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Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
5007 60th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34203
Bradenton GCREC Research Report
i- -1994 '21.e (December 1994)
JAN 2 5 1995
University of Florida
SEEDLESS WATERMELON CULTIGEN EVALUATION
SPRING 1994
D. N. MAYNARD
UNIVERSITY OF
FLORIDA
GCREC Research Report BRA1994-21
SEEDLESS WATERMELON CULTIGEN EVALUATION
SPRING 1994
D. N. Maynard'
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University of Florida, IFAS
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
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 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 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, 1993).
The objective of this trial was to evaluate the performance of seedless
watermelon cultigens under west-central Florida conditions.
'Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist.
December 1994
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seeds of 25 seedless watermelon varieties or experimental lines for replicated
trials and 25 entries 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 28
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 (Hanlon and DeVore, 1989):
pH = 7.6 and Mehlich I extractable P = 92, K = 25, Mg = 131, Ca = 944, Zn = 7.3,
Cu = 4.6, and Mn = 7.1 ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in early February 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-K 0/100
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 0 -
K20/A. The final beds were 32 in. wide and 8 in. high, and were spaced on ft
centers with four beds between seepage irrigation/ drainage ditches which were
on 41 ft centers.
The transplant return percentage for each entry was determined prior to
transplanting in holes punched in the polyethylene at 2.5 ft in-row spacing on
7-9 March. The plots were 15-ft long and had six plants each. The replicated
plots were repeated three times in a randomized, complete block design. Standard
watermelons that were being evaluated were direct seeded in beds on each side of
two seedless watermelon beds on 15 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 silverleaf whitefly endosulfann
and esfenvalerate), aphids endosulfann), and gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil
and metalaxyl-chlorothalonil).
Watermelons were harvested on 25 May, 2 June, and 9 June. Marketable (U.S. No.
1 or better) according to U.S. Standards for Grades (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 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
Temperature (Table 2) during the experimental period from 7 March to 9 June was
higher than normal (Stanley, 1994). May rainfall was much less than normal.
Replicated Trial
Transplant return, the percentage of seeds that develop into acceptable
transplants, varied from 46% for 'Ssupersweet 3731' to 98% for 'Ssupersweet 4073'
(Table 3). The average return of named varieties was 79%, whereas return of
experimental lines was 70%. This agrees with results obtained in previous
studies (Maynard, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993) 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 42 cwt/acre
for 'Sunrise' to 290 cwt/acre for 'Genesis' (Table 3). Early yields of 18 other
entries were statistically similar to those of 'Sunrise' whereas 20 other entries
had yields similar to those of 'Genesis'. Average fruit weight ranged from 6.4
lb for 'Sunrise' to 16.7 lb for RXW 701. Average weight of fruit at first
harvest of 22 other entries was similar to that of 'Sunrise', whereas 23 other
entries had average fruit weight similar to that of RXW 701. Soluble solids of
fruit from the first harvest varied from 11.9% for 'Ssupersweet 4073' to 13.6%
for 'Tiffany'. There were few differences in yield, average fruit weight, or
soluble solids at the first harvest.
Total yields (Table 3) ranged from 461 cwt/acre for 'Flordalee III' to 842 cwt
for 'Crimson Trio', but were statistically similar. Average fruit weight for the
entire season varied from 8.3 lb for 'Chiffon' to 16.9 lb for 'Millionaire'.
Total yields far exceeded the state average yield of about 198 cwt/acre for the
1988-89 to 1992-93 seasons (Freie and Pugh, 1994). Soluble solids over the
entire season (Table 3) ranged from 11.5% for 'Ssupersweet 4073' to 12.9% for
W0010, but these differences were not significant. 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 at the first harvest
ranged from 17% for W0024 and 'Floradalee III' to 100% for several entries.
For the total harvest, the incidence of hollowheart ranged from 6% for W0024 to
55% for 'Ace of Hearts'. Twenty-one other entries had hollowheart incidence
similar to W0024 and 20 had an incidence of hollowheart similar to that of 'Ace
of Hearts'. In the early harvest, hollowheart was most severe in 'Ssupersweet
5244' and least noticable in W0024. Nine other entries had hollowheart as severe
as 'Ssupersweet 5244' whereas no entries had hollowheart as severe as that found
in W0024. For the total harvest, the severity of hollowheart ranged from 0 in
W0024 to an average of 1.2 in. for 'King of Hearts'.
Since most seedless watermelons are packed in cartons, it is desirable to have
relatively uniformly sized fruit. Many entries in the replicated trial (Table
4) had the majority of their fruit weighing between 10 and 20 lb, therefore they
could be packed four per carton with a carton weight of about 60 lb. 'Chiffon',
'Nova', 'Ssupersweet 4073', and W0024 fruit were somewhat smaller than this in
this trial.
Observational Trial
Performance of entries in the observational trial are shown in Tables 5 and 6.
These data are of interest to those responsible for development of the
experimental lines and those responsible for decisions relating to their release
as named varieties.
SUMMARY
Seedless watermelon variety trials have been conducted at this location each
spring season since 1988. The highest yields have ranged from 546 cwt/acre in
1991 (Maynard, 1991) to 1161 cwt/acre in 1993 (Maynard, 1993). In spring 1994,
the highest yield in the replicated trial was 842 cwt/acre which was somewhat
more than the 7-95 cwt/acre average yield of the previous six years. 'Millionaire'
was included in five of the six replicated trials (observational trial in 1993
because of the 'Storm of the Century') and was the highest yielding variety in
three of the trials and in the statistically highest yielding group in two other
trials.
