06% v/v) 10. RH-9999 20WP (0.05 lb ai) + Triton B-1956 (0.06% v/v) 11. Margosan-O 3% (20 ppm ai) 12. Danitol 2.4EC (0.2 lb ai) + Monitor 4EC (0.75 lb ai) 13. Trophy 1EC (0.03 lb ai) + Lorsban 50WP (1.0 lb ai) 14. Foil OF (3 qt product) 15. SN 85292 40SC (0.38 lb ai) Treatments will be applied weekly on a per acre basis at 200 psi beginning March 21. At least two counts of crawlers, sessile nymphs and pupae of the sweetpotato whitefly will be made. All plants in each plot will be inspected weekly beginning one week after transplanting for geminivirus. The plastic will be marked with paint for those showing definite symptoms. Fruit will be harvested at least once. The number and weight of fruit and the number showing symptoms of IRR will be determined. Combinations of pyrethroids (ie. Asana XL, Danitol and Trophy) with organophosphates (ie. Monitor and Lorsban) have indicated more efficacy against the sweetpotato whitefly than when applied alone. Previous experiments have suggested that combining oils with insecticides may improve their activity against the whitefly. RH-9999 is a neem product and will be compared with the commercial neem product Margosan-O. Neem has demonstrated efficacy in previous laboratory and greenhouse trials. Foil is a flowable oil formulation of Bacillus thurinqiensis strains and SN 85292 is an insect growth regulator that have indicated efficacy previously. EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL TRAP CROPS FOR THE SWEETPOTATO WHITEFLY D. J. Schuster Location: Objective: Crops: Block B, Land 15; transplanted March 28 Evaluate selected horticultural crops for potential as trap crops for management of the sweetpotato whitefly. Tomato, cv. Sunny Eggplant, cv. Blackbell Okra, cv. Hybrid Annie Oakley Sunflower, cv. Teddy Bear Squash, cv. Dixie Collards, cv. Georgia Southern or Creole Operation: Summary: Dipel 2X will be applied twice weekly for control of armyworm larvae. Every two weeks, 10 leaves will be collected from each plot. Fifty cm2 disks will be cut from each, placed in FondaTM ice cream cartons and held for adult emergence. The numbers of adult sweetpotato whiteflies and whitefly parasites will be counted. Each plot will be examined periodically for predators of the sweetpotato whitefly. Every week, all plants will be examined for geminivirus and marked. The crops are being evaluated as potential trap crops for the sweetpotato whitefly and as in-field sources of natural enemies of the whitefly. Laboratory studies have indicated that the order of ovipositional preference of the sweetpotato whitefly is as follows: eggplant > squash > tomato > cucumber > bean > okra. Preliminary observations in the field suggest that a greater percentage of whitefly parasites were observed on eggplant than on the other crops. Laboratory trials suggest that the tomato geminivirus is not transmitted to eggplant or okra by the whitefly. EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE PEPPER WEEVIL PHEROMONES D. J. Schuster Location: Objective: Crop: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Block B, north half of Land 15 To evaluate the attractiveness to adult pepper weevils of volatile chemicals extracted from male weevil adults and from damaged pepper plants. Bell pepper, cv. Jupiter; transplanted March 8 Control Extract Pepper Pepper Pepper Weevil (hexane w/BHT) of damaged pepper plants weevil extracts 1 and 2 weevil extract 3 weevil extracts 1, 2, and extracts 1, 2, and 3 + pl 3 ant extract Six boll weevil traps will be placed at about the top of the plant canopy about 10-12 ft apart. Vial caps containing 10 m of the various extracts will be randomly assigned to the traps. After 24-48 hrs, the number of weevils captured will be determined and the position of the traps changed to overcome possible location affects in the field. Captured adults will be sexed. Previous studies have suggested that adult males of the pepper weevil produce volatile chemicals (pheromone) that