U 9b
C^tifbra'l!
9 /f GULF COAST RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
IFAS, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA JI\ 2? 199(
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203 :.vF ow Foida
Bradenton GCREC Research Report BRA1990-14 August 1990
Seedless Watermelon Variety Evaluation
Spring 1990
D. N. Maynard'
The concept of seedless watermelons was described first in the U.S. literature
by Kihara (2) in 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 is sterile
and does not produce viable seed. However, small, white rudimentary seeds
develop which are eaten along with the fruit like immature cucumber seeds.
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 are provided from pollen. Since flowers
on triploid plants lack sufficient viable pollen to induce normal fruit set,
normal watermelons are interplanted with triploids to serve as pollenizers. An
adequate bee population is necessary to insure that the transfer of pollen
occurs. Seedless fruit (from triploid plants) tend to be triangular shaped
unless sufficient pollenizer plants (normal watermelons) and pollinators (bees)
are present.
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.
Erratic performance, poor seed germination, high seed costs, and inadequate
varieties caused the low interest in seedless watermelon production.
Specialty vegetables are in high demand and seedless watermelons offer an
attractive alternative for the up-scale consumer 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 already available.
The objective of these trials was to evaluate the performance of seedless
watermelon varieties and experimental lines under west central Florida
conditions.
'Professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist.
Materials and Methods
Seeds of 30 seedless watermelon varieties or experimental lines (Table 1) were
planted in a peat-lite growing mix in no. 150 Todd planter flats (1.5 x 1.5 x
2.5 in. cells) on 13 February. The watermelon transplants were grown by a
commercial plant grower.
Soil in the experimental area was sampled before fertilization and analyzed by
the IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory (1): pH = 7.2 and Mehlich I
extractable P = 88, K = 16, Mg = 96, Ca = 808, Zn = 9.7, Cu = 5.2, and Mn = 4.7
ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in early February 1990 by incorporation of
0-1.15-0 lb. N-P205-K20 per 100 linear bed feet (Ibf). Beds were formed and
fumigated with methyl bromide:chloropicrin (67:33) at 2.3 lb./100 Ibf. Banded
fertilizer was applied in shallow grooves on the bed shoulders at 2.5-0-3.5 lb.
N-P20O-K20 per 100 Ibf after the beds were pressed and before the black
polyethylene mulch was applied. 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.
Seedling emergence was determined prior to transplanting in holes punched in the
polyethylene at 3 ft. in-row spacing on 13 March. The 24-ft. long plots had 8
plants each, and were replicated 3 times in a randomized, complete block design.
Icebox watermelons were direct seeded on each side of two seedless watermelon
beds on 20 March 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 rindworm and sweetpotato whitefly endosulfann), mites
(dicofol), downy mildew and gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil and metaxyl +
chlorothalonil).
Watermelons were harvested twice beginning on June 4 and ending on June 18.
Marketable (U.S. No. 1 or better) according to U.S. Standards for Grades (4) were
separated from culls and counted and weighed individually. Soluble solids were
determined with a hand-held refractometer on 12 fruit from each entry over both
harvests. The incidence of hollowheart was noted and the cell separation
measured on those fruit that were hollowheart. Flesh color was rated on a 1
(least intense) to 5 (most intense) color, and matched to the closest Royal
Horticultural Society Color Chart. Seed were extracted and counted from 10
individual fruit of each entry. Where possible, the resulting data were
subjected to analysis of variance and mean separation was by Duncan's multiple
range test.
Results and Discussion
Emergence of watermelon plants ranged from 35% for 'Sun 90-6160' to 100% for
'Ssupersweet 4073'. The average emergence of named varieties was 91% whereas
experimental line emergence was only 69%. This agrees with results obtained in
1989 (3) when emergence of named varieties also was higher than in experimental
lines. Differences in performance of named varieties and experimental lines can
be attributed to seed quality as related to production techniques or seed storage
conditions. Characteristics of the individual hybrid may also contribute to
variations in seed performance.
