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Gulf Coast Research
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5007 60th St. E., Bradenton, Florida 34203-9324
I'll Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida
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Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Gulf Coast Research
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5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
Bradenton GCREC Research Report BRA1993-18 (September)
SEEDLESS WATERMELON CULTIGEN EVALUATION
SPRING 1993
D. N. Maynard1
The concept of seedless watermelons was described first in the U.S. literature
by Kihara (1951) based on experimentation that began in Japan in 1939. Seed for
planting seedless watermelons results from a cross between a selected tetraploid
female parent, developed by treating diploid lines with colchicine, and a
selected diploid (normal) male parent. The resulting triploid 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 without sufficient pollination.
Although the procedure for production of seedless watermelons has been
almost 50 years and commercial varieties have been available for nearly
the interest in and acreage of seedless watermelons has remained small
performance, poor seed germination, high seed costs, and inadequate
resulted in the lack of interest in seedless watermelon production.
known for
20 years,
SErratic
varieties
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.
Varieties have been evaluated at this location annually since 1988 (Maynard and
Gilreath, 1988; Maynard 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992).
The objective of this trial was to
watermelon cultigens under west-central
evaluate the performance of seedless
Florida conditions.
'Professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist.
Materials and Methods
Seeds of 39 seedless watermelon hybrids 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 5 February. 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 = 7.6 and Mehlich I extractable P = 116, K = 30, Mg = 136,
Ca = 880, Zn = 10.2, Cu = 4.6, and Mn = 7.2 ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in early February 1993 by incorporation of
0-1.2-0 lb. N-P20-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 2.7-0-3.8 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 130-60-182
lb N-P Os-K 0/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 proportion of acceptable transplants of seeds planted, was
determined prior to transplanting in holes punched in the polyethylene at 3 ft
in-row spacing on 8 March. The 21-ft long plots had seven plants each. Because
of 'the storm of the century' on 13-14 March, most of the transplants were lost.
There were insufficient transplants to reset for a replicated trial so only one
observational plot of each entry was retained following resetting on 24 March.
Standard watermelons that were being evaluated were direct seeded in beds on each
side of two seedless watermelon beds on 16 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 28 May, 8 June, 17 June and 24 June. Marketable
(U.S. No. 1 or better) watermelons according to U.S. grades (U.S. Standards for
Grades of Watermelon, 1978) were separated from culls and counted and weighed
individually. Tetraploid fruit, where they occurred, were not included in the
marketable category because they are not seedless. Soluble solids were
determined with a hand-held refractometer on at least four fruit from each entry
and the incidence and severity of hollowheart were noted on these fruit.
Results and Discussion
Temperature (Table 2) during the experimental period from 8 March to 24 June was
near normal. April rainfall was greater than normal but May and June rainfall
was less than normal providing excellent conditions for fruit maturation.
Transplant return, the percentage of seeds that develop into acceptable
transplants, varied from 34% for CLF 2041 to 96% for XPH 6202 and 'Crimson Trio'
(Table 3). The average return of named varieties was 76%, whereas return of
experimental lines was 71%. This agrees with results previously reported
(Maynard; 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992) 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, seed handling, or seed storage conditions.
Characteristics of the individual hybrid also may contribute to variations in
seed performance.
Early harvest, represented by the first two of four harvests, ranged from 0 for
CLF 2042, CLF 2043, and XPH 6202 to 542 cwt/acre for W2005. 'Crimson Jewel',
'Ssupersweet 5244', 'Tiffany', W0067, and XPH 6209 had early yields exceeding 400
cwt/acre. Average fruit weight of early harvested watermelons ranged from 9.0
lb for 'Scarlet Trio' to 19.4 lb for 'Tri-X-313'. Soluble solids of fruit from
the early harvest ranged from 11% for W2005 to 14.1% for ASM 5077A and XPH 6211.
Hollowheart in early-harvested fruit varied from 0 in ASM 5077A, CLF 1003, CLF
2004, CLF 2014, 'Crimson Jewel', 'Tiffany', 'Tycoon', W0067, and W2005 to 100%
in ASM 8907, HMX 7928, 'Millionaire', 'Scarlet Trio', and 'Ssupersweet 2532'.
The severity of hollowheart in those' entries affected had cell separations
ranging from 0.04 in. in CLF 1027 and 'Crimson Trio' to 3.94 in. in 'Queen of
Hearts'. Hollowheart data are based on cutting 1 to 11 fruit per entry. The
variation is caused by the unequal number of fruit harvested per plot at each
harvest date.