attract both sexes of the pepper weevil. If such an aggregation pheromone system could be identified for this pest, it could be used to detect infestations earlier and to monitor population development. This information could lead to improved management of the weevil. Preliminary results suggest that some of the weevil extracts are attractive. IMPACT OF BIOREGULATORS ON IRREGULAR RIPENING OF TOMATO D. J. Schuster Location: Objective: CroD: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Block B, NE end of Land 15 To investigate the possibility of using bioregulators to overcome external and internal irregular ripening (incomplete ripening or colorization) of tomato fruit. Tomato, cv. Better Boy, transplanted March 14 1. Control (0.1% Tween 80) 2. DCPTA 10ppm + OETA 10ppm + 0.1% Tween 80 3. OETA 10ppm + 0.1% Tween 80 4. DCPTA 10ppm + 0.1% Tween 80 Seeds were soaked for 6 hrs, air-dried and planted in trays on January 25. Plants were set March 14 in a randomized block design with 4 replicates. Densities of immature lifestages of the sweetpotato whitefly will be monitored periodically. Fruit will be harvested in the mature green stage and placed into paper bags for ripening. Each fruit will be rated for severity of external and internal symptoms of irregular ripening. The bioregulators DCPTA and OETA have been shown in greenhouse studies to increase vegetative growth and fruit yield of tomato grown from treated seed. Intensity of red coloration was also increased which, it is hoped, will enable plants to overcome, at least in part, the irregular ripening disorder caused by the sweetpotato whitefly. TOMATO BACTERIAL WILT SCREENING PROCEDURE G. C. Somodi, J. W. Scott, and J. B. Jones Location: Objective: Operation: Block M, Land 1 To determine the most reliable disease screening procedure to differentiate resistant from susceptible plants. Tomato, transplanted March 1, 1991 Genotypes 1. Hawaii 7997 resistant 2. Walter susceptible 3. Horizon susceptible jointless tomato used in 'adjacent' treatments Treatments 1. 108 cfu/ml 2. 108 cfu/ml 3. 107 cfu/ml 4. 10' cfu/ml 5. 106 cfu/ml 6. 107 cfu/ml 7. 108 cfu/ml 8. untreated wounded (cfu = colony forming units) unwounded wounded unwounded applied to adjacent plant applied to adjacent plant applied to adjacent plant controls Seedlings at the cotyledon stage were transplanted to Speedling trays (1.5" cells). Thirty-two days later a 5 ml suspension of Pseudomonas solanacearum was applied to the plants in the trays as prescribed by the above treatments. Treatments 1-4 were applied to Hawaii 7997 and Walter. Wounding consisted of cutting the roots before inoculation 1 cm from the plant base by thrusting a knife straight down into the soil. Treatments 5 to 7 were given to unwounded Horizon plants. Three days after treatments were applied, plants were transplanted to the field in a randomized block design with 10 plants per plot and 4 blocks. The adjacent treatments consisted of planting the infected Horizon plants 1" from either Hawaii 7997 or Walter in the plots. Plants were rated for bacterial wilt on a weekly basis. We have had problems obtaining reliable screening results from season to season. When the weather is hot and wet in the late summer, the disease is so severe that inoculation methods which work well in the spring overcome the resistance. In the previous experiment it was shown that 108 cfu was the best concentration for differentiating H7997 and Walter. The adjacent treatment was the next most promising. The effect of wounding has not been clear. This experiment should help in determining the best treatment to use in the spring and will be compared to fall experiments. Summary: TOUR 3 VEGETABLE CROP PRODUCTION PaEe Topic 64 Water Requirements and Crop Coefficients of Tomatoes G. A. Clark, C. D. Stanley, and A. A. Csizinszky 65 Fully Enclosed Subirrigation Systems G. A. Clark, C. D. Stanley, and A. A. Csizinszky 66 Slow-Release Nitrogen Sources and Rates