Variety shape and rind patterns, based on observations in this trial, are shown
in Table 1. Varieties producing oval to oblong fruit may be more suitable for
boxing than varieties producing round melons. Generally, the striped melons are
more attractive for the U.S. market than those with dark stripes on a very dark
green background or those with a solid dark green rind.
Based on results of this and previous trials, 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'. Merrilee III
should be considered for trial plantings.
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 N. L. Pugh. 1994. Florida Agricultural Statistics. Vegetable
Summary 1992-93. 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.
5
Maynard, D. N. 1993. Seedless watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1993.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1993-18.
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. 1994. Weather report for 1993. Gulf Coast Research and
Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1994-08.
U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons. 1978. USDA, AMS, Washington, D.C.
Table 1. Seedless watermelon entries, descriptions, and seed sources. Gulf
Coast Research & Education Center. Spring 1994.
Entry Description Source
Ace of
Hearts
Elongated,
dark-green
background.
ASM 5064
ASM 8907
Chiffon
CLF 3019
CLF 3020
CLF 3023
CLF 3025
CLF 3027
CLF 3030
CLF 3060
Crimson Trio
Deuce of
Hearts
Flordalee
III
blocky.
stripes
Wide, indistinct
on light-green
Oval. Medium to dark-green rind.
Round/oval. Medium-green background
with darker-green pencil-thin lines.
Round/oval. Narrow medium-green stripe
on light-green background. Yellow
flesh.
Round. Fine dark-green lines on very
dark-green background.
Oval. Medium dark-green stripes on
light-green background.
Elongated. Distinct dark-green stripes
on medium-green background.
Elongated. Medium-green
'Charleston Gray' type.
rind.
Elongated. Medium-green rind.
Elongated. Indistinct,wide, medium-
green stripes on light-green back-
ground.
Elongated. Fine dark-green lines on
gray background. 'Charleston-Gray'
type.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green
stripes on light-green background.
Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Round/oval. Narrow medium-green
stripes on light-green background.
Oval. Distinct dark-green stripes on
light to medium-green background.
Similar to 'Queen of Hearts'.
Petoseed
American
Sunmelon
American
Sunmelon
American
Sunmelon
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
Rogers
Petoseed
CFREC-
Leesburg
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide, dark-green
on light-green background.
to 'Tri-X-313'.
Shamrock
HMX 7928
Honeyheart
Oval. Dark-green with indistinct very
dark-green lines.
Round/oval.
dark-green
background.
Distinct, narrow, very
stripes on medium green
Yellow flesh.
Harris Moran
Petoseed
King of
Hearts
Merrilee III
Oval. Indistinct, dark-green stripes
on medium-green background. Similar to
'Tri-X-313'.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green
stripes on light-green background.
Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
Millionaire
Nova
Queen of
Hearts
Revelation
RXW 701
RWX 702
RXW 703
Scarlet Trio
Ssupersweet
3731
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Indistinct, wide, dark-green
on light-green background.
to 'Tri-X-313'.
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
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to 'Tri-X-313'.
dark-green
background.
Indistinct, wide, dark-green
on light-green background.
Oval. Medium-green, narrow, distinct
stripes on light-green background.
Similar to 'Queen of Hearts'.
Round.
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Thin, distinct, dark-green
on light-green background.
to 'Queen of Hearts'.
Round/oval. Narrow dark-green stripes
on medium-green background.
Harris Moran
Sakata
Petoseed
Shamrock
Rogers
Rogers
Rogers
Rogers
Abbott & Cobb
Genesis
Petoseed
CFREC-
Leesburg
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
Ssupersweet
4073
Ssupersweet
5244
Round/oval. Wide,
green stripes on
ground.
indistinct,
light-green
Oval. Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
dark-
back-
dark-green
background.
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Round/oval. Narrow distinct, dark-
green stripes on light-green back-
ground.
Abbott & Cobb
Round-oval. Wide,
green stripes on
ground.
indistinct,
medium-green
dark-
back-
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green
stripes on light-green background.
Oval. Distinct narrow dark-green
stripes on medium-green background.
Round/oval. Narrow dark-green stripes
on medium-green background.
Round. Very dark green. 'Sugar Baby'
type.
Round/oval. Wide,
green stripes on
ground.
indistinct,
medium-green
dark-
back-
Oval/round. Wide, indistinct dark-
green stripes on light-green
background. 'Tri-X-313' type.
Round/oval. Narrow distinct dark-green
stripes on light-green background.
Oval. Indistinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. 'Tri-X-313'
type.
Oval. Indistinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. 'Tri-X-313'
type.
Oval. Indistinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. 'Tri-X-313'
type.
Sunrise
Tiffany
Tri-X-313
W0010
W0016
W0024
W0026
W0027
W0044
W0045
W0046
W0047
Asgrow
American
Sunmelon
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
CFREC-
Leesburg
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
W0051 Oval. Wide, indistinct, dark-green CFREC-
stripes on light-green background. Leesburg
Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
XPH 6201 Oval. Dark green. 'Sugar Baby' type. Asgrow
XPH 6215 Elongated. 'Jubilee' type stripe. Asgrow
XPH 6218 Elongated. Indistinct dark-green Asgrow
stripe on light-green background. 'All
Sweet' type.
XPH 6260 Oval. Narrow distinct dark-green Asgrow
stripes on medium-green background.
'Nova' type.
XPH 6261 Oval/round. Distinct, very-dark green Asgrow
narrow stripes on dark-green
background. 'Sugar Baby' type.
XPH 6262 Oval. Medium-green, narrow distinct Asgrow
stripes on light green background.
Similar to 'Queen of Hearts'.
XPH