Temperature and rainfall during the experimental period from March 13 through
18 June (Table 3) deviated somewhat from the 35-year averages at the Gulf Coast
Research & Education Center (4). March, May, and June maximum and minimum
temperatures were higher than normal, and rainfall throughout the period was less
than normal.
Early yields, represented by the first harvest, ranged from 102 cwt/acre for
'Ssupersweet 4073' to 429 cwt/acre for 'HMX 7924' (Table 4). Early yields of
'CFREC 90-2', 'Tiffany', 'CFREC 88-4', 'HMX 7928', 'Crimson Trio', and 'No. 158'
were also significantly greater than 'Ssupersweet 4073'. Average fruit weight
ranged from 9.6 lb. for 'Sun 90-6160' to 18.7 lb. for 'Sunrise'. Fifteen other
entries had average fruit weight similar to 'Sunrise'.
Total yields (Table 4) ranged from 300 cwt/acre for 'Ssupersweet 4073' to 697
cwt/acre for 'HMX 7924'. Only seven entries had total yields significantly
lower than 'HMX 7924'. Average fruit weight for the entire season ranged from
8.4 lb. for 'Sun 90-6160' to 16.4 lb. for 'CFREC 89-10'. Fourteen other entries
had average fruit weight similar to 'CFREC 89-10'.
'HMX 7924' had the highest numerical yield in 1990 and was also the highest
yielding entry in 1989 trials at Bradenton and Leesburg (3). Other entries that
had high yields at Bradenton in 1989 and in 1990 were 'CFREC 88-4', 'Tri X-
313', 'Tiffany' and 'Sunrise'. Total yields were higher in 1989 than in 1990
probably because of poor timing in planting the diploid pollenizers which
resulted in an absence of crown-set fruit.
Since most seedless watermelons are packed in cartons, it is desirable to have
relatively uniform sized fruit. Most entries had the largest proportion of their
fruit in the 10.1 to 15 lb. weight class (Table 5). The proportion, however,
varied considerably from 19% for 'Sun 90-6160' to 56% for 'CFREC 88-7'.
Various parameters of fruit quality were measured and results are shown in Table
6. The incidence (any cell separation) of hollowheart in the early harvest
ranged from 0% in 'HMX 7928' and 'Ssupersweet 5032' to 67% in 'CFREC 89-4', 'Jack
of Hearts', 'Queen of Hearts', and 'Ssupersweet 4073'. The frequency of
hollowheart was generally lower for the total production than for the first
harvest, but the magnitude within entries was similar. Hollowheart was rated
most severe in 'Jack of Hearts', 'Ssupersweet 4073' and 'Sunrise'. Soluble
solids were uniformly high ranging from 11.1% in 'Ssupersweet 5032' and 'Sun 90-
6160' to 12.7% in No. 157 to 'Ssupersweet 2532'. Accordingly, soluble solids
in all entries exceeded the 10% specified for optional use in the U.S. Standards
for Grades of Watermelons (5).
Flesh color (Table 6), assessed subjectively, was found to be most intense in
'CFREC 89-8' and 'King of Hearts' and least intense in 'CFREC-90-1'. The shade
of pink/red compared with RHS color charts indicate that all of the red-fleshed
entries were in the red 44 or 45 colors.
Mature seeds per fruit (Table 6) ranged from 0 in many entries to 72 in 'Sun 90-
6160'. The average number of seeds in 10 fruit was less than 1 in 'CFREC 90-
1', 'King of Hearts', and 'No. 158', whereas 'CFREC 88-7', 'CFREC 89-4', 'HMX
7932' and 'Sun 90-6160' averaged five or more seeds per fruit. Except for these
four entries, the average seed count may be acceptable since it has not been
determined how many seeds are acceptable in a seedless watermelon fruit. On the
other hand, maximum seed numbers of these entries of 27, 77, 18, and 72,
respectively, is probably not acceptable in a seedless watermelon fruit. The
range of mature seed present should be used as one of the criterion for
introduction of a variety by the seed industry and for its selection by a grower
for production.
