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GCREC Research Report BRA1999-5
TRIPLOID WATERMELON CULTIGEN EVALUATION
SPRING 1999
D. N. Maynard' and A. V. Wittman2
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University of Florida, IFAS
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
The concept of triploid (seedless) watermelons was described first in the U.S. literature by Kihara
(1951) based on experimentation that began in 1939 in Japan. Seed for planting seedless
watermelons results from a cross between a tetraploid female parent, developed by treating diploid
lines with colchicine, and a 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 over 20 years, the interest in and acreage of
seedless watermelons has remained relatively 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, 1997, Maynard and Wittman, 1998).
'Professor.
2Biological Scientist.
August
The objective of this trial was to evaluate the performance of triploid watermelon cultigens under
west-central Florida conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seeds of 28 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 25 January. The watermelon
transplants were grown by a commercial plant grower.
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 = 6.8 and
Mehlich I extractable P = 106 (very high), K = 11 (very low), Mg = 68 (high), Ca = 771 (adequate),
Zn = 6.5 (adequate), Cu = 2.8 (adequate), and Mn = 3.8 (adequate) ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in late January by incorporation of 0-0.8-0 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 Ibf. Banded fertilizer was applied in shallow grooves on the bed shoulders at 3.1-0-4.3
lb N-P205-K,0/100 lbf after the beds were pressed and before the black polyethylene mulch was
applied. The total fertilizer applied was equivalent to 148-40-206 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, was determined
for each entry. The transplants were set in holes punched in the polyethylene at 3 ft in-row spacing
on 23 February. The replicated plots were 30 ft long and had ten plants each and were repeated three
times in a randomized, complete block design. Diploid watermelons that were being evaluated were
direct seeded in beds on each side of two triploid watermelon beds on 15 February to serve as
diploid pollenizers. Plant stand counts recorded just before vines grew together showed no
significant differences among plots. Weed control in row middles was by cultivation and
applications of paraquat. Pesticides were applied as needed for control of silverleaf whitefly
endosulfann, esfenvalerate, abamectin, and ultrafine oil), gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil and
azoxystrobin), and worms (Bacillus thuringiensis and methomyl).
Watermelons were harvested on 25 May 1 June and 7-14 June. Marketable (U.S. No. 1 or better)
fruit according to U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons (U.S. Dept. Agr., 1978) were separated
from culls and counted and weighed individually. Fruit 8 lbs and larger were assumed to be
marketable. Tetraploid fruit, where they occurred, were not included in the marketable category
because they are not seedless. Soluble solids (a measure of sweetness) were determined with a
digital hand-held refractometer on at least six fruit from each entry at each harvest, polar and
equatorial dimensions were obtained, rind thickness measured, flesh color evaluated and the
incidence and severity of hollowheart were noted on these fruit. Cell separations, however slight,
were noted as hollowheart, even though the fruit might be commercially acceptable. 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 23 February to 14 June was near normal
in March, April, and May, the principal growing months. Rainfall was less than normal every
month and sparce in early June.
Transplant return ranged from 56% in 'Summer Sweet 5544' to 95% in DPS 4571 (Table 3).
Differences in seed performance may be related to seed quality as influenced by production
techniques, seed storage, or characteristics of the individual hybrid.
Early yield, as represented by the first of two harvests, varied from 157 cwt/acre for DPS 4571 to 648
cwt/acre for XWT 8706 (Table 3). Twenty-two other entries had yields similar to those of XWT
8706 and 15 other entries had early yields statistically similar to DPS 4571. Average fruit weights
at the first harvest ranged from 13.5 lbs for RWM 8084 to 28.3 lbs for DPS 4548. Soluble solids
concentrations varied from 12.4% in RWM 8089 to 14.3% in DPS 4548 at the first harvest. The
percentage of fruit having hollowheart at the first harvest ranged from 0 in 'Fandango', 'Summer
Sweet 5544' and 'Triton' to 83% in 'Constitution'.