for Tomatoes with the Fully Enclosed Irrigation System A, A. Csizinszky, C. D. Stanley, and G. A. Clark 67 Potassium Rate and Source Effects on Tomato Yield and Quality - A. A. Czisinszky 68 Evaluation of Mulch Color for Tomatoes A. A. Csizinszky and D. J. Schuster 69 Watermelon Microirrigation D. N. Maynard and G. A. Clark 70 Bravo Phytotoxicity on Watermelon Fruit D. N. Maynard 71 Nitrate Movement as Affected by Timing of Application C. D. Stanley, G. A. Clark, and A. A. Csizinszky WATER REQUIREMENTS AND CROP COEFFICIENTS OF TOMATOES G. A. Clark, C. D. Stanley, and A. A. Csizinszky Location: Objective: Crop: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Block L, Land 5 To measure tomato plant water use for developing irrigation requirements, irrigation scheduling guidelines, and crop water use coefficients. Tomato, cv. Sunny; transplanted March 4 1. Water table set at 16 inches 2. Water table set at 28 inches Plants are grown in field lysimeters (containers) which are connected to a water table level control and drainage sump. Water is applied daily by microirrigation. Excess applications are conveyed by the drainage system to a measurement container. Water table levels are maintained by a float valve connected to a water reservoir and by a drainage system to capture excess water. Weekly water budgets are maintained by measuring all water additions and subtractions from the system. The study is currently in progress and results are still preliminary. FULLY ENCLOSED SUBIRRIGATION SYSTEM Location: Objective: Crots: Treatments: Operation: Summary: 6. A. Clark, C. D. Stanley, and A. A. Csizinszky Block M, Lands 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 To evaluate and demonstrate a fully enclosed subirrigation system for irrigation of field crops by using drip irrigation tubes rather than field ditches, to convey water to a field for water table maintenance. Tomato, cv. Sunny; transplanted March 4 Sorghum; seeded March 8 1. Tubes in tomato field row middles set 20 ft apart, on surface 2. Tubes set on 20 ft centers in sorghum plots at depths of: A. 1 inch B. 6 inches C. 16 inches Drip tubes with a water discharge rate of 3 gpm per 1000 ft length are operated to maintain a water table between 16 and 20 inches of the ground surface. The water supply is filtered and periodically chlorinated to avoid clogging of the drip emitters. The study is currently in progress and results are still preliminary. Previous results indicate water savings of 25 to 40 percent when compared to ditch conveyed semi- closed subirrigation (seepage). Most water savings result from the complete reduction of tailwater runoff and from uniform application of water to the field. SLOW-RELEASE NITROGEN SOURCES AND RATES FOR TOMATOES WITH THE FULLY ENCLOSED SEEPAGE IRRIGATION SYSTEM A. A. Csizinszky, C. D. Stanley, and G. A. Clark Location: Objective: Crop: Treatments: Block M, Land 3 To evaluate N-rates and combinations of slow-release (SR) and soluble (N03-N)-N sources for staked fresh-market tomatoes with the fully enclosed seepage irrigation system. Tomato, cv. Sunny, transplanted on Feb. 26, 1991 Pint Non. N-rate (ib/A) 100 100 100 100 200 200 200 200 300 300 300 300 400 400 400 400 SR:N03-N (%) 0:100 50:50 70:30 100:0 0:100 50:50 70:30 100:0 0:100 50:50 70:30 100:0 0:100 50:50 70:30 100:0 Phosphorous was applied at 105 Ib/A (P205) for all treatments. Potassium (K20) was applied at 1N:2K20. Plant heights and soil temperatures will be measured periodically during the season, soil and tissue samples for macro and micronutrient analyses will be collected 4 times. Fruit quantity and quality will be measured at harvest. Irrigation is provided by Chapin Cane turbulent tubes buried near the bed at every 20 ft. Water table is maintained at approximately 16 inches below the top of the bed. Water table is monitored by wells installed in the beds and the amount of irrigation is measured. Pl _. o No POTASSIUM RATE AND SOURCE EFFECTS