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GCREC Research Report BRA 1997-15
TRIPLOID WATERMELON CULTIGEN EVALUATION
SPRING 1997
D. N. Maynard'
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University of Florida, IFAS
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
The concept oftriploid (seedless) watermelons was described first in the U.S. literature by Kihara
(1951) based on experimentation that began in Japan in 1939. Seed for planting seedless
watermelons results from a cross between a selected tetraploid female parent, developed by treating
diploid lines with colchicine, and a selected diploid (normal) male parent. The resulting triploid
plants are sterile and do not produce viable seed. However, small, white rudimentary seeds develop
which are eaten along with the flesh just as immature seeds are eaten in cucumber.
Fruit enlargement in normal fruit, including watermelon, is enhanced by growth-promoting
hormones produced by the developing seed. Growth hormones are lacking in seedless watermelons
so those agents must be provided by pollen. Since flowers on triploid plants lack sufficient viable
pollen to induce normal fruit set, normal diploid seeded watermelons are interplanted with triploids
to serve as pollenizers. An adequate bee population is necessary to insure that sufficient transfer of
pollen occurs. Seedless fruit (from triploid plants) tend to be triangular shaped without sufficient
pollination.
Although the procedure for production of seedless watermelons has been known for almost 50 years
and commercial varieties have been available for nearly 20 years, the interest in and acreage of
seedless watermelons has remained small in Florida. Erratic performance, poor seed germination,
high seed costs, and inadequate varieties resulted in the lack of interest in seedless watermelon
production in the past.
Specialty vegetables are in high demand and seedless watermelons offer an attractive alternative for
discriminating consumers and the food service industry. Seedless watermelons are being actively
promoted by marketing organizations and seed companies to stimulate demand. At the same time,
new varieties are being developed that are superior to those previously available. Seedless
watermelons have been evaluated at this location annually since 1988 (Maynard and Gilreath, 1988;
Maynard 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996).
The objective of this trial was to evaluate the performance of triploid watermelon cultigens under
west-central Florida conditions.
'Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist.
September
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seeds of 23 triploid watermelon varieties or experimental lines (Table 1) were planted in a peat-lite
growing mix in No. 128 Todd planter flats (1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5 in. cells) on 17 February. The
watermelon transplants were grown by a commercial plant grower. Transplants of an additional
nine entries were provided by Sunseeds and University of Florida, Central Florida Research and
Education Center (CFREC) (Tables 1,3).
Soil samples from the experimental area obtained before fertilization were analyzed by the
University of Florida Extension Soil Testing Laboratory (Hanlon and DeVore, 1989): pH = 7.0 and
Mehlich I extractable P = 134 (very high), K = 42 (medium), Mg = 117 (high), Ca = 1011 (adequate),
Zn = 9.2 (adequate), Cu = 4.0 (adequate), and Mn = 7.1 (adequate) ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in late January by incorporation of 0-1.2-0 lb. N-P205-K20 per
100 linear bed feet (lbf). Beds were formed and fumigated with methylbromide:chloropicrin, 67:33
at 2.3 lb/100 lbf. Banded fertilizer was applied in shallow grooves on the bed shoulders at 3.1-0-4.3
lb N-P205-K20/100 lbf after the beds were pressed and before the black polyethylene mulch was
applied. The total fertilizer applied was equivalent to 148-60-206 lb N-P205-K20/A. The final beds
were 32 in. wide and 8 in. high, and were spaced on 9 ft centers with four beds between seepage
irrigation/ drainage ditches which were on 41 ft centers.
Transplant return, the percentage of seeds that developed into acceptable transplants, for each entry
was determined prior to transplanting in holes punched in the polyethylene at 3 ft in-row spacing on
4 March. The replicated plots were 18 ft long and had six plants each and were repeated three times
in a randomized, complete block design. Standard watermelons that were being evaluated were
direct seeded in beds on each side of two seedless watermelon beds on 17 February to serve as
diploid pollenizers. Weed control in row middles was by cultivation and applications of paraquat.
Pesticides were applied as needed for control of silverleaf whitefly endosulfann and esfenvalerate),
aphids endosulfann), and gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil and metalaxyl-chlorothalonil).