Total yields (Table 3) ranged from 686 cwt/acre for 'Triton' to 1186 cwt/acre for XWT 8706. Only
seven entries produced yields significantly lower than XWT 8706. Average fruit weight for the
entire season varied from 13.0 lbs for RWM 8089 to 24.3 lbs for DPS 4548. The number of fruit
per plant ranged from 2.3 for DPS 4548 to 4.3 for XWT 8706. Soluble solids concentrations varied
from 12.1% for 'Triton' to 13.6% for SXW 1003. Accordingly, soluble solids in all entries far
exceeded the 10% specified for optional use in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons to
describe very good internal quality (U.S. Dept. Agr., 1978). The incidence of hollowheart ranged
from 0 in 'Fandango' and 'Summer Sweet 5544' to 67% in 'Constitution'.
The distribution of fruit into weight classes is shown in Table 4. When triploid fruit are packed in
cartons, there is an advantage in having a high proportion of fruit in the 14 to 18 lb category.
'Constitution', 'Fandango', 'Gem-Dandy', RWM 8073, SWT 1003, 'Tri-X-Carousel', 'Tri-X-
Palomar', and 'Tri-X-Shadow' produced over 40% of their fruit in this weight range. Fruit are
graded into two or more sizes when they are shipped in bins. Large fruit are useful for food service
or as a precut product. For example, DPS 4548 produced 57% of its fruit weighing more than 18
lbs whereas less than 5% of 'Boston', 'Genesis', 'Millennium', RWM 8089, SWT 1003, 'Triton',
'Tri-X-313', 'Tri-X-Palomar' and 'Tri-X-Shadow' fruit exceeded 18 lbs.
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 1186 cwt/A this year (Maynard, 1996).
In spring 1999, the highest yield greatly exceeded the 801 cwt/A average high yield during the entire
period.
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.
Based on results of this and previous trials, triploid hybrids, in alphabetical order, that should
perform well in Florida include 'Constitution', 'Crimson Trio', 'Freedom', 'Genesis', 'King of
Hearts', 'Millionaire', 'Revere', 'Summersweet 5244', 'Summersweet 5544', 'Tri-X-313' and 'Tri-
X-Carousel'. 'Triton', a yellow-flesh variety should be evaluated for that niche market. Other
varieties may perform well on individual farms.
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 authors appreciate the financial support for watermelon variety evaluation provided by Abbott
& Cobb Inc.; Asgrow Vegetable Seeds; Harris Moran Seed Co.; Novartis Seeds Vegetables-
NAFTA Inc.; d. palmer seed co.; Sakata Seed America, Inc.; Shamrock Seed Co.; Sugar Creek Seed,
Inc.; Sunseeds Co.; and Willhite Seeds, Inc.
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.
5
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. 1997. Triploid watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1997. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1997-15.
Maynard, D. N. and P. R. Gilreath. 1988. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1988.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1988-18.
Maynard, D. N. and A. V. Wittman. 1998. Triploid watermelon cultigen evaluation, Spring 1998.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1998-08.
Stanley, C. D. 1998. Weather report for 1997. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res.
Rept. BRA1998-02
U.S. Dept. Agr. 1978. U.S. standards for grades of watermelons. AMS, Washington, D.C.
Triploid watermelon entries, fruit descriptions, and seed sources. Gulf Coast
Research & Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1999.
Entry Description Source
Boston
Constitution
(SXW 3053)
Crimson Trio
DPS 4548
DPS 4571
DPS 4573
Fandango
Freedom
(SXW 3022)
Gem-Dandy
Genesis
Round/Oval. (9 V x 10 inches). Distinct, wide light-green
stripes on dark-green background. Rind-0.6 inch thick.
Flesh color'-4.25.
Blocky. (10 x 11 2 inches). Indistinct wide medium green-
stripes on light-green background. Similar to 'Tiffany'.
Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-3.92.
Oval. (10 x 10 3/4 inches). Indistinct wide medium-green
stripes on light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Rind-0.75 inch thick. Flesh color-4.17.
Blocky. (10 x 10 V2inches). Indistinct, dark-green stripes on
light- green background. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
3.70.
Blocky. (10 x 11 inches). Distinct, medium-green stripes on
light-green background. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-
3.20.
Oval. (9 3/4 x 11 12 inches). Indistinct, wide medium-green
stripes on light-green background. Rind-0.6 inch thick.
Flesh color-3.75.
Blocky. (10 x 111/4 inches). Distinct, dark-green stripes on
medium-green background. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh
color-4.92.
Elongated/Blocky. (9 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches). Distinct dark-
green stripes on light-green background. 'Jubilee' type.
Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-4.08.
Oval. (9 V x 10 1/2 inches). Indistinct wide medium-green
stripes on light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-4.00.
Oval. (9 1/4 x 10 inches). Indistinct, wide dark-green
stripes on light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-4.08.
Table 1.
Sunseeds
Sunseeds
Novartis
d palmer
d palmer
d palmer
Shamrock
Sunseeds
Willhite
Shamrock
Table 1. Continued.
Entry Description Source
Millennium
(HMX 7928)
Millionaire
Revolution
RWM 8073
RWM 8089
Sugar Time
Summer Sweet
#5244
Summer Sweet
#5544
SWT 6703
SWT 8705
SXW 1003
Oval. (9 x 10 3/4 inches). Indistinct, very dark-green stripes
on dark-green background. Similar to 'Sugar Baby'. Rind-
0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-3.42.
Oval. (9 V x 10 /2 inches). Indistinct, wide dark-green
stripes on light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Rind-0.8 inch thick. Flesh color-3.66.
Elongated. (9 x 13 /2 inches). Wide dark-green stripes
alternating with narrow light-green stripes. 'Allsweet' type.
Rind-0.8 inch thick. Flesh color-4.10.
Oval. (9 V x 11 1/4 inches). Distinct medium-green stripes
on light-green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'. Rind-0.6
inch thick. Flesh color-3.75.
Round/Oval. (9 /2x 9 inches). Indistinct, very dark-green
stripes on dark-green background. Similar to 'Sugar Baby'.
Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-3.83.
Blocky. (10 x 10 3/4 inches). Indistinct, medium-green
stripes on light-green background. Rind-0.7 inch thick.
Flesh color-3.58.
Oval/Blocky. (10 x 11 2 inches). Wide dark-green stripes
on light-green background. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.16.
Oval/Blocky. (9 3/4 x 111/4 inches). Medium-green stripes
on light-green background. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.33.
Round/Oval. (9 /2 x 10 /2 inches). Indistinct, medium-
green stripes on light-green background. Rind-0.7 inch
thick. Flesh color-2.88.
Elongated. (9 1/4 inches x 11 inchess. Dark-green stripes
on light-green background. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh
color-3.42.
Round. (9 3/4 x 10 inches). Distinct, wide light-green
stripes on medium-green background. Rind-0.6 inch thick.
Flesh color-4.00.
Harris Moran
Harris Moran
Sunseeds
Novartis
Novartis
Sugar Creek
Abbott&Cobb
Abbott&Cobb
Sakata
Sakata
Sunseeds
Table 1. Continued.
Entry Description Source
Triton
Tri-X-313
Tri-X-Carousel
Tri-X-Palomar
Tri-X-Shadow
XWT 8706
XWT 8707
Round. (9 1/4 x 9 V2 inches). Distinct, wide light-green
stripes on dark-green background. Rind-0.5 inch thick.
Yellow flesh.
Oval. (9 3/4 x 11 /2 inches). Indistinct, broad medium-green
stripes on light-green background. Rind-0.7 inch thick.
Flesh color-3.50.
Oval. (9 2 x 11 1/4 inches). Broad green stripes on light-
green background. Similar to 'Tri-X-313'. Rind-0.6 inch
thick. Flesh color-3.83.
Round. (9 V x 10 inches). Indistinct narrow dark-green
stripes on medium-green background. Rind-0.7 inch thick.
Flesh color-3.75.
Round/Oval. (9 1/4 x 10 3/4 inches). Distinct dark-green
stripes on medium-green background. Rind-0.6 inch thick.
Flesh color-3.20.
Round/Oval. (10 1/4 x 11 inches). Distinct, broad medium-
green stripes on dark-green background. Rind-0.8 inch
thick. Flesh color-3.00
Round/Oval. (10 x 10 3/4 inches). Distinct, broad medium-
green stripes on dark-green background. Rind-0.8 inch
thick. Flesh color-3.58.
'Flesh color 1 = light pink, 5 = deep red.
Petoseed
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Sakata
Sakata
Table 2. Temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center during the spring
of 1999 and the 44-year average. (Stanley, 1998).
Mean Monthly Mean Monthly
Maximum Minimum
Temperature (F) Temperature (F) Rainfall (in.)
