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5007 60th St. E., Bradenton, Florida 34203-9324
B Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida
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GULF COAST RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
IFAS, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
Bradenton GCREC Research Report BRA1991-21 August
Seedless Watermelon Variety Evaluation
Spring 1991
D. N. Maynard1
The concept of seedless watermelons was described first in the U.S. literature
by Kihara (3) 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 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 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 unless sufficient pollination occurs.
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
resulted in the lack of 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 Vegetable Extension Specialist
-2-
Materials and Methods
Seeds of 27 seedless watermelon varieties or experimental lines for replicated
trials and 8 experimental lines for observational trials (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 29 January. The watermelon transplants were grown by a commercial
plant grower.
Soil samples from the experimental area obtained before fertilization were
analyzed by the IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory (2): pH = 7.6 and Mehlich
I extractable P = 30, K = 22, Mg = 90, Ca = 972, Zn = 4.1, Cu = 0.6, and Mn = 1.1
ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in early February 1991 by incorporation of
0-1.2-0 lb. N-P205-K20 per 100 linear bed feet (Ibf). Beds were formed and
fumigated with TerroGas 67 (methylbromide:chloropicrin, 67:33) at 2.3 lb/100 Ibf.
Banded fertilizer was applied in shallow grooves on the bed shoulders at 2.1-0-
2.9 lb. N-P205-K20/100 Ibf after the beds were pressed and before the black
polyethylene mulch was applied. The total fertilizer applied was equivalent to
102-58-140 lb N-P20s-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.
Seedling emergence was determined prior to transplanting in holes punched in the
polyethylene at 3 ft in-row spacing on 26 February. The replicated plots were
24-ft long, had eight plants each, and were replicated three times in a
randomized, complete block design. The observational plots were 30-ft long and
had 10 plants each. Icebox and standard watermelons were direct seeded in beds
on each side of two seedless watermelon beds on 21 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 sweetpotato whitefly
endosulfann and esfenvalerate), aphids endosulfann and dimethoate), rindworm
(Bacillus thurinqiensis), and gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil and metalaxyl-
chlorothalonil).
Watermelons were harvested on 14 May and 31 May. Marketable (U.S. No. 1 or
better) according to U.S. Standards for Grades (7) 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 from the first harvest and the incidence of hollowheart was noted in
both harvests. Where possible, the resulting data were subjected to analysis
of variance and mean separation was by Duncan's multiple range test.
Results and Discussion
General
Temperature and rainfall. (Table 3) during the experimental period from 26
February to 31 May deviated from the 35-year averages (6). March, April, and May
temperatures were above normal and April and May rainfall was considerably above
normal.
Replicated Trial
Transplant return, the percentage of seeds that develop into acceptable
transplants, varied from 42% for NVH 4256 to 100% for 'Ssupersweet 5344'. The
average return of named varieties was 72%, whereas return of experimental lines
was 62%. This agrees with results obtained in 1989 (5) and in 1990 (4) 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
conditions. Characteristics of the individual hybrid also may contribute to
variations in seed performance.
Early yields, represented by the first of two harvests, ranged from 13 cwt/A for
'Honeyheart' to 241 cwt/A for NVH 4296 (Table 4). Early yields of 21 other
entries were statistically similar to those of 'Honeyheart', whereas 23 other
entries had yields similar to those of NVH 4296. Average fruit weight ranged
from 6.2 lb for 'Honeyheart' to 13.4 lb for CFREC 89-6 and CFREC 89-11. Average
weight of fruit at first harvest of seven other entries was similar to that of
'Honeyheart', whereas 22 other entries had average fruit weight similar to those
of CFREC 89-6 and CFREC 89-11. Accordingly, early yields and average fruit
weight did not vary greatly among the entries included in this trial.
Fruit soluble solids were uniformly high ranging from 11.1% for 'Millionaire' to
12.9% for SWM 8702. Accordingly, soluble solids in all entries exceeded the 10%
specified for optional use in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons (7).