Total yield (Table 3) varied from 500 cwt/acre for CLF 1027 to 1161 cwt/acre for
CLF 2014. Other entries producing total yields exceeding 900 cwt/acre were CLF
2042, 'Genesis', 'Ssupersweet 2532', 'Ssupersweet 5244', and XPH 6209. Total
yields far exceeded the state average yield of 190 cwt/acre for the 1987-88 to
1991-92 seasons (Freie and Young, 1993), and higher than those reported (Maynard
and Gilreath, 1988; Maynard 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992) previously from this
location. Average fruit weight ranged from 9.5 lb for W2006 to 19.9 lb for XPH
6202. Six other entries had average fruit weights greater than 17 lb.
Soluble solids varied between 11.3% for W2006 to 14.4% ASM 5077A. Sixteen other
entries had 13% or greater soluble solids. Accordingly, soluble solids in all
entries far exceeded the 10% specified for optional use in the U.S. watermelon
grade standards for very good internal quality (U.S. Standards for Grades of
Watermelons, 1978). The incidence of hollowheart varied from 0 for ASM 5077A,
CLF 1003, CLF 2043, W0067, W0069, and W2005 to 75% in CLF 1027 fruit. The
severity of cell separations in those entries affected ranged from 0.08 in. for
CLF 2042 and HMX 7928 to 2.8 in. for 'Crimson Jewel'. These data are based on
cutting 4 to 14 fruit per entry. The variation is caused by the unequal number
of fruit harvested per plot at each harvest date. According to U.S. watermelon
grades, the aggregrate width of cracks in a 25 lb round melon cannot exceed 2 in.
to qualify for the U.S. No. 1 grade, except for the 10% tolerance which is
permitted (U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons, 1978).
It is not unusual for some tetraploid fruit to appear in triploid (seedless)
watermelon plantings. In this trial, 9% of the 'Honeyheart' and 11% of the
'Revelation' fruit were classed as tetraploid.
Since most seedless watermelons are packed in cartons, it is desirable to have
relatively uniformly sized fruit. Many entries had the majority of their fruit
weighing between 10 and 20 lb (Table 4), therefore they could be packed four per
carton with a carton weight about 60 lb. 'Honeyheart', 'Tiffany', ASM 7060,
W0067, W2005, and W2006 fruit were.somewhat smaller. ASM 7060 and W2006 probably
would be classed as miniseedless watermelons.
Based on results of this and previous trials, varieties, in alphabetical order,
that appear to have considerable potential for commercial production in Florida
include 'Crimson Trio', 'Genesis', 'King of Hearts', 'Millionaire', 'Nova',
'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
Freie, R. L. and H. V. Young. 1993. Florida Agricultural Statistics. Vegetable
Summary 1991-92. Florida Agricultural Statistics Service, Orlando.
Hanlon, E. A. and J. M. DeVore. 1989. IFAS extension soil testing laboratory
chemical procedures and training manual. Fla. Coop. Ext. Circ. 812.
Kihara, H. 1951. Triploid watermelons. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 58:217-230.
Maynard, D. N. 1989. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1989. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1989-16.
Maynard, D. N. 1990. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1990. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1990-14.
Maynard, D. N. 1991. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1991. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1991-21.
Maynard, D. N. 1992. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1992. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1992-18.
Maynard, D.N. and P. R. Gilreath. 1988. Seedless watermelon variety evaluation,
spring 1988. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1988-18.
Stanley, C. D. 1993. Temperature and rainfall report for 1992. Gulf Coast
Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1993-1.
U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons. 1978. USDA, AMS, Washington, D.C.
Table 1. Seedless watermelon entries, descriptions, and seed
Coast Research & Education Center. Spring 1993.
sources. Gulf
Entry Description Source
ASM 5077A
ASM 7060
ASM 8907
CLF 1003
CLF 1025
CLF 1027
CLF 1034
CLF 2004
CLF 2014
CLF 2041
CLF 2042
CLF 2043
Oval. Medium-green rind with darker
pencil-thin lines.
Round/oval. Narrow, dark-green,
distinct stripes on light-green
background. Yellow flesh.
Round/oval. Medium-green background
with darker-green pencil-thin lines.
Oval. Distinct dark-green stripes on
light to medium-green background.
Similar to Queen of Hearts.
Oval. Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to Tri-X-313.
medium-green
background.
Oval. Dark-green background with
darker-green fine lines.
Round/oval. Medium-green background
with darker-green pencil-thin lines.
Seeded.
Oval.
stripes
Narrow, distinct, dark-green
on medium-green background.
Round/oval. Indistinct, dark-green
stripes on light-green background.
Round/oval. Wide,
green stripes on
ground.
Round. Very wide,
green stripes on
ground.
Oval/round. Wide,
green stripes on
ground.
indistinct,
light-green
dark-
back-
indistinct, dark-
light-green back-
indistinct,
light-green
dark-
back-
Crimson
Jewel (SWM
8702)
Round/oval. Very dark-green, in-
distinct, wide stripes on light-green
background.
American
Sunmelon
American
Sunmelon
American
Sunmelon
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
Sakata
Table 1 (cont.)