Month 1999' 44-yr avg 1999' 44-yr avg 19991 44-yr avg
February 72 74 41 52 0.04 2.89
March 79 78 50 55 0.97 3.31
April 86 82 61 60 0.55 1.75
May 88 87 64 65 2.05 3.21
June 90 90 69 70 1.53 7.55
Field transplanted 23 February 1999. Last harvest 14 June 1999.
Table 3. Early and total yields, transplant return, average fruit weight, fruit per plant, soluble solids and the incidence and severity of hollowheart of triploid
watermelons. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1999.
Early Harvest' Total Harvest
Transplant Avg. Fruit Soluble Avg. Fruit Fruit Soluble
Return Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart Weight Weight per Solids Hollowheart
Entry (%) (cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3 (cwt/A)2 (lb) Plant (%) (%) (in.)3
XWT 8706
XWT 8707
Millionaire
Crimson Trio
Tri-X-Shadow
Fandango
Summer Sweet 5544
Gem Dandy
SWT 6703
Millennium
Tri-X-Palomar
Constitution
Summer Sweet 5244
Tri-X-313
Tri-X-Carousel
72
70
65
80
75
80
56
67
70
88
68
87
90
88
72
648 a4
485 a-c
570 ab
579 ab
443 a-d
565 ab
392 a-d
369 a-d
349 b-d
586 ab
521 a-c
587 ab
394 a-d
382 a-d
429 a-d
18.6 b-e
18.3 b-e
18.7 b-e
21.1 bc
16.2 c-e
22.4 b
18.2 b-e
16.2 c-e
17.0 b-e
14.6 de
16.8 b-e
16.0 c-e
16.9 b-e
16.3 b-e
18.1 b-e
13.3 a-d
13.6 a-d
13.8 a-c
13.6 a-d
13.7 a-c
13.0 a-d
13.6 a-c
12.9 b-d
14.0 a-c
13.3 a-d
13.7 a-c
13.7 a-c
13.2 a-d
13.2 a-d
12.9 b-d
33 ab
17 ab
17 ab
50 ab
67 ab
Ob
Ob
17 ab
50 ab
33 ab
17 ab
83 a
50 ab
17 ab
33 ab
0.3 b
0.1 b
0.6 ab
1.3 a
0.4 ab
0b
Ob
0.1 b
0.7 ab
0.1 b
0.1 b
0.7 ab
0.2 b
0.1 b
0.2 b
1186 a
1129 ab
1114 a-c
1055 a-d
964 a-e
957 a-e
956 a-e
951 a-e
938 a-e
929 a-e
928 a-e
926 a-e
919 a-e
911 a-e
906 a-e
17.1 c-e
17.5 c-e
23.1 ab
19.3 bc
15.2 c-e
19.2 bc
16.9 c-e
15.8 c-e
15.7 c-e
14.0 de
15.3 c-e
16.0 c-e
16.5 c-e
17.3 c-e
16.9 c-e
4.3 a
4.0 ab
3.2 a-d
3.4 a-d
3.9 ab
3.2 a-d
3.5 a-c
3.7 ab
3.7 ab
4.1 ab
3.8 ab
3.6 a-c
3.6 a-c
3.2 a-d
3.3 a-d
13.2 ab
13.2 ab
13.4 ab
13.0 ab
13.2 ab
13.2 ab
12.9 a-c
12.8 a-c
13.2 ab
13.3 ab
13.4 ab
13.5 a
12.7 a-c
13.1 ab
12.5 bc
17 bc 0.1 b-d
8 bc 0.1 cd
8 bc 0.3 b-d
50 ab 1.1 a
42 a-c 0.2 b-d
Oc Od
Oc Od
17 bc 0.1 cd
42 a-c 0.4 b-d
42 a-c 0.3 b-d
8 bc 0.1 cd
67 a 0.4 b-d
42 a-c 0.4 b-d
33 a-c 0.2 b-d
25 a-c 0.1 cd
_____
___I
____
___
_I
___
__
___
-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
---
~---'
'-----
----~
----
---~
--
'"'"
---
----~
Table 3. Continued.