Total yields (Table 4) ranged from 261 cwt/A for CFREC 89-4 to 546 cwt/A for
'Ssupersweet 5032'. Eighteen other entries had total yields similar to those of
CFREC 89-4, whereas 23 other entries had total yields similar to those of
'Ssupersweet 5032'. Average fruit weight for the entire season varied from 8.4
lb for NVH 4296 to 12.9 lb for 'Ssupersweet 5032' and 'Ssupersweet 5344'. The
average fruit weight of 13 other entries was similar to that of NVH 4296, whereas
14 other entries had average fruit weight similar to those of 'Ssupersweet 5032'
and 'Ssupersweet 5344'. Although total yields far exceeded the state average
yield of about 180 cwt/A for the 1985-86 to 1989-90 seasons (1), they were
considerably lower than yields from seedless watermelon trials at Bradenton in
the spring 1989(5) and 1990(4) seasons.
The proportion of fruit with hollowheart was greater than in previous trials
(4,5) ranging from 17% for 'Millionaire' and HMX 7928 to 100% for 'Honeyheart',
'King of Hearts', and 'Tiffany' (Table 4). Unfortunately, measurements of
hollowheart severity were not made so that slight cell separations could be
distinguished from unacceptable cavities. However, there was certainly a high
incidence of the latter in this production season.
The percentage of tetraploid fruit (Table 4) varied from 0% in 18 entries to 39%
in CFREC 89-4. Several other CFREC lines had appreciable proportions of
tetraploids, however, only 'Tiffany', 'Tri X-313', and 'Honeyheart' had
tetraploids among the commercially available hybrids.
Since most seedless watermelons are packed in cartons, it is desirable to have
relatively uniformly sized fruit. However, in this trial because of generally
small fruit size, only 10 entries had more than 50% of their fruit in the 10.1
to 15 lb weight class (Table 5).
Observational Trial
Early yields, represented by the first of two harvests, ranged from 16 cwt/A for
CFREC 88-3 to 317 cwt/A for CFREC 90-1 (Table 6). CFREC 90-6 and CFREC 89-13
also had high early yields. Average fruit weight ranged from 9.7 to 16.9 lb for
CFREC 89-7 and CFREC 89-8, respectively. Total yields varied from 177 cwt/A for
CFREC 88-3 to 562 cwt/A for CFREC 90-1. CFREC 89-9, CFREC 90-6, and CFREC 89-13
also produced yields exceeding 500 cwt/A.
The proportion of fruit having hollowheart ranged from 0 to 100%. Those entries
with no hollowheart were CFREC 88-1, CFREC 88-3, and CFREC 90-1 (Table 6). Fruit
from all of the observational entries had uniformly high soluble solids, with
CFREC 88-3 having 13.9%.
Observational entries produced about the same early and total yields as the
replicated entries and had fruit that were in the same range of soluble solids
concentrations. On the other hand, fruit weight of the observational entries was
generally higher than that in the replicated entries and a higher proportion of
entries were free of hollowheart.
Summary
As previously mentioned, results of this trial were generally not as favorable
as results obtained in 1989 and 1990 (4,5). A high gummy stem blight incidence
which was exacerbated by almost 8 inches of rain which occurred in the latter
half of May may have contributed to this situation.
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 stripes on a very dark green
background or those with a solid dark green rind.
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', 'King of Hearts', 'Millionaire', 'Ssupersweet 2532',
'Ssupersweet 5032', 'Ssupersweet 5244', 'Ssupersweet 5344', 'Tiffany', and 'Tri
X-313'.
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.
-5-
Literature Cited
1. Frie, R. L. and H. V. Young. 1991. Florida Agricultural Statistics.
Vegetable Summary 1989-90. Florida Agricultural Statistics Service,
Orlando.
2. Hanlon, E. A. and J. M. DeVore. 1989. IFAS extension soil testing
laboratory chemical procedures and training manual. Fla. Coop. Ext. Circ.
812.
3. Kihara, H. 1951. Triploid watermelons. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.
58:217-230.
4. Maynard, D. N. 1990. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring
1990. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1990-14.
5. 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.
6. Stanley, C. D. 1990. Temperature and rainfall report for 1989. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1990-5.