Watermelons were harvested on 20 and 29 May and 4 June. Marketable (U.S. No. 1 or better) fruit
according to U.S. Standards for Grades (1978) were separated from culls and counted and weighed
individually. Tetraploid fruit, where they occurred, were not included in the marketable category
because they are not seedless. Soluble solids were determined with a hand-held refractometer on
at least six fruit from each entry at each harvest and the incidence and severity of hollowheart were
noted on these fruit. Where possible, the resulting data were subjected to analysis of variance and
mean separation was by Duncan's multiple range test.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Temperature (Table 2) during the experimental period from 4 March to 4 June was near normal in
April, May, and June, but was 7F above normal in March which provided for rapid initial growth
after transplanting. Rainfall was 7 in. above normal in April and about normal in other months of
the growing season.
Where available, transplant return varied from 37% for 3F 1174 to 90% for 'Genesis' (Table 3). The
average return of named varieties was 77% whereas the transplant return of experimental lines was
63%. This agrees with results obtained in previous studies (Maynard 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993,
1994, 1995, and 1996) when return of named varieties also was higher than that of experimental
lines. Differences in performance of seed of named varieties and experimental lines may be related
to seed quality as influenced by production techniques or seed storage. Characteristics of the
individual hybrid also may contribute to variations in seed performance.
Early yield, represented by the first harvest, ranged from 42 cwt/A for 'Monarch' to 340 cwt/A for
'Summersweet 5544' (Table 3). Twenty-six other entries had early yields similar to 'Summersweet
5544' and to 'Monarch'. Average fruit weight at the first harvest varied from 10.3 Ibs for 3F 1273
to 18.3 lbs for SXW 5001. Soluble solids concentration (a measure of sweetness) varied from 10.9%
for SXW 5001 to 12.8% for SXW 4016. The percentage of fruit having hollowheart at the first
harvest ranged from 0 for 'Monarch' to 100% for RWM 8008, 96-57, SXW 5001, and 'Scarlet Trio'.
The severity of hollowheart varied from 0 for 'Monarch' to 1.8 in. diameter separations for 96-57.
Total yields (Table 3) ranged from 304 cwt/A for SXW 4016 to 677 cwt/A for 'Summersweet 5244'.
Only eight entries produced yields significantly lower than 'Summersweet 5244'. Average fruit
weight for the entire season ranged from 10.1 lbs for 3F 1273 to 17.9 lbs for 'Monarch'. Soluble
solids concentrations varied from 11.4% for 'Crimson Trio' to 12.4% for SXW 3022. Accordingly,
soluble solids in all entries far exceeded the 10% specified for optional use in the U.S. watermelon
grade standards to describe very good internal quality (USDA, 1978). The incidence of hollowheart
ranged from 7% in 3F 1174 to 75% in 'Scarlet Trio' and the severity 0.1 in. in several entries to 1.2
in. diameter separations in 'Crimson Trio'.
Since many seedless watermelons are packed in cartons, it is desirable to have relatively uniformly
sized fruit. Many entries (Table 4) had the majority of their fruit weighing between 14 and 18 lb,
therefore they could be packed four per carton with a carton weight of about 60 lb. In some areas,
bins containing 750 to 1000 lbs are used for shipping seedless watermelons. In this use, fruit are
sorted into two or more general size categories.
SUMMARY
Seedless watermelon variety trials have been conducted at this location each spring season since
1988. The highest yields ranged from 507 cwt/A in 1996 to 1161 cwt/A in 1993 (Maynard, 1993,
1996). In spring 1997, the highest yield was 677 cwt/A which was somewhat less than the 777
cwt/A average yield of the previous nine years.
Variety shape and rind patterns, based on observations in this trial, are shown in Table 1. Varieties
producing oval to oblong fruit may be more suitable for boxing than varieties producing round
melons. Generally, the striped melons are more attractive for the U.S. market than those with dark
stripes on a very dark green background, or those with a solid dark green rind.
The incidence and severity ofhollowheart was especially great in the 1997 spring season in this trial.