ON TOMATO YIELD AND QUALITY A. A. Csizinszky Location: Objectives: Block 0, Land 1 To maximize source. tomato yield as influenced by K rate and K Tomato, cv. Sunny; transplanted March 18, 1991 Treatments: Plot No K-source K rate (K-O bI/Al KC1 KC1 KC1 KC1 KN03 KNO3 KNO3 KNO3 K2SO4 K2S04 K2SO4 K2SO4 0 (control) 80 160 240 320 80 160 240 320 80 160 240 320 Nitrogen was applied at 200 Ib/A from NH4NO3 and phosphorous at 122 Ib/A (P205) from 0-20-0. Experimental design was a split-plot arranged in a randomized complete block, replicated four times. Nutrient concentrations in soil and in leaves will be analysed three times during the season. Fruits will be analysed for macronutrients, harvest and firmness and color of ripe fruit will be measured. A number of studies indicate that some fruit disorders may be minimized with adequate potassium. However, excessive K rates may reduce fruit yield and quality. The information gained from this study should provide data for K sources and rates for maximizing tomato yields. Crop: Summary: EVALUATION OF MULCH COLOR FOR TOMATOES A. A. Csizinszky and D. J. Schuster Location: Objective: Block P, Land 6 To evaluate the effect of various tomato yields and insect control. mulch colors have on Crop: Treatments: Operation: Summary: Tomato, cv. Sunny, transplanted Feb. 13, 1991 1. Black 2. Yellow (+Natur-L cotton seed oil on plastic) 3. Yellow 4. Orange (+Saf-T-Side petroleum-based oil on plants) 5. Orange 6. Aluminum Black polyethylene (1.5 mil) was sprayed with oil-based paints as indicated above. Color treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block, replicated 4 times. Soil temperature and plant growth will be measured periodically. Number of geminivirus infected plants will be taken weekly. At harvest, fruits from plants that developed geminivirus symptoms on the same date, will be picked separately from each treatment, and graded for size. Insect populations will be monitored throughout the season. Plants will be sprayed against plant pathogens and with Bacillus thuringiensis preparation against larvae of LeDidopterous insects on a preventive basis. In spring when geminivirus infection was not observed, plants on black control and aluminum mulches had the highest yields. In fall, when geminivirus affected the plants, symptom development was delayed by orange mulch (with or without oil). Yields in 1989 fall were best with orange color, but in 1990 fall, yields were best with the yellow mulch. WATERMELON MICROIRRIGATION D. N. Maynard and G. A. Clark Location: Objective: Planted: Fertilizer: Fumigation: SDacina: Treatments: Varieties: Operation: Block L, Lands 9, 10, and 11 To determine the effects of three rates of water application on yields and fruit quality of five watermelon varieties. Direct seeded on 1 March 1991 0-50-0 Ibs N-P205-K20/acre incorporated 160-0-240 Ibs N-P2O,-K20/acre fertigated in a 12-week application schedule MC-33, 2.4 lb/100 Ibf 24-inch wide beds on 9 ft. centers; 30 inch in-row spacing 1. 0.3 gpm/100 Ibf 2. 0.5 gpm/100 Ibf 3. 0.65 gpm/100 Ibf 1. Crimson Sweet 2. Picnic 3. Royal Jubilee 4. Sangria 5. Tiger Baby Watermelons will be harvested at marketable maturity, counted, weighed individually, assessed for internal quality, and soluble solids determined. BRAVO PHYTOTOXICITY ON WATERMELON FRUIT D. N. Maynard Location: Objective: Treatments: Block 0, Lands 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 To determine the possible effects phytotoxicity of watermelon fruit. Bravo 720 of Bravo 720 on 3 pt./100 gal./acre 1. Full season: 8 weekly applications + 1 application immediately following first harvest. 