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', 'Supersweet 5344', 'Tiffany' and 'Tri X-313' appear to have
the best overall performance of the named varieties included in this trial.
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.
Literature Cited
1. Hanlon, E. A. and J. M. DeVore. 1989. IFAS extension soil testing
laboratory chemical procedure and training manual. Fla. Coop. Ext. Circ.
812.
2. Kihara, H. 1951. Triploid watermelons. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.
58:217-230.
3. Maynard, D. N. and G. W. Elmstrom. 1989. Evaluation of triploid
watermelon cultivars in central and southwest Florida. Proc. Fla. State
Hort. Soc. 102:313-319.
4. Stanley, C. D. 1990. Temperature and rainfall report for 1989. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1990-5.
5. U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelon. 1978. USDA.
Table 1. Seedless watermelon varieties, description, and seed
Coast Research & Education Center. Spring 1990.
source. Gulf
Entry Description Source
CFREC 88-4
CFREC 88-7
CFREC 89-4
CFREC 89-6
CFREC 89-8
CFREC 89-10
CFREC 89-11
CFREC 90-1
CFREC 90-2
Crimson Trio
HMX 7924
HMX 7928
Blocky-elongated. Distinct very dark-green
stripe on dark-green background, few with
lighter background.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
Oval. Distinct dark-green stripe on light-
green background. Similar to Queen of
Hearts.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripe on
medium-green background.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripe
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripe
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripe
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripe
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripe
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Dark-green with indistinct very dark-
green lines.
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
Harris Moran
Harris Moran
Table 1 (cont.)
Entry
HMX 7932
Jack of
Hearts
King of
Hearts
Long Dragon
Nova
No. 157
No. 158
Queen of
Hearts
Scarlet Trio
Ssupersweet
2532
Ssupersweet
4073
Ssupersweet
5032
Ssupersweet
5244
Ssupersweet
5344
Source
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
Oval-round. Wide, indistinct medium-green
stripe on light green background.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes
or light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Thin, distinct, dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
Round-oval. Distinct, very dark-green stripe
on medium-green background.
Round, oval. Dark green background with very
dark-green lines.
Round, oval. Very dark-green, indistinct,
wide stripe on light green background.
Oval. Distinct, dark-green stripe on medium-
green background.
Oval. Thin, distinct, dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to Queen of
Hearts.
Oval. Thin, distinct, dark-green stripe on
light-green background. Similar to Queen of
Hearts.
Oval-round. Wide, indistinct, medium-green
stripe on light green background.
Oval-round. Wide, indistinct, medium-green
stripe on light-green background.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes
or light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes
or light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Harris Moran
Petoseed
Petoseed
Sunseeds
Sakata
Sakata
Sakata
Petoseed
Northrup King
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott
Abbott
Abbott
Cobb
Cobb
Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
npqrrintinn
Table 1 (cont.)
Entry Description Source
Sunrise Oval. Distinct, dark-green stripe on medium- American
green background. Similar to Queen of Hearts. Sunmelon
Sun 90-6160 Oval. Distinct, narrow dark-green stripe on Sunseeds
medium-green background. Yellow flesh.
Tiffany Round-oval. Wide, indistinct, dark-green Asgrow
stripe on medium-green background.
Tri X-313 Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripe American
on light-green background. Sunmelon
Table 2. Seedling emergence of triploid watermelons.