Entry Description Source
Crimson Trio
Oval, Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to Tri-X-313.
medium-green
background.
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
dark-green
background.
Honeyheart
Round/oval.
dark-green
background.
Distinct, narrow, very
stripes on medium green
Yellow flesh.
Oval. Dark-green with indistinct very
dark-green lines.
Oval. Indistinct, dark-green stripes
on medium-green background. Similar to
Tri-X-313.
Harris Moran
Petoseed
Millionaire
(HMX 7924)
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide, dark-green
on light-green background.
to Tri X-313.
Harris Moran
Nova
Queen of
Hearts
Revelation
(460015)
RXW 701
Scarlet Trio
Ssupersweet
2532
Ssupersweet
5032
Round-oval. Distinct, very dark-green
stripes on medium-green background.
Oval. Distinct, dark-green stripes on
medium-green background.
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Oval.
stripes
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
dark-green
background.
Indistinct, wide, dark-green
on light-green background.
Thin, distinct, dark-green
on light-green background.
to Queen of Hearts.
Thin, distinct, dark-green
on light-green background.
to Queen of Hearts.
Oval-round. Wide, indistinct, medium-
green stripes on light-green back-
ground.
Sakata
Petoseed
Shamrock
Rogers NK
Rogers NK
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Genesis
(460016)
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Rogers NK
Shamrock
HMX 7928
King of
Hearts
Petoseed
Table 1 (cont.)
Entry Description Source
Ssupersweet
5244
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to Tri-X-313.
dark-green
background.
Abbott & Cobb
Round-oval. Wide,
green stripes
background.
indistinct, dark-
on medium-green
Tri-X-313
Tycoon
(HMX 7932)
W0067
W0068
W0069
W2005
W2006
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green
stripes on light-green background.
Oval. Narrow, distinct, dark-green
stripes on light-green background.
Similar to Queen of Hearts.
Round. Dark-green background with
darker-green pencil-thin lines.
Oval/round. Dark-green background
with darker-green very narrow stripes.
Round. Dark-green background with
very dark-green narrow stripes.
Round/oval. Dark-green
with very dark-green
stripes. Seeded.
background
indistinct
Round/oval. Dark-green background
with darker-green pencil-thin lines.
Mostly seeded.
Oval/blocky. Distinct., narrow, dark-
green stripes on light-green back-
ground. Similar to Queen of Hearts.
XPH 6202
XPH 6205
XPH 6209
XPH 6211
Oval/round. Distinct, narrow,
green stripes on medium-green
ground.
Oval/round. Indistinct, wide,
green stripes on medium-green
ground.
dark-
back-
dark-
back-
Oval/elongated. Very wide dark-green
stripes on light-green background.
American
Sunmelon
Harris Moran
Pioneer
Pioneer
Pioneer
Pioneer
Pioneer
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
Tiffany
Asgrow
8
Table 2. Temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research and Education
Center from 8 March to 24 June 1993 and 39-year monthly averages
(Stanley, 1993).
Average daily temperature (F)
1993 39-yr average Rainfall (in.)
Month' Max Min Max Min 1993 39-yr average
March (8-31) 76 55 77 55 1.46 3.40
April 80 57 82 60 4.33 1.68
May 86 64 87 64 1.53 3.16
June (1-24) 93 70 89 70 1.89 7.97
11993 data are for the dates shown, 39-year averages are for the entire month.
Table 3. Transplant return, early and total yields, average fruit weight and soluble solids of seedless watermelon observational trial. Gulf Coast
Research and Education Center. Spring 1993.
Transplant Early Harvest' Total Harvest
return' Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Hollowheart Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Hollowheart
Entry (%) (cwt/A)3 wt (Ib) solids (%) (%) (in.)5 (cwt/A) wt (Ib) solids (X) (%)* (in.)5
CLF 2014 62
Ssupersweet 5244 90
XPH 6209 90
Genesis 80
CLF 2042 44
-.----------.--------------.