Commercial plantings were generally plagued with severe hollowheart as well. However, most were
accepted on the market because of the unusually short crop. The reason for the high level of
hollowheart is not known.
Based on results of this and previous trials, varieties, in alphabetical order, that appear to have
considerable potential for commercial production in Florida include 'Crimson Trio', 'Genesis', 'King
of Hearts', 'Millionaire', 'Scarlet Trio', 'Summer Flavor 5032', 'Summer Sweet 5244', and 'Tri-X-
313'. 'Tiffany' was not included in this trial, but has performed well in several past trials.
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.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author appreciates the financial support for watermelon variety evaluation provided by Abbott
& Cobb, Inc., American Sunmelon, Asgrow Seed Co., Novartis Seeds, Inc., Sakata Seed America,
Inc., Shamrock Seed Co., Sunseeds Co., and cdm Fast Track.
LITERATURE CITED
Hanlon, E. A. and J. M. DeVore. 1989. IFAS extension soil testing laboratory chemical procedures
and training manual. Fla. Coop. Ext. Circ. 812.
Kihara, H. 1951. Triploid watermelons. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 58:217-230.
Maynard, D. N. 1989. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1989. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1989-16.
Maynard, D. N. 1990. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1990. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1990-14.
Maynard, D. N. 1991. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1991. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1991-21.
Maynard, D. N. 1992. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1992. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1992-18.
Maynard, D. N. 1993. Seedless watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1993. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1993-18.
Maynard, D. N. 1994. Seedless watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1994. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1994-21.
Maynard, D. N. 1995. Seedless watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1995. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA 1995-24.
Maynard, D. N. 1996. Seedless watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1996. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1996-17.
Maynard, D. N. and P. R. Gilreath. 1988. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1988.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1988-18.
Stanley, C. D. 1997. Weather report for 1996. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res.
Rept. BRA1997-11
U.S. Dept. Agr. 1978. U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons. AMS, Washington, D.C.
Triploid watermelon entries, descriptions, and seed sources. Gulf Coast Research &
Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1997.
Entry Description Source
A22-1
B22-3
Crimson Trio
Favorite Ball
F464
Genesis
Monarch
Premier
RWM 8008
RWM 8009
Scarlet Trio
Round, oval. Very dark-green fine lines on
dark-green background.
Round, oval. Very dark-green rind. Similar to
'Sugar Baby'.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Narrow, distinct, dark-green stripes on
medium-green background. Thin rind. Good
internal color.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on a
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Distinct, narrow, dark-green stripes on
medium-green background. Similar to 'Queen
of Hearts'.
Round/oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes
on a light-green background.
Oval. Narrow, distinct, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Queen of
Hearts'.
CFREC
CFREC
Novartis Seeds
cdm Fast Track
American
Sunmelon
Shamrock
Shamrock.
Shamrock
Novartis Seeds
Novartis Seeds
Novartis Seeds
Table. 1.
Table 1 (continued)
Entry Description Source
Shadow
SSC 460072
Summer Sweet
5244
Summer Sweet
5544
Sunrise
SXW 0037
SXW 1003
SXW 1025
SXW 3022
SXW 3053
SXW 4016
SXW 5001
Oval. Dark-green fine lines on medium-green,
smoky background.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Distinct, narrow, dark-green stripes on
medium-green background. Similar to 'Queen of
Hearts'.
Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Oval. Narrow, distinct dark-green stripes on a
light-green background. Similar to 'Queen of
Hearts'.
Oval. Wide, indistinct, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Elongated/blocky. Distinct, dark-green stripe on
light-green background. 'Jubilee' type.
Oval. Indistinct, very dark-green stripes on
medium-green background. Similar to 'Tiffany'.
Elongated, blocky. Wide, dark-green stripes
alternating with narrow light-green stripes.
'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/blocky. Indistinct light-green stripes
on dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
American
Sunmelon
Shamrock
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
American
Sunmelon
Sunseeds
Sunseeds
Sunseeds
Sunseeds
Sunseeds
Sunseeds
Sunseeds
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
Tri-X-313
92-08
95-11
95-14
96-57
3F 855
3F 1004
3F 1174
3F 1273
American
Sunmelon
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes on
light-green background.