Planted Emerged Emergence
Entry (No.) (No.) (%)
CFREC 88-4 128 62 48
CFREC 88-7 128 93 73
CFREC 89-4 128 62 48
CFREC 89-6 122 89 73
CFREC 89-8 126 88 70
CFREC 89-10 99 74 75
CFREC 89-11 123 79 64
CFREC 90-1 128 88 69
CFREC 90-2 128 113 88
Crimson Trio 128 122 95
HMX 7924 128 93 73
HMX 7928 128 110 86
HMX 7932 128 92 72
Jack of Hearts 128 126 98
King of Hearts 128 113 88
Long Dragon 128 78 61
Nova 128 119 93
No. 157 128 117 91
No. 158 128 106 83
Queen of Hearts 128 122 95
Scarlet Trio 115 45 39
Ssupersweet 2532 128 122 95
Ssupersweet 4073 128 128 100
Ssupersweet 5032 128 114 89
Ssupersweet 5244 128 125 98
Ssupersweet 5344 107 104 97
Sunrise 128 111 87
Sun 90-6160 128 45 35
Tiffany 128 108 84
Tri X-313 128 95 74
Table 3. Mean temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research & Education
Center from March 13 to June 18, 1990 and 35-year monthly averages.
Average daily temperature (OF)
1990 35-year average Rainfall (in.)
Month (date)' Max. Min. Max. Min. 1990 35-year average
March (13-31) 83 57 77 55 1.05 3.43
April 83 60 82 60 1.33 1.56
May 90 68 87 64 1.91 3.10
June (1-18) 92 71 91 70 3.49 7.65
11990 data are for the dates shown, 35-year averages are for the entire month.
Spring 1990.
Table 4. Early and total yields and average fruit weight of seedless watermelons.
Education Center. Spring 1990.
Gulf Coast Research and
Early Yieldz Total Yield
Weight Avg. fruit Weight Avg. fruit
Entry No./A' (cwt/A) Wt. (lb.) No./A (cwt/A) Wt. (lb.)
HMX 7924
Ssupersweet 5344
CFREC 90-2
Tiffany
CFREC 88-4
CFREC 89-8
Ssupersweet 5032
Tri X-313
Sunrise
HMX 7928
Ssupersweet 2532
CFREC 89-6
Nova
Crimson Trio
Ssupersweet 5244
No. 157
Scarlet Trio
Jack of Hearts
CFREC 89-4
No. 158
CFREC 89-11
CFREC 90-1
King of Hearts
Long Dragon
HMX 7932
CFREC 89-10
Queen of Hearts
CFREC 88-7
Sun 90-6160
Ssupersweet 4073
2473 a-c
1882 a-e
2043 a-d
2473 a-c
2258 a-d
1936 a-e
1774 a-e
1721 a-e
1344 b-e
3010 a
1505 b-e
1559 b-e
2097 a-d
1936 a-e
1505 b-e
2204 a-d
1559 b-e
1183 c-e
1505 b-e
2581 ab
1290 b-e
1075 de
1667 b-e
1667 b-e
1290 b-e
1344 b-e
1559 b-e
1667 b-e
2258 a-d
645 e
429
318
358
398
357
311
294
311
255
392
252
247
302
340
248
271
254
186
276
343
223
195
253
239
183
245
245
240
213
102
a
a-c
ab
ab
ab
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
ab
a-c
a-c
a-c
ab
a-c
a-c
a-c
bc
a-c
ab
a-c
bc
a-c
a-c
bc
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
c
17.4
16.9
17.7
15.9
15.2
16.2
16.7
18.1
18.7
13.0
17.3
15.5
14.4
17.5
16.8
12.3
16.7
14.6
18.0
13.6
17.2
18.3
15.0
14.5
14.0
18.4
15.6
14.4
9.6
15.4
a-f
a-h
a-e
a-j
d-k
a-j
a-i
a-c
a
kl
a-g
c-k
g-1
a-f
a-i
1
a-i
f-l
a-d
j-1
a-h
a-c
e-k
g-1
i-1
ab
b-k
h-l
m
c-k
4624
4355
4301
4409
4194
4301
4140
3925
3979
4731
3710
3979
4464
3334
3656
4731
3656
3764
3172
3979
3172
3280
3710
3495
3334
2635
3172
3065
4033
2581
ab
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-d
a-d
a
a-d
a-d
a-c
a-d
a-d
a
a-d
a-d
b-e
a-d
b-e
a-d
a-d
a-d
a-d
d
b-e
cd
a-d
d
697
650
638
626
614
599
598
585
579
570
558
548
541
524
521
520
500
499
492
490
489
483
480
460
433
424
419
403
337
300
a
ab
ab
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-d
a-d
a-d
a-e
a-e
a-e
a-e
a-e
a-e
a-e
a-e
a-e
a-e
b-e
b-e
b-e
b-e
c-e
de
e
15.1
14.9
14.9
14.0
14.7
13.9
14.3
15.0
14.7
12.0
15.1
13.6
12.2
15.6
14.4
11.1
13.6
13.1
15.4
12.3
15.6
14.6
12.9
13.1
13.0
16.4
13.2
13.1
8.4
11.8
zEarly yield based on first of two harvests.