7. U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelon. 1978. USDA.
-6-
Table 1. Seedless watermelon varieties, description, and seed
Coast Research & Education Center. Spring 1991.
source. Gulf
Entry Description Source
Replicated Entries
CFREC 88-2
CFREC 89-4
CFREC 89-6
CFREC 89-8
CFREC 89-10
CFREC 89-11
CFREC 90-2
CFREC 90-7
Crimson Trio
Millionaire
(HMX 7924)
HMX 7928
Tycoon
(HMX 7932)
Oval. Distinct dark-green stripes on light
to medium-green background. Similar to
Queen of Hearts.
Oval. Distinct dark-green stripes on light-
green background. Similar to Queen of
Hearts.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripes on
medium-green background.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
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. Dark-green with indistinct very dark-
green lines.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
Rogers NK
Harris Moran
Harris Moran
Harris Moran
Table 1 (cont.)
Entry Description Source
Honeyheart
Laurel
Nova
NVH 4256
NVH 4296
Queen of
Hearts
Scarlet Trio
Ssupersweet
2532
Ssupersweet
5032
Ssupersweet
5244
Ssupersweet
5344
Sweetheart
SWM 8702
(158)
Tiffany
Tri X-313
Round-oval. Distinct, narrow, very dark-
green stripes on medium green background.
Yellow flesh.
Round-oval. Distinct, wide very dark-green
stripes on medium-green background.
Round-oval. Distinct, very dark-green stripes
on medium-green background.
Round-oval. Distinct, narrow, very dark-
stripe on medium-green background.
Round-oval. Very dark-green rind.
Oval. Distinct, dark-green stripes on medium-
green background.
Oval. Thin, distinct, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to Queen of
Hearts.
Oval. Thin, distinct, dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to Queen of
Hearts.
Oval-round. Wide, indistinct, medium-green
stripes 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.
Round. Very dark-green rind.
Round, oval. Very dark-green, indistinct,
wide stripes on light green background.
Round-oval. Wide, indistinct, dark-green
stripes on medium-green background.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes
on light-green background.
Petoseed
American Takii
Sakata
Rogers NK
Rogers NK
Petoseed
Rogers NK
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Park
Sakata
Asgrow
American
Sunmelon
Table 1 (cont.)
Entry Description Source
Observational
CFREC 88-1
CFREC 88-3
CFREC 89-7
CFREC 89-8
CFREC 89-9
CFREC 89-13
CFREC 90-1
CFREC 90-6
Entries
Oval. Thin,
light-green
Oval. Thin,
light-green
of Hearts.
Oval. Thin,
light-green
of Hearts.
Oval. Thin,
light-green
of Hearts.
Oval. Thin,
light-green
of Hearts.
Oval. Thin,
light-green
of Hearts.
distinct medium-green stripes on
background.
distinct dark-green
background. Similar
distinct dark-green
background. Similar
distinct dark-green
background. Similar
distinct dark-green
background. Similar
distinct dark-green
background. Similar
stripes on
to Queen
stripes on
to Queen
stripes on
to Queen
stripes on
to Queen
stripes on
to Queen
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green stripes
on light-green background. Similar to Tri
X-313.
Oval. Thin, distinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to Queen
of Hearts.
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
Table 2. Transplant return of triploid watermelons.
Planted Emerged Return
Entry (No.) (No.) (%)
CFREC 88-2 120 99 83
CFREC 89-4 120 73 61
CFREC 89-6 120 72 60
CFREC 89-10 120 98 82
CFREC 89-11 120 67 56
CFREC 90-2 120 70 58
CFREC 90-7 120 75 63
Crimson Trio 130 119 92
Millionaire (HMX 7924) 130 74 57
HMX 7928 130 102 79
Tycoon (HMX 7932) 130 68 52
Honeyheart 130 63 49
King of Hearts 130 115 89
Laurel 130 88 68
Nova 120 80 67
NVH 4256 106 44 42
NVH 4296 130 61 47
Queen of Hearts 130 111 85
Scarlet Trio 130 100 77
Ssupersweet 2532 150 137 91
Ssupersweet 5032 150 129 86
Ssupersweet 5244 150 72 48
Ssupersweet 5344 100 100 100
Sweet Heart 130 57 44
SWM 8702 (158) 108 75 70
Tiffany 130 84 65
Tri X-313 130 69 53
Table 3. Mean temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research & Education
Center from 26 February to 31 May 1991 and 35-year monthly averages.
