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Gulf Coast Research
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5007 60th St. E., Bradenton, Florida 34203-9324
SInstitute 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 BRA1992-18 October
Seedless Watermelon Variety Evaluation
Spring 1992
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 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.
The objective of these trials was to evaluate the performance of seedless
watermelon varieties and experimental lines under west central Florida
conditions.
iProfessor of Horticultural Sciences and Extension Vegetable Specialist.
2
Materials and Methods
Seeds of 20 seedless watermelon varieties or experimental lines for replicated
trials and 6 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 31 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 = 7.2 and Mehlich
I extractable P = 101, K = 15, Mg = 128, Ca = 939, Zn = 10.8, Cu = 4.6, and Mn
= 3.9 ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in early February 1992 by incorporation of
0-1.2-0 lb. N-P20O-K20 per 100 linear bed feet (Ibf). 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 2.1-0-2.9 lb.
N-P05O-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-P Os-KO,/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 4 March. 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 24-ft long and had 8 plants
each. Icebox and standard watermelons that were being evaluated were direct
seeded in beds on each side of two seedless watermelon beds on 27 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
gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil and metalaxyl-chlorothalonil).
Watermelons were harvested on 29 May, 10 June and 18 June. Marketable (U.S. No.
1 or better) according to U.S. Standards for Grades (8) 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
General
Temperature (Table 2) during the experimental period from 4 March to 18 June was
near normal (7). April rainfall was less than normal.
Replicated Trial
Transplant return, the percentage of seeds that develop into acceptable
transplants, varied from 37% for 90W145 to 84% for 'Crimson Trio' (Table 3). The
average return of named varieties was 72%, whereas return of experimental lines
was 63%. This agrees with results obtained in 1989 (6), 1990 (4), and 1991 (5)
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 three harvests, ranged from 124
cwt/acre for 'Scarlet Trio' to 437 cwt/acre for HMX 7928 (Table 3). Early yields
of 15 other entries were statistically similar to those of 'Scarlet Trio',
whereas eight other entries had yields similar to those of HMX 7928. Average
fruit weight ranged from 10.0 lb for NVH 4296 to 17.0 lb for CLF 1025. Average
weight of fruit at first harvest of 11 other entries was similar to that of NVH
4296, whereas 18 other entries had average fruit weight similar to that of CLF
1025. Soluble solids of fruit from the first harvest varied from 12.1% for
'Crimson Trio' to 14.4% for 'Cotton Candy', however, these differences were not
significant. Accordingly, there were few differences in yield, average fruit
weight, or soluble solids at the first harvest.
Total yields (Table 3) ranged from 297 cwt/acre for CLF 1012 to 691 cwt for
'Millionaire'. Sixteen other entries had total yields similar tb those of CLF
1012, whereas 15 other entries had yields similar to those of 'Millionaire'.
Average fruit weight for the entire season varied from 9.8 lb for NVH 4296 to
16.0 lb for 'Cotton Candy' and CLF 1011. Seven other entries had similar average
weights similar to 'Cotton Candy' and CLF 1011. Total yields far exceeded the
state average yield of about 181 cwt/acre for the 1986-87 to 1990-91 seasons (1),
and were higher than those reported from this location in 1991 (5) but lower than
those from the 1989 (6) or 1990 (4) seasons.
Soluble solids over the entire season (Table 3) ranged from 12.7% for 'Crimson
Trio' and 'Tycoon' to 13.9% for 'HMX 7928'. Accordingly, soluble solids in all
entries far exceeded the 10% specified for optional use in the U.S. Standards for
Grades of Watermelons (8).
The incidence of sunburned fruit was low at the early harvest, but because of a
rapid vine decline was relatively high in the subsequent two harvests (Table 4).
The proportion of fruit affected by sunburn ranged from 8% for SWM 8702 to 48%
for CLF 1012. Fifteen entries were similar to SWM 8702, whereas 8 entries were
similar to CLF 1012 in.the incidence of sunburn. Since all sunburned fruit were
included regardless of severity, it is likely that some could have been shipped
as U.S. No. 1.fruit according to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons
(8).