YAcre = 4840 Ibf.
xMean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test.
a-c
a-d
a-d
a-f
a-d
b-f
a-e
a-d
a-d
f-h
a-c
b-g
f-h
ab
a-e
h
b-g
d-h
ab
e-h
ab
a-d
d-h
d-h
d-h
a
c-g
d-h
i
gh
Table 5. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelons.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1990.
Fruit weight (lb.)
Entry <5.0 5.1-10.0 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20.0
------------------Percentage of Fruit----------------
CFREC 88-4 0 bz 19 fg 38 a-c 31 a-d 14 a-e
CFREC 88-7 0 b 19 fg 56 a 20 a-f 5 b-g
CFREC 89-4 0 b 13 fg 38 a-c 33 a-c 16 a-c
CFREC 89-6 0 b 18 fg 53 ab 23 a-e 7 b-g
CFREC 89-8 0 b 20 fg 41 a-e 31 a-d 9 a-g
CFREC 89-10 0 b 19 fg 34 a-c 32 a-c 15 a-d
CFREC 89-11 0 b 14 fg 39 a-c 35 ab 14 a-f
CFREC 90-1 0 b 23 e-g 43 ab 17 c-g 17 ab
CFREC 90-2 0 b 11 fg 43 ab 35 ab 12 a-g
Crimson Trio 0 b 18 fg 31 bc 34 a-c 17 ab
HMX 7924 0 b 18 fg 31 bc 31 a-d 20 a
HMX 7928 0 b 39 b-e 44 ab 14 d-g 2 e-g
HMX 7932 0 b 26 c-g 53 ab 22 a-e 0 g
Jack of Hearts 1 b 24 e-g 50 ab 18 b-g 8 a-g
King of Hearts 0 b 28 c-f 45 ab 25 a-e 3 d-g
Long Dragon 0 b 24 e-g 49 ab 26 a-e 1 f-g
Nova 1 b 40 b-e 38 a-c 19 a-g 3 d-g
No. 157 0 b 48 b 42 ab 9 e-g 2 e-g
No. 158 1 b 43 b-d 32 bc 22 a-e 2 e-g
Queen of Hearts 1 b 30 b-f 47 ab 18 b-g 4 c-g
Scarlet Trio 0 b 22 e-g 45 ab 28 a-d 6 b-g
Ssupersweet 2532 0 b 7 g 47 ab 37 a 10 a-g
Ssupersweet 4073 0 b 44 bc 44 ab 5 fg 9 a-g
Ssupersweet 5032 0 b 17 fg 52 ab 23 a-e 9 a-g
Ssupersweet 5244 0 b 25 d-g 39 a-c 26 a-e 11 a-g
Ssupersweet 5344 0 b 24 e-g 34 a-c 26 a-e 18 ab
Sunrise 0 b 22 e-g 36 a-c 31 a-d 13 a-f
Sun 90-6160 5 a 75 a 19 c 3 g 0 g
Tiffany 1 b 26 c-g 41 a-c 29 a-d 6 b-g
Tri X-313 0 b 16 fg 43 ab 29 a-d 13 a-f
zMean separation in columns by
Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Se 6. Fruit characteristics of seedless waterme'. s: hollowheart, soluble solids,
mature seed count. Gulf Coast Research an Education Center. Spring 1990.