Transplant
Return
(%)
58
86
95
72
76
68
84
84
81
81
61
70
63
Early Harvest'
Avg. Fruit Soluble
Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart
(cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3
234 cd 28.3 a 14.3 a 50 ab 0.5 ab
556 ab 17.4 b-e 13.9 a-c 50 ab 0.3 b
157 d4 19.8 b-d 13.3 a-d 25 ab 0.2 b
400 a-d 16.9 b-e 13.2 a-d 33 ab 0.3 b
305 b-d 16.3 b-e 13.6 a-c 33 ab 0.4 ab
370 a-d 18.0 b-e 14.1 ab 67 ab 0.3 b
388 a-d 19.3 b-e 13.4 a-d 17 ab 0.3 b
341 b-d 15.7 c-e 13.2 a-d 33 ab 0.2 b
531 ab 20.2 b-d 13.3 a-d 33 ab 0.3 b
565 ab 13.5 e 12.4 d 67 ab 1.3 a
450 a-c 20.0 b-d 13.7 a-c 50 ab 0.4 ab
388 a-d 15.7 c-e 13.2 a-d 17 ab 0.2 b
390 a-d 15.1 c-e 12.7 cd Ob Ob
Avg. Fruit
Weight
(Ib)
24.3 a
16.7 c-e
17.8 c-e
16.2 c-e
16.0 c-e
15.4 c-e
17.2 c-e
14.0 de
19.6 be
13.0 e
19.0 b-d
14.6 c-e
13.7 e
Total Harvest
Fruit Soluble
per Solids
Plant (%)
2.3 d 13.3 ab
3.3 a-d 13.4 ab
3.1 a-d 13.2 ab
3.4 a-d 13.2 ab
3.4 a-d 13.2 ab
3.5 a-d 13.6 a
3.1 b-d 13.2 ab
3.6 a-c 13.0 a-c
2.5 cd 12.8 a-c
3.7 ab 12.6 a-c
2.5 cd 13.2 ab
3.4 a-d 13.1 ab
3.1 b-d 12.1 c
Early harvest based on first of two harvests.
2 Acre = 4840 lbf.
SAverage separation of all fruit sampled.
4 Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Entry
DPS 4548
Sugar Time
DPS 4571
SWT 8705
RWM 8073
SXW 1003
DPS 4573
Genesis
Revolution
RWM 8089
Freedom
Boston
Triton
Weight
(cwt/A)2
899 a-e
897 a-e
894 a-e
882 a-e
868 a-e
862 a-e
846 b-e
819 b-e
789 c-e
777 c-e
757 de
748 de
686 e
----------
_
___
___
I___
I
__
----------
_
Hollowheart
(%) (in.)3
17 bc 0.2 b-d
50 ab 0.3 b-d
8 bc 0.1 cd
33 a-c 0.2 b-d
25 a-c 0.2 b-d
67 a 0.9 ab
8 be 0.1 cd
33 a-c 0.1 cd
17 bc 0.1 b-d
50 ab 0.8 a-c
25 a-c 0.2 b-d
33 a-c 0.3 b-d
17 bc 0.1 cd
---
----
---
Table 4. Fruit weight distribution of the total yield of triploid watermelons. Gulf Coast
Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1999.
Fruit Weight (lb)
Entry 8.0-14.0 14.1-18.0 18.1-22.0 > 22.0
Boston
Crimson Trio
Constitution
DPS 4548
DPS 4571
DPS 4573
Fandango
Freedom
Gem-Dandy
Genesis
Millennium
Millionaire
Revolution
RWM 8073
RWM 8089
Sugar Time
Summer Sweet 5244
Summer Sweet 5544
SWT 6703
SWT 8705
----------------------------Percentage of fruit--------------------
49 39 10 2
21 38 29 12
30 41 22 7
10 17 16 57
20 31 31 18
25 35 29 11
14 47 26 13
18 24 34 24
31 43 20 6
51 39 7 3
54 32 12 2
17 39 30 14
7 26 43 24
22 49 23 6
67 28 5 0
30 36 25 9
25 35 30 10
28 36 29 7
38 36 20 6
29 37 27 7
----------
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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:
0 The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
Q A statewide organization dedicated to teaching,
research and extension.
Z Faculty located in Gainesville and at 13 research
and education centers, 67 county extension
offices and four demonstration units throughout
the state.
Q A partnership in food and agriculture, and natural
and renewable resource research and education,
funded by state, federal and local government,
and by gifts and grants from individuals, founda-
tions, government and industry.
Q 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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