The incidence of hollowheart was highly variable at the first harvest ranging
from 0% for 'Crimson Trio' and 'Millionaire' to 100% for CLF 1012 (Table 4).
Eighteen other entries had hollowheart incidence similar to 'Crimson Trio' and
'Millionaire', whereas seven other entries were similar to CLF 1012. For the
total harvest, the incidence of hollowheart varied from 6% for 'Crimson Trio' to
53% for CLF 1025. Eighteen other entries had hollowheart incidence similar to
'Crimson Trio' whereas 19 other entries had hollowheart incidence similar to CLF
1025. Measurements of fruit cracks, where present, showed a range of hollowheart
from 0 for 'Crimson Trio' and 'Millionaire' to 1.46 inches for CLF 1012 at early
harvest. For the total harvest, the average fruit crack varied from 0.04 in. for
'Crimson Trio' to 1.30 in. for CLF 1012. The reason for the abnormally high
incidence and severity of hollowheart this season is not known, however,
commercial watermelon growers in the area also had a severe hollowheart problem
in the Spring 1992 season.
Depending on the method used to produce triploid watermelon seed, there may or
may not be a proportion of tetraploid seed in the triploid seed lot. In this
trial, CLF 1025, CLF 1011, and 'Cotton Candy' had 17, 16, and 13%, respectively,
tetraploid fruit. Exp. 460023 and 'Tiffany' had 2% tetraploid fruit.
Since most seedless watermelons are packed in cartons, it is desirable to have
relatively uniformly sized fruit. Most entries had about 75% of their fruit
weighing between 10 and 20 Ibs (Table 5), therefore they could be packed four per
carton with a carton weight of about 60 Ibs. NVH 4296 was the only entry having
less than 50% of its fruit in this weight range.
Observational Trial
Early yields ranged from 35 cwt/acre for CLF 1027 to 260 cwt/acre for CLF 1024
(Table 6). Average fruit weight varied from 11.8 for CLF 1016 to 17.5 lb for CLF
1027. Total yields varied from 204 cwt/acre for CLF 1027 to 544 cwt/acre for CLF
1007 and average fruit weight for the total harvest ranged from 11.9 lb for CLF
1016 to 16.9 lb for CLF 1027.
Soluble solids were uniformly high for the early harvested and total fruit
harvest. Sunburn did not occur in the early harvested fruit but ranged from 17
to 65% for the total harvest. The incidence of hollowheart varied from 0 to 50%
in the early harvest and 0 to 67% in the total harvest. The severity of
hollowheart varied from 0 to 2.16 in. cracks in the early harvest and 0 to 1.18
in. cracks for the total harvest. A high incidence of tetraploid fruit was noted
in CLF 1016, CLF 1024, and CLF 1027.
Summary
Seedless watermelon variety trials have been conducted at GCREC each spring
season since 1988. The highest yields have ranged from 546 cwt/acre in 1991 (5)
to 970 cwt/acre in 1989 (6). The highest yield in 1992 was 691 cwt/acre which
was slightly below the five-year average yield of 730 cwt/acre. An undiagnosed
vine decline may have contributed to the lower than average yield. 'Millionaire'
was included in four of the five trials, and was the highest yielding variety in
three of the trials and in the statistically highest yielding group in the other
trial.
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', '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.
Literature Cited
1. Frie, R. L. and H. V. Young.
Vegetable Summary 1990-91.
Orlando.
1992. Florida Agricultural Statistics.
Florida Agricultural Statistics Service,
2. Hanlon, E. A. and
laboratory chemical
812.
J. M. DeVore. 1989.
procedures and training
IFAS extension soil testing
manual. Fla. Coop. Ext. Circ.
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. 1991. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring
1991. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1991-21.