Oval. Wide, indistinct, dark-green stripes on
medium-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-
313'.
Oval. Narrow, distinct dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to 'Queen of
Hearts'.
Oval. Wide, indistinct, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval, blocky. Wide, indistinct, dark-green
stripes on light-green background. Similar to
'Tri-X-313'.
Round/oval. Distinct, narrow, dark-green stripe
on light-green background. Yellow flesh.
Oval. Wide, indistinct, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Dark-green rind. Similar to Sugar Baby'.
Thin rind. Good internal color.
Oval. Narrow, distinct, very dark-green stripe
on dark-green background.
Sakata America
Sakata America
Sakata America
Sakata America
cdm Fast Track
cdm Fast Track
cdm Fast Track
cdm Fast Track
Table 2.
Temperature and rainfall at the GCREC during the spring of 1997 and the 42-year
averages (Stanley, 1997).
Average Daily Temperature (F)
Maximum Minimum Rainfall (in.)
Month 1997' 42-yr avg 1997' 42-yr avg 19971 42-yr avg
March 84 77 61 55 4.50 3.32
April 81 82 60 60 8.78 1.78
May 87 87 66 65 3.27 3.09
June 88 90 68 70 0.13 7.59
'Field transplanted 4 March 1997. Last harvest 4 June 1997.
Table 3. Early and total yields, average fruit weight, soluble solids and the incidence and severity of hollowheart of triploid watermelons.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1997.
Early Harvest2 Total Harvest
Transplant Avg. Fruit Soluble Avg. Fruit Soluble
Return' Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart
Entry (%) (cwt/A)3 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)4 (cwt/A)3 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)4
Summersweet 5244 88 319 ab5 16.3 a-c 11.7 a-e 50 ab 0.5 ab 677 a 15.3 ab 12.3 ab 22 c-e 0.5 a-d
96-57 71 288 a-c 14.0 b-f 11.9 a-e 100 a 1.8 a 636 ab 12.9 b-h 11.7 ab 70 ab 0.7 a-d
95-14 49 209 a-d 12.8 c-g 12.2 a-d 50 ab 0.6 ab 626 ab 13.1 b-h 11.6 ab 22 c-e 0.2 b-d
Crimson Trio 85 136 a-d 13.9 b-f 11.5 b-e 83 ab 1.4 ab 588 a-c 12.9 b-h 11.4 b 53 a-d 1.2 a
SXW 1025 NA6 179 a-d 14.1 b-f 12.4 a-c 83 ab 0.7 ab 590 a-c 13.9 b-g 12.2 ab 45 a-e 0.4 b-d
Sunrise 66 196 a-d 13.5 c-g 11.5 b-e 50 ab 0.3 a 586 a-c 13.6 b-g 12.1 ab 22 c-e 0.1 cd
Premier 76 215 a-d 14.7 b-e 12.2 a-d 67 ab 1.2 ab 571 a-c 14.0 b-f 12.0 ab 39 a-e 0.6 a-d
Summersweet 5544 89 340 a 15.0 b-e 12.3 a-d 50 ab 0.6 ab 560 a-c 14.5 b-e 12.2 ab 20 c-e 0.2 b-d
SXW 5001 NA 95 cd 18.3 a 10.9 e 100 a 0.8 ab 549 a-c 15.4 a-c 11.5 ab 32 b-e 0.2 cd
95-11 43 238 a-d 14.7 b-e 11.8 a-e 83 ab 1.2 ab 543 a-c 14.7 b-d 11.9 ab 40 a-e 0.6 a-d