0
2.07
0.90
0.16
1161 14.0 12.8 25 0.51
1086 17.4 12.8 38 1.43
996 17.3 13.0 62 1.07
985 15.2 12.8 50 0.78
978 17.7 12.0 33 0.08
Ssupersweet 2532 84 346 15.0 12.4 100 1.56 924 16.7 12.9 56 1.36
Scarlet Trio 69 21 9.0 12.2 100 0.39 895 16.2 13.4 11 0.39
ASM 7060 89 153 11.1 13.4 75 1.43 880 9.8 12.6 50 2.35
XPH 6202 96 0 871 19.9 12.3 50 1.32
Millionaire 86 174 15.1 12.9 100 2.16 849 16.0 13.3 57 2.51
CLF 2004 63 185 11.4 12.6 0 0 845 14.1 13.4 25 0.71
W0069 91 353 13.9 12.4 0 0 831 15.0 12.3 0 0
HMX 7928 70 276 12.0 13.4 100 0.08 825 13.2 13.3 33 0.08
RXW 701 71 216 18.7 13.2 50 0.55 814 18.6 13.4 50 1.42
Nova 78 267 10.5 12.0 33 1.97 805 12.5 12.7 20 1.97
Tiffany 66 444 12.8 12.5 0 0 797 12.8 13.1 33 1.09
Tri-X-313 76 90 19.4 13.1 33 0.31 795 15.7 12.9 18 0.20
XPH 6205 92 285 13.7 13.0 50 0.08 782 15.4 12.8 33 0.31
CLF 1025 62 196 14.2 11.7 86 2.26 779 15.4 12.8 57 1.85
W0067 71 500 11.4 13.0 0 0 778 12.0 13.1 0 0
Crimson Jewel 64 449 15.0 12.2 0 0 764 15.1 12.6 17 2.80
King of Hearts 67 187 13.5 12.6 25 0.16 760 15.7 13.1 50 1.87
CLF 2041 34 393 15.5 12.9 25 0.04 758 16.4 13.1 38 0.47
CLF 1003 64 142 15.4 12.5 0 0 747 14.7 13.3 0 0
Tycoon 63 195 12.1 11.9 0 0 736 13.9 12.2 33 0.75
CLF 1034 55 385 11.9 12.1 18 1.73 725 12.1 12.7 14 1.73
ASH 8907 95 249 15.4 13.5 100 0.83 722 14.9 13.2 50 0.83
ASM 5077A 46 253 13.7 14.1 0 0 716 13.5 14.4 0 0
W0068 78 283 12.3 12.2 33 0.39 715 12.4 12.4 28 1.97
Crimson Trio 96 111 12.0 11.8 20 0.04 693 17.7 12.5 31 0.50
.......................................................................................................................................................
W2005 81 542 12.4 11.0 0 0 667 11.6 10.6 0 0
XPH 6211 83 80 17.4 14.1 50 1.57 643 15.5 13.8 67 0.60
Ssupersweet 5032 68 362 14.3 12.4 50 0.49 637 14.5 12.4 28 0.49
CLF 2043 59 0
Honeyheart 81 334
---------------------------.----.----..----
Queen of Hearts 74 103
W2006 84 371
Revelation 75 179
CLF 1027 53 222
15.0
9.4
11.1
10.7
12.7 75 0.83
13.4 50 3.94
11.8 17 0.20
13.1 67 0.31
12.6 67 0.04
624 19.3 12.6 0 0
604 11.9 13.2 71 0.72
595 14.3 13.1 50 1.88
590 9.5 11.3 18 0.92
575 13.1 13.4 43 0.58
500 14.5 12.9 75 0.48
'Proportion of acceptable transplants of seeds planted.
2Early harvest based on first two of four harvests.
3Acre = 4840 Lbf.
"Percentage based on number of affected fruit of those cut.
'Average width of cracks in those fruit with hollowheart.
Table 4. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelon
observational trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
Spring 1993.
Entry 510 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20 lb
---------------- Percentage of fruit ---------------
CLF 1003 14 50 23 13
CLF 1025 4 60 24 12
Crimson Trio 5 37 32 26
Genesis 4 43 46 7
Honeyheart 32 59 9 0
King of Hearts 5 33 .52 10
Millionaire 0 39 48 13
Nova 18 74 4 4
Queen of Hearts 6 33 50 11
Revelation 21 53 26 0
Scarlet Trio 3 43 22 32
SS 2532 0 42 42 16
SS 5032 10 53 26 11
SS 5244 0 41 30 29
Tiffany 32 54 11 3
Tri-X-313 0 36 60 4
Tycoon 9 56 35 0
ASM 5077A 13 52 35 0
ASM 7060 64 33 0 3
ASM 8907 10 57 24 9
CLF 1027 27 33 20 20
CLF 2004 15 50 27 8
CLF 2014 17 53 22 8
CLF 1034 15 73 12 0
CLF 2041 5 40 30 25
CLF 2042 0 25 50 25
CLF 2043 0 14 36 50
HMX 7928 11 59 26 4
Pioneer W0067 32 43 21 4
Pioneer W0068 12 76 12 0
Pioneer W0069 0 50 42 8
Pioneer W2005 28 60 12 0
Pioneer W2006 74 15 11 0
RXW 701 5. 11 58 26
Crimson Jewel 5 27 68 0
XPH 6202 0 16 37 47
XPH 6205 4 55 18 23
XPH 6209 4 28 48 20
XPH 6211 6 44 44 6
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 of disciplines
represented by faculty and (8) directing graduate
student training and teaching special undergraduate
classes.
i 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.
Q 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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