6. Maynard, D. N. and G.
watermelon cultivars in
Hort. Soc. 102:313-319.
W. Elmstrom. 1989. Evaluation of triploid
central and southwest Florida. Proc. Fla. State
7. Stanley, C. D. 1992. Temperature and rainfall report for 1991. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1992-2.
8. U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons. 1978. USDA, AMS, Washington,
D.C.
Table 1. Seedless watermelon entries, description, and seed
Coast Research & Education Center. Spring 1992.
source. Gulf
Entry Description Source
Replicated Entries
Round. Wide dark-green
light-green background.
Oval. Narrow dark-green
light-green background.
Queen of Hearts.
stripes
stripes on
Similar to
on Rogers NK
Rogers NK
Oval. Distinct dark-green stripes on
light to medium-green background.
Similar to Queen of Hearts.
CFREC-Leesburg
Oval. Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to Tri-X-313.
Oval. Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to Tri-X-313.
Oval. Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to Tri-X-313.
medium-green
background.
medium-green
background.
medium-green
background.
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
Cotton Candy
Crimson Trio
Oval. Narrow 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.
Exp. 460015
Exp. 460016
Exp. 460023
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
dark-green
background.
dark-green
background.
dark-green
background.
Oval. Dark-green with indistinct very
dark-green lines.
Harris Moran
90W145
90W146
CLF 1003
CLF 1011
CLF 1012
CLF 1025
Harris
Rogers NK
Shamrock
Shamrock
Shamrock
HMX 7928
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
Millionaire
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
dark-green
background.
Harris Moran
Round-oval.
Very dark-green rind.
Round-oval. Distinct, very dark-green
stripes on medium-green background.
Scarlet Trio
SWM 8702
Tiffany
Tri-X-313
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Thin, distinct, dark-green
on light-green background.
to Queen of Hearts.
Round, oval.
indistinct, wide
green background.
Round-oval. Wide,
green stripes
background.
Very dark-green,
stripes on light
indistinct, dark-
on medium-green
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green
stripes on light-green background.
Rogers NK
Sakata
Asgrow
American
Sunmelon
Thin, distinct dark-green
on light-green background.
to Queen of Hearts.
Harris Moran
Observational Entries
Oval. Distinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Similar to
Queen of Hearts.
Oval.
stripes
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Thin, distinct dark-green
on medium-green background.
Thin, distinct dark-green
on light-green background.
to Queen of Hearts.
Round/oval. Dark-green background
with darker-green fine lines.
Oval. Dark-green background with
darker-green fine lines.
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
Triplesweet
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
dark-green
background.
NVH 4296
Nova
Rogers NK
Sakata
Tycoon
Oval.
stripes
Similar
CLF 1006
CLF 1007
CLF 1016
CLF 1024
CLF 1027
American
Sunmelon
8
Table 2. Mean temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research & Education
Center from 4 March to 18 June 1992 and 1954-1991 monthly averages
(7).
Average daily temperature (OF)
1992 1954-91 average Rainfall (in.)
Month (date) Max. Min. Max. Min. 1992 1954-91 average
March (4-31) 77 56 77 55 4.05 3.38
April 81 61 81 59 2.93 1.65
May 86 62 87 65 0.15 3.24
June (1-18) 90 72 89 70 4.90 7.58
1992 data are for the dates shown; 1954-91 averages are for the entire month.
Table 3. Transplant return, early and total yields, average fruit weight, and soluble solids of
seedless watermelons in the replicated trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
Spring 1992.