(6)
Average daily temperature (oF)
1991 35-year average Rainfall (in.)
Month (date)z Max. Min. Max. Min. 1991 35-year average
February (26-28) 74 54 73 51 0.55 3.13
March 79 57 77 55 3.96 3.43
April 85 63 82 60 5.31 1.56
May 89 70 87 64 9.34 3.10
z1991 data are for the dates shown, 35-year averages are for the entire month.
Spring 1991.
Table 4. Early and total yields,
seedless watermelons in
Spring 1991.
average fruit weight,
the replicated trial.
soluble solids, and incidence of hollowheart of
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
Early Yield' Total Yield Hollow-
Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Weight Avg. fruit heart Tetraploid
Entry (cwt/A)2 Wt. (lb.) Solids (%) (cwt/A) Wt. (lb.) (%) (%)
Ssupersweet 5032 108 a-d3 12.2 ab 12.4 a-c 546 a 12.9 a 87 ab 0
NVH 4296 241 a 8.7 b-d 11.7 a-c 544 a 8.4 g 33 ab 0
CFREC 89-6 145 a-d 13.4 a 12.4 a-c 534 a 11.5 a-e 75 ab 0
Millionaire (HMX 7924) 163 a-d 11.8 ab 11.1 c 521 a 11.5 a-e 17 b 0
Laurel 124 a-d 11.7 ab 12.3 a-c 498 ab 10.6 a-g 67 ab 0
Tycoon (HMX 7932) 181 a-c 10.5 a-d 11.5 bc 494 ab 9.7 d-g 33 ab 0
Sweet Heart 133 a-d 6.9 cd 12.0 a-c 492 ab 9.2 e-g 50 ab 0
Nova 132 a-d 8.9 a-d 11.7 a-c 487 ab 9.4 e-g 50 ab 0
Ssupersweet 5344 152 a-d 13.3 ab 12.1 a-c 487 ab 12.9 a 75 ab 0
HMX 7928 196 ab 9.7 a-d 12.4 a-c 466 a-c 9.0 fg 17 b 0
Crimson Trio 148 a-d 11.5 ab 11.9 a-c 460 a-c 10.9 a-g 67 ab 0
SWM 8702 233 a 11.5 ab 12.9 a 448 a-c 10.3 b-g 67 ab 0
NVH 4256 161 a-d 12.6 ab 12.2 a-c 423 a-c 11.2 a-f 67 ab 0
Tiffany 165 a-d 11.7 ab 12.6 ab 423 a-c 11.1 a-f 100 a 8
Tri X-313 134 a-d 12.3 ab 12.2 a-c 416 a-c 12.4 ab 33 ab 16
CFREC 89-11 120 a-d 13.4 a 11.9 a-c 396 a-c 12.0 a-d 83 ab 28
CFREC 90-2 120 a-d 10.1 a-d 11.8 a-c 386 a-c 9.7 d-g 83 ab 7
Ssupersweet 2532 166 a-d 13.3 ab 11.5 bc 384 a-c 12.5 ab 42 ab 0
CFREC 88-2 136 a-d 11.2 a-c 12.3 a-c 379 a-c 10.1 b-g 50 ab 4
Ssupersweet 5244 210 ab 12.4 ab 12.1 a-c 372 a-c 12.3 a-c 53 ab 0
Queen of Hearts 143 a-d 11.8 ab 11.6 a-c 369 a-c 10.3 b-g 75 ab 0
CFREC 89-10 147 a-d 10.7 a-c 11.9 a-c 363 a-c 10.8 a-g 33 ab 19
Scarlet Trio 100 a-d 11.3 ab 11.6 a-c 358 a-c 11.1 a-f 58 ab 0
King of Hearts 181 a-c 12.2 ab 11.8 a-c 351 a-c 11.4 a-f 100 a 0
CFREC 90-7 32 cd 10.1 a-d 11.6 a-c 302 bc 10.2 b-g 58 ab 9
Honeyheart 13 d 6.2 d 12.0 a-c 269 c 9.9 c-g 100 a 6
CFREC 89-4 37 b-d 12.8 ab 11.9 a-c 261 c 11.4 a-f 67 ab 39
'Early yield based on first of two harvests.