SXW 3053 NA 199 a-d 13.9 b-f 11.9 a-e 83 ab 0.6 ab 542 a-c 14.0 b-f 12.2 ab 42 a-e 0.3 cd
F464 70 191 a-d 13.4 c-g 12.0 a-e 67 ab 0.8 ab 541 a-c 12.9 b-h 12.2 ab 41 a-e 0.4 a-d
SXW 3022 NA 232 a-d 15.0 b-e 12.3 a-d 83 ab 0.8 ab 520 a-c 14.5 b-e 12.4 a 50 a-e 0.4 a-d
92-08 55 229 a-d 13.2 c-g 12.0 a-e 50 ab 0.4 ab 514 a-c 13.3 b-h 12.1 ab 33 a-e 0.2 b-d
Genesis 90 211 a-d 13.0 c-g 12.2 a-d 50 ab 0.3 ab 501 a-c 12.8 b-h 12.1 ab 52 a-d 0.5 a-d
SSC 460072 55 213 a-d 17.1 ab 11.7 a-e 50 ab 0.8 ab 493 a-c 10.5 gh 12.3 ab 19 c-e 0.2 b-d
Shadow 58 189 a-d 11.7 e-g 11.8 a-e 33ab 0.1 ab 492 a-c 12.1 c-h 12.4 ab 29 b-e 0.1 cd
A22-1 NA 286 a-c 11.8 e-g 11.7 a-e 50 ab 1.2 ab 471 a-c 11.4 d-h 12.1 ab 24 c-e 0.4 a-d
SXW 0037 NA 130 a-d 14.0 b-f 11.2 c-e 33 ab 0.5 ab 469 a-c 15.9 ab 11.5 ab 28 b-e 0.3 b-d
Monarch 66 42 d 15.5 a-d 11.8 a-e 0b 0b 446 a-c 17.9 a 11.6 ab 47 a-e 0.4 b-d
RWM 8008 85 189 a-d 13.2 c-g 11.6 b-e 100 a 1.5 ab 442 a-c 12.5 b-h 12.1 ab 60 a-c 1.0 ab
3F 1174 37 280 a-c 10.7 fg 11.6 a-e 17 ab 0.1 b 441 a-c 10.7 f-h 11.6 ab 7e 0.1 d
SXW 1003 NA 105 b-d 13.0 c-g 12.5 ab 50 ab 0.3 ab 425 a-c 11.8 d-h 12.2 ab 42 a-e 0.2 b-d
RWM 8009 73 158 a-d 12.7 c-g 11.7 a-e 67 ab 1.1 ab 395 a-c 12.6 b-h 12.0 ab 38 a-e 0.5 a-d
Favorite Ball 77 234 a-d 10.8 fg 12.0 a-e 17 ab 0.1 b 389 bc 11.3 e-h 11.8 ab 25 c-e 0.2 cd
Table 3. Continued.
Early Harvest2 Total Harvest
Transplant Avg. Fruit Soluble Avg. Fruit Soluble
Return' Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart
Entry (%) (cwt/A)3 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)4 (cwt/A)3 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)4
B22-3 NA6 204 a-d5 10.8 fg 11.7 a-e 25 ab 0.2 ab 381 bc 10.6 d-h 11.7 ab 18 c-e 0.1 d
Scarlet Trio 86 150 a-d 13.2 c-g 12.0 a-e 100 a 1.0 ab 374 bc 14.2 b-e 12.3 ab 75 a 0.6 a-d
3F1004 87 125 b-d 12.4 d-g 12.3 a-d 83 ab 1.1 ab 370 bc 12.5 b-h 12.2 ab 50 a-e 0.6 a-d
Tri-X-313 66 117 b-d 14.5 b-e 11.2 de 25 ab 0.1 b 351 bc 13.5 b-h 11.6 ab 15de 0.1 cd
3F1273 45 193 a-d 10.3 g 12.2 a-d 33 ab 0.1 b 326 c 10.1 h 12.0 ab 40 a-e 0.6 a-d
3F855 86 151 a-d 13.9 b-f 11.7 a-e 50 ab 0.3 ab 321 c 13.3 b-h 11.9 ab 30 b-e 0.3 b-d
SXW 4016 NA 211 a-d 15.7 a-d 12.8 a 75 ab 0.5 ab 304 c 14.7 b-e 11.5 ab 32 b-e 0.2 cd
1Proportion of acceptable transplants of seeds planted.
2Early harvest based on first of three harvests.
3Acre = 4840 Ibf.
4Average separation of those fruit sampled.
'Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
6Not available.
Table 4.
Fruit weight distribution of the total yield of triploid watermelon. Gulf Coast
Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1997.