Transplant Early Harvest' Total Harvest
return Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Weight Avg. fruit Soluble
Entry (%) (cwt/A)2 Wt. (lb.) Solids (%) (cwt/A)2 Wt. (lb.) Solids (%)
Millionaire 65 264 a-d3 15.8 ab 13.4 a 691 a 15.5 ab 13.3 ab
90W146 80 180 b-d 16.4 ab 13.0 a 670 a 14.5 a-d 13.2 ab
SWM 8702 77 381 ab 14.0 a-c 13.1 a 617 ab 13.7 de 13.4 ab
Exp. 460015 79 288 a-d 14.7 a-c 13.2 a 606 ab 13.9 c-e 13.5 ab
Tiffany 79 268 a-d 13.0 a-c 13.4 a 552 a-c 13.3 de 13.5 ab
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nova 63 222 b-d 12.2 a-c 13.2 a 551 a-c 11.5 f 13.1 ab
Crimson Trio 84 297 a-d 16.5 ab 12.1 a 536 a-c 15.4 a-c 12.7 b
Tri-X-313 80 264 a-d 15.9 ab 12.6 a 534 a-c 15.5 a-c 13.4 ab
HMX 7928 75 437 a 11.9 a-c 14.3 a 504 a-c 11.7 f 13.9 a
Exp. 460023 61 272 a-d 15.7 ab 13.0 a 503 a-c 15.5 ab 13.0 ab
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NVH 4296 39 350 a-c 10.0 c 12.7 a 483 a-c 9.8 g 12.8 b
Cotton Candy 65 184 b-d 16.7 a 14.4 a 471 a-c 16.0 a 13.6 ab
CLF 1025 68 149 cd 17.0 a 13.3 a 468 a-c 15.5 a-c 13.2 ab
Exp. 460016 46 184 b-d 13.8 a-c 13.6 a 457 a-c 13.8 de 13.7 ab
CLF 1011 71 167 cd 15.0 a-c 13.4 a 444 a-c 16.0 a 13.3 ab
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90W145 37 159 cd 13.7 a-c 13.6 a 424 a-c 14.0 b-d 13.4 ab
Tycoon 62 188 b-d 13.3 a-c 12.9 a 384 bc 12.3 ef 12.7 b
Scarlet Trio 80 124 d 12.6 a-c 13.3 a 378 bc 13.0 d-f 13.3 ab
CLF 1003 60 158 cd 12.4 a-c 13.1 a 362 bc '13.5 de 13.2 ab
CLF 1012 69 177 cd 16.4 ab 13.3 a 297 c 15.7 a 13.0 ab
'Early harvest based on first of three harvests.
2Acre = 4840 Ibf.
3Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Table 4. The incidence of sunburn and hollowheart and severity of hollowheart of seedless watermelons in the
replicated trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1992.
Early Harvest' Total Harvest
Sunburn4 Hollowheart Hollowheart Sunburn Hollowheart" Hollowheart Tetraploid
Entry (%) (%) average (in.) (%) (%) average (in.) (%)
90W145 0 b4 50 a-c 0.63 a-c 25 a-c 33 ab 0.75 a-c 0 b
90W146 0 b 50 a-c 0.79 a-c 23 a-c 44 ab 0.59 a-c 0 b
CLF 1003 0 b 67 ab 1.38 ab 22 a-c 35 ab 0.87 ab 0 b
CLF 1011 0 b 50 a-c 0.83 a-c 39 ab 22 ab 0.67 a-c 16 a
CLF 1012 14 a 100 a 1.46 a 48 a 51 a 1.30 a 0 b
CLF 1025 0 b 33 bc 0.71 a-c 35 a-c 53 a 0.51 bc 17 a
Cotton Candy 0 b 50 a-c 0.43 bc 30 a-c 23 ab 0.51 bc 13 ab
Crimson Trio 0 b 0 bc 0 c 33 a-c 6 b 0.04 c 0 b
Exp. 460015 0 b 17 bc 0.08 c 22 a-c 22 ab 0.31 bc 0 b
Exp. 460016 0 b 33 bc 0.63 a-c 35 a-c 45 ab 0.35 bc 0 b
Exp. 460023 0 b 50 a-c 0.71 a-c 31 a-c 33 ab 0.59 a-c 2 b o
HMX 7928 0 b 33 bc 0.47 bc 31 a-c 39 ab 0.55 a-c 0 b
Millionaire 0 b 0 bc 0 c 25 a-c 11 ab 0.43 bc 0 b
NVH 4296 0 b 17 bc 0.20 c 22 a-c 33 ab 0.39 bc 0 b
Nova 0 b 33 bc 0.35 c 26 a-c 28 ab 0.55 bc 0 b
Scarlet Trio 0 b 50 a-c 0.47 bc 40 ab 45 ab 0.47 bc 0 b
SWM 8702 0 b 33 bc 0.24 c 8 c 39 ab 0.39 bc 0 b
Tiffany 0 b 17 bc 0.20 c 19 bc 38 ab 0.39 bc 2 b
Tri-X-313 0 b 33 bc 0.55 a-c 31 a-c 28 ab 0.35 bc 0 b
Tycoon 0 b 50 a-c 0.67 a-c 37 ab 22 ab 0.71 a-c 0 b
1Early harvest based on the first of three harvests.