2Acre = 4840 Ibf.
3Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple
range test, 5% level.
-11-
Table 5. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelons.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1991.
Entry s5.0 5.1-10.0 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20.0
------------------Percentage of Fruit----------------
CFREC 88-2 0 b' 53 a-e 44 a-d 3 cd 0 b
CFREC 89-4 0 b 40 a-g 48 a-d 13 a-d 0 b
CFREC 89-6 4 ab 30 c-g 57 a-c 9 a-d 1 b
CFREC 89-10 0 b 43 a-g 51 a-d 6 b-d 0 b
CFREC 89-11 0 b 24 e-g 63 ab 13 a-d 0 b
CFREC 90-2 0 b 57 a-c 38 b-d 5 b-d 0 b
CFREC 90-7 0 b 59 a-c 40 a-d 2 cd 0 b
Crimson Trio 0 b 46 a-g 42 a-d 11 a-d 0 b
Millionaire (HMX 7924) 0 b 31 c-g 61 ab 8 a-d 0 b
HMX 7928 9 a 56 a-d 32 cd 4 b-d 0 b
Tycoon (HMX 7932) 2 ab 59 a-c 39 b-d 0 d 0 b
Honeyheart 4 ab 50 a-f 39 b-d 8 a-d 0 b
King of Hearts 0 b 28 c-g 68 a 4 b-d 0 b
Laurel 0 b 44 a-g 44 a-d 12 a-d 0 b
Nova 1 ab 62 ab 35 b-d 1 cd 0 b
NVH 4256 0 b 42 a-g 43 a-d 14 a-d 2 b
NVH 4296 7 ab 66 a 26 d 1 cd 0 b
Queen of Hearts 0 b 45 a-g 49 a-d 6 b-d 0 b
Scarlet Trio 0 b 45 a-g 40 a-d 13 a-d 2 ab
Ssupersweet 2532 0 b 25 e-g 59 a-c 14 a-d 2 ab
Ssupersweet 5032 1 ab 20 fg 56 a-c 17 a-c 6 a
Ssupersweet 5244 0 b 26 d-g 57 a-c 11 a-d 6 a
Ssupersweet 5344 0 b 17 g 61 ab 21 ab 2 b
Sweet Heart 4 ab 62 ab 31 cd 3 cd 0 b
SWM 8702 3 ab 47 a-g 44 a-d 6 b-d 0 b
Tiffany 0 b 34 b-g 56 a-c 11 a-d 0 b
Tri X-313 0 b 38 a-g 38 b-d 24 a 0 b
'Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Table 6. Early and total yields, average fruit weight, soluble solids, and incidence of hollowheart in the
observational trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1991.
Early Yield1 Total Yield Hollow-
Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Weight Avg. fruit heart Tetraploid
Entry (cwt/A)2 Wt. (lb.) Solids (%) (cwt/A) Wt. (lb.) (%) (%)
CFREC 88-1 51 10.6 12.5 432 10.3 0 13
CFREC 88-3 16 10.2 13.9 177 10.0 0 35
CFREC 89-7 47 9.7 11.4 380 14.7 50 27
CFREC 89-8 136 16.9 11.4 437 12.9 100 9
CFREC 89-9 115 11.8 11.9 542 12.5 50 7
CFREC 89-13 204 11.5 12.2 503 10.8 100 0
CFREC 90-1 317 13.1 11.2 562 11.2 0 0
CFREC 90-6 283 14.6 12.0 521 14.0 100 0
'First of two harvests.
2Acre = 4840 Ibf.
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 offundamental knowledge ofdisciplines
represented by faculty and (8) directing graduate
student training and teaching special undergraduate
classes.
Location of
GCREC Bradenton
IFAS IS:
J The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
Q A statewide organization dedicated to teaching,
research and extension.
I 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.
" 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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