Fruit Weight (lb)
Entry 8- 14 14.1 18.0 18.1 22 > 22
-----------------------------Percentage of fruit-----------------------------
A22-1 91 9 0 0
B22-3 83 17 0 0
Crimson Trio 69 23 8 0
Favorite Ball 84 13 3 0
F464 70 28 2 0
Genesis 73 25 2 0
Monarch 35 31 24 10
Premier 53 36 11 0
RWM 8008 81 17 2 0
RWM 8009 71 29 0 0
Scarlet Trio 45 45 10 0
Shadow 87 11 2 0
SSC 460072 49 43 4 4
Summersweet 5244 48 32 20 0
Summersweet 5544 56 26 16 2
Sunrise 54 38 8 0
SXW 0037 34 38 13 15
SXW 1003 83 12 5 0
SXW 1025 60 28 10 2
SXW 3022 40 50 10 0
SXW 3053 56 33 4 7
SXW 4016 39 53 4 4
SXW 5001 32 48 20 0
Tri-X-313 72 14 14 0
92-08 56 37 7 0
95-11 42 49 7 2
95-14 68 26 6 0
96-57 67 27 6 0
855 56 41 3 0
1004 76 21 3 0
1174 96 2 2 0
1273 97 3 0 0
The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center is
a unit of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sci-
ences, University of Florida. The Research Center
originated in the fall of 1925 as the Tomato
Disease Laboratory with the primary objective of
developing control procedures for an epidemic out-
break of nailhead spot of tomato. Research was ex-
panded in subsequent years to include study of sev-
eral other tomato diseases.
In 1937, new research facilities were established
in the town of Manatee, and the Center scope was
enlarged to include horticultural, entomological, and
soil science studies of several vegetable crops. The
ornamental program was a natural addition to the
Center's responsibilities because of the emerging in-
dustry in the area in the early 1940's.
The Center's current location was established in
1965 where a comprehensive research and extension
program on vegetable crops and ornamental plants is
conducted. Three state extension specialists posi-
tions, 16 state research scientists, and two grant
supported scientists from various disciplines of
training participate in all phases of vegetable and
ornamental horticultural programs. This interdisci-
plinary team approach, combining several research
disciplines and a wide range of industry and faculty
contacts, often is more productive than could be ac-
complished with limited investments in independent
programs.
The Center's primary mission is to develop new
and expand existing knowledge and technology, and
to disseminate new scientific knowledge in Florida, so
that agriculture remains efficient and economically
sound.
The secondary mission of the Center is to assist
the Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS campus
departments, in which Center faculty hold appropri-
ate liaison appointments, and other research centers
in extension, educational training, and cooperative
research programs for the benefit of Florida's pro-
ducers, students, and citizens.
Program areas of emphasis include: (1) genetics,
breeding, and variety development and evaluation;
(2) biological, chemical, and mechanical pest manage-
ment in entomology, plant pathology, nematology,
bacteriology, virology, and weed science; (3) produc-
tion efficiency, culture, management, and counteract-
ing environmental stress; (4) water management and
natural resource protection; (5) post-harvest physiol-
ogy, harvesting, handling and food quality of horti-
cultural crops; (6) technical support and assistance to
the Florida Cooperative Extension Service; and (7)
advancement of fundamental knowledge of disciplines
represented by faculty and (8) directing graduate
student training and teaching special undergraduate
classes.
Location of
GCREC Bradenton
IFAS IS:
" The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
Q A statewide organization dedicated to teaching,
research and extension.
" Faculty located in Gainesville and at 13 research
and education centers, 67 county extension
offices and four demonstration units throughout
the state.
L Partnership in food and agriculture, and natural
and renewable resource research and education,
funded by state, federal and local government,
and by gifts and grants from individuals, founda-
tions, government and industry.
i An organization whose mission is:
Educating students in the food, agricultural,
and related sciences and natural resources.
Strengthening Florida's diverse food and
agricultural industry and its environment
through research.
Enhancing for all Floridians, the application
of research and knowledge to improve the
quality of life statewide through IFAS exten-
sion programs.
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