flesh color, and
Hollowheart (%) Soluble Mature
Early Total Hollowheart solids Flesh color seeds (no./fruit)
Entry harvest harvest ratingy (%) Ratinqx R.H.S. Range Average
CFREC 88-4
CFREC 88-7
CFREC 89-4
CFREC 89-6
CFREC 89-8
CFREC 89-10
CFREC 89-11
CFREC 90-1
CFREC 90-2
Crimson Trio
HMX 7924
HMX 7928
HMX 7932
Jack of Hearts
King of Hearts
Long Dragon
Nova
No. 157
No. 158
Queen of Hearts
Scarlet Trio
Ssupersweet 2532
Ssupersweet 4073
Ssupersweet 5032
Ssupersweet 5244
Ssupersweet 5344
Sunrise
Sun 90-6160
Tiffany
Tri X-313
ab
a-c
ab
bc
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
c
a-c
a
a-c
a-c
bc
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a
c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
a-c
bc
0.83
0.08
0.33
0.25
0.50
0.92
0.33
0.92
0.50
1.00
0.75
0
0.33
2.00
0.25
0.33
0.08
0.83
0
0.50
0.50
0.42
1.50
0
1.08
0.58
1.25
1.00
0.67
0.33
b-e
de
c-e
c-e
b-e
b-e
c-e
b-e
b-e
b-e
b-e
e
c-e
a
c-e
c-e
de
b-e
e
b-e
b-e
c-e
ab
e
a-d
b-e
a-c
b-e
b-e
c-e
12.3
12.5
11.8
12.2
12.2
11.8
11.9
11.5
11.8
12.1
12.3
12.1
11.5
11.5
11.9
12.2
11.6
12.7
12.5
11.5
12.3
12.7
11.4
11.1
11.8
12.2
12.1
11.1
11.8
11.5
0-4
1-27
0-77
0-5
1-7
0-5
1-8
0-3
1-9
0-25
0-12
0-4
0-18
0-3
0-2
0-5
0-5
0-11
0-3
0-5
0-7
0-19
0-3
1-5
0-3
0-7
1-6
0-72
0-5
0-5
1.3
5.0
10.6
2.6
3.5
1.5
3.1
0.8
3.9
4.1
2.4
1.1
6.0
1.4
0.7
2.1
1.6
2.5
0.8
1.7
1.9
4.4
1.1
3.0
1.2
3.4
2.4
16.4
1.9
2.2
ZFirst of two harvests.
Y0 = none, 1 = 1-5 mm, 2
xl to 5 most intense.
= 5.1-10 mm, 3 = 10.1-20 mm, 4 = 20.1-30 mm, 5 = >30 mm.
"Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart.
'Mean separation by Duncan's multiple range test,
5% level.
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, newresearch 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 offundamental knowledge ofdisciplines
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.
" A statewide organization dedicated to teaching,
research and extension.
O Faculty located in Gainesville and at 13 research
and education centers, 67 county extension
offices and four demonstration units throughout
the state.
L A partnership in food and agriculture, and natural
and renewable resource research and education,
funded by state, federal and local government,
and by gifts and grants from individuals, founda-
tions, government and industry.
l An organization whose mission is:
Educating students in the food, agricultural,
and related sciences and natural resources.
Strengthening Florida's diverse food and
agricultural industry and its environment
through research.
Enhancing for all Floridians, the application
of research and knowledge to improve the
quality of life statewide through IFAS exten-
sion programs.
|