2. Full season: 8 weekly applications 3. Full season: 7 days before estimated harvest date (ehd): 7 weekly applications 4. Full season: 14 days before ehd: 6 weekly applications 5. Full season: 21 days before ehd: 5 weekly applications Varieties: Planted: Fumigation: Fertilizer: Spacinq: Operation: Crimson Sweet Royal Jubilee Sangria Southern Belle 11 March 1991 MC-33; 3.6 lb/100 Ibf Incorporated; 0-20-0; 10.3 lb/100 Ibf Banded; 18-0-25; 13.8 lb/100 Ibf Beds on 9 ft. centers; in-row spacing per plot; 30 ft. is plot size. Phytotoxicity, if it weight of marketable determined. is 3 ft.; 10 plants occurs, will be rated; number and and unmarketable melons will be NITRATE MOVEMENT AS AFFECTED BY TIMING OF APPLICATION C. D. Stanley, G. A. Clark, and A. A. Csizinszky Location: Objective: Crop: Irrigation Tubing: Treatments: Block L, Land 1 and 2 To evaluate the effect that the timing of application of liquid fertilizer during a microirrigation cycle has on plant uptake and nitrate movement out of the root zone. Tomato, cv. Sunny; transplanted 5 March 1991 T-Tape, Low-flow (0.33 gal/min/100 ft) Liquid N and K injected during: 1. 1st 25% 2. 2nd 25% 3. 3rd 25% 4. 4th 25% Operation: Summary: of irrigation of irrigation of irrigation of irrigation cycle cycle cycle cycle Duration of irrigation applications are determined by evaporative demand and plant growth stage and weekly fertilizer amounts are scheduled according to crop needs. Soil moisture is monitored using tensiometers. Soil nutrient distribution is determined periodically throughout the growing season. Initial season no data to report at this time. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR THE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS AT THE GULF COAST RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER Bradenton, Florida The effectiveness of the research and extension programs at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Bradenton has been greatly enhanced by the excellent support from various segments of the agribusiness industries and producers, both locally and nationally. This support, in the form of financial grants-in-aid, supplies, services, or equipment, supplements existing state funds and makes each research project at the Center far more productive than could be realized otherwise. We sincerely appreciate your participation in these research programs and are pleased to acknowledge your support. Listed below are the names of agencies, firms, or individuals who have contributed significantly to the research programs during the past two years. We trust that our records are complete and say again, "Thank you for your confidence." Abbott & Cobb, Inc. Abbott Laboratories A. Duda & Sons, Inc. Agrisales, Inc. Agri-Tech Services Agrolinz Inc. Agtrol Chemical Products Allied Colloids American Takii Arthur Andres Artesian Farms Asgrow-Florida Co. Asgrow Seed (Upjohn) BASF Wyandotte Corp. George Ball Company Ball Seed Bates & Sons Berol Nobel Industries Boot Hill One California Asparagus Seed & Transplants, Inc. Campbell Soup Capella Farms Chapin Watermatics Chemical Dynamics, Inc. CIBA-GEIGY CIL Cincotta Farms Cities Service Company Dover Hardware Dow Elanco DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. Ecke Poinsettias Ecogen Inc. Ellenton Nursery Growers Feasterville, PA North Chicago, IL Oviedo, FL Plant City, FL Bradenton, FL Memphis, TN Houston, TX Suffolk, VA Salinas, CA Sanford, FL Ruskin, FL Plant City, FL Kalamazoo, MI Parsippany, NJ West Chicago, IL West Chicago, IL Lake Placid, FL Stenungsund, Sweden Holly, MI Davis, CA Camden, NJ Pompano Beach, I Watertown, NY Plant City, FL Greensboro, NC London, Ontario Bradenton, FL Atlanta, GA Dover, FL Midland, MI Wilmington, DE Encinitas, CA Langhorne, PA Ellenton, FL Elsberry Farms, Inc. Elsberry Greenhouses EM Industries Florida Foundation Seed Producers Florida Nurserymen & Growers Association Florida Ornamental Growers Assoc., Inc. Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc., Inc. Florida Tomato Committee Florida Tomato Exchange Florikan, ESA, Inc. FMC Corporation FNGA Manasota Chapter Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation, Inc. Goldsmith Seed, Inc. Grace Sierra Horticultural Products Green Cay Farms G. C. Grimes Seeds Happiness Farms, Inc. Harllee Farms Harllee-Gargiulo, Inc. Harris Moran Seed Co. Helena Chemical HMS Soil Fumigation, Inc. Hoechst-Celanese Hunsader Brothers ICI Americas, Inc. ISK Biotech Kay Mukai Research Foundation Kennco Manufacturing, Inc. Koppert B.V. L&B Farms Manatee Fruit Company Melamine Chemicals, Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Micro Flo Comp Mixon Fruit Farms, Inc. Monsanto Agricultural Products Co. Mycogen Natural Beauty of Florida NOR-AM Chemical Co. Nourse Farms, Inc. Nunhems Seed Orban's Nursery Pacific Land Co. Parkesdale Farms, Inc. Park Seed Co. Perfection Farms Petoseed Co., Inc. Plants, Inc. of Sarasota Plants of Ruskin Producers Fertilizer Co. Pursell Industries Rainbow Flowers Ruskin, FL Ruskin, FL Hawthorne, NY Greenwood, FL Orlando, FL Sun City, FL Plant City, FL Orlando, FL Orlando, FL Sarasota, FL New York, NY Sarasota, FL New York, NY Gilroy, CA Milpitos, CA Delray Beach, FL Smethport, PA Lake Placid, FL Palmetto, FL Palmetto, FL Rochester, NY Tampa, FL Palmetto, FL Somerville, NJ Bradenton, FL Wilmington, DE Marietta, GA Watsonville, CA Ruskin, FL Berkel EN Rodenrijs, The Netherlands Bradenton, FL Palmetto, FL Donaldsonville, LA Rahway, NJ Lakeland, FL Bradenton, FL Altamonte Springs, FL San Diego, CA Apopka, FL Wilmington, DE South Deerfield, MA Lewisville, Bradenton, FL Immokalee, FL Plant City, FL Greenwood, SC Bradenton, FL Saticoy, CA Sarasota, FL Ruskin, FL Palmetto, FL Sylacauga, AL Sun City, FL Reasoner's Tropical Nurseries, Inc. Reliable Peat Rhone-Poulenc Chemical Co. Rogers NK Seed Company Rohm & Haas Company Royal Sluis, Inc. Sakata Seed America, Inc. San Diego State University Sandoz Corp. Scentry Inc. Schwartz Farms 0. M. Scott & Sons SHARE Program Sigma One Corporation Sizemore Farms, Inc. S & M Farm Supply Southern Agricultural Chemicals Co. Southwest Florida Water Management Dist. Speedling, Inc. Albert & Helen Stankie Strano Brothers, Inc. Sun Country Produce T-Systems Corp. Taylor & Fulton Greenhouses Taylor & Fulton Packing House Todd International Uniroyal Chemical Company United Agric. Products Universal Enterprises Unocal Chemical USDA-US-Israel Binational Agric. Res. & Development Fund (BARD) USDA-New Crops Program USDA-Tropical & Subtropical Agri. USDA-Horticultural Sci. Institute Valent U.S.A. Corp Vandenburg Bulb Co. Vaughan's Seeds Westbridge Agricultural Products West Coast Packing Co. Whisenant Farms Williford Farms Yoder Brothers Oneco, FL Orlando, FL New Brunswick, NJ Gilroy, CA Philadelphia, PA Salinas, CA Morgan Hill, CA San Diego, CA Hanover, NJ Billings, MT Sarasota, FL Marysville, OH Gainesville, FL Research Triangle Park, NC Plant City, FL Princeton, FL Rubonia, FL Brooksville, FL Sun City, FL Ft. Pierce, FL Florida City, FL San Diego, CA San Diego, CA Ellenton, FL Palmetto, FL Apollo Beach, FL Middlebury, CT Fort Valley, GA Sarasota, FL Sacramento, CA Beltsville, MD Beltsville, MD Washington, DC Beltsville, MD Tucker, GA Chester, NY Downers Grove, IL San Diego, CA Palmetto, FL Parrish, FL Ruskin, FL Alva, FL (\ .:T 4 92*'' LAELAND .275. 9 q4 2': "'r PLANT CITY ,m;'p a + .O. 1 1 e A ion a. on 57 0 ER 175 ........... ,. 19 .EX I. ** 301 Big Bend ST. PE ER Rd. 3010 B A Y 0 64 Mante Ave. Morgan-Johnson GULF KI Ii4 S 19 DNTOBRADENTON FLORIDA 0 F 275 41 41 Bus.301 hop Rd. 7jUL So1 INCH =5 MILES I01 LOCATION OF G. C It E. C. Sarasota Bradenton A. Airport BRADENTON FLORIDA SA 1 INCH= 5 MILES iV--^ T i ^** = " Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Bradenton, Florida Vegetable Field Day 11 UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA James Davidson, dean for research John Woeste, dean for extension Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Florida Printing Credits: Editorial Department, IFAS University of Florida Gainesville Note: The information contained in this report is a summary of experimental results and should not be used as recommendations for crop production. Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is implied. |