2Percentage based on fruit number.
SAverage width of fruit cracks of fruit with hollowheart.
4Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Table 5. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelons.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1992.
Entry 510.0 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20.0
------------------Percentage of Fruit--------------
90W145 10 c-e1 53 b-f 33 c-e 3 bc
90W146 9 c-e 49 b-f 37 b-d 4 a-c
CLF 1003 13 cd 63 a-c 25 d-f 0 c
CLF 1011 7 c-e 35 f 52 ab 8 a-c
CLF 1012 0 e 41 d-f 59 a 0 c
CLF 1025 8 c-e 43 c-f 36 b-e 13 ab
Cotton Candy 2 de 36 f 51 ab 13 ab
Crimson Trio 9 c-e 39 ef 37 b-d 15 a
Exp. 460015 7 c-e 67 ab 26 d-f 0 c
Exp. 460016 9 c-e 68 ab 19 ef 4 bc
Exp. 460023 < 3 de 44 c-f 45 a-c 8 a-c
HMX 7928 28 b 60 a-d 12 fg 0 c
Millionaire 9 c-e 36 f 46 a-c 8 a-c
NVH 4296 51 a 49 b-f 0 g 0 c
Nova 28 b 62 a-c 9 fg 0 c
Scarlet Trio 18 bc 52 b-f 30 c-e 0 c
SWM 8702 13 cd 59 a-e 23 d-f 6 a-c
Tiffany 9 c-e 77 a 9 fg 5 a-c
Tri-X-313 3 de 47 b-f 46 a-c 5 a-c
Tycoon 25 b 52 b-f 21 d-f 2 bc
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 sunburn,
and tetraploids and severity of hollowheart in the seedless watermelon observational trial. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1991.
Weight Avg. fruit Soluble3 Sunburn3 Hollowheart Tetraploid3
Entry (cwt/A)2 Wt. (lb.) Solids (%) (%) (% (in.) (%)
Early Harvest1
CLF 1006 224 13.9 12.9 0 50 0.63 0
CLF 1007 227 14.1 11.8 0 50 0.31 0
CLF 1016 167 11.8 12.5 0 0 0 0
CLF 1024 260 12.9 12.9 0 0 0 0
CLF 1027 35 17.5 13.4 0 50 2.16 75
Triplesweet 171 14.1 13.4 0 50 0.75 0
Total Harvest
CLF 1006 317 12.1 12.0 32 50 0.55 0
CLF 1007 544 14.2 12.2 24 17 0.31 0
CLF 1016 359 11.9 12.8 17 17 1.18 18
CLF 1024 430 12.6 12.6 50 0 0 11
CLF 1027 204 16.9 13.7 29 67 0.70 26
Triplesweet 405 15.4 13.0 65 17 0.74 0
'Early harvest based on first of three harvests.
2Acre = 4840 Ibf.
3Percentage based on fruit number.
Average width of fruit cracks of fruit with hollowheart.
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.
SLocation of
GCREC Bradenton
IFAS IS:
Q The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
Q 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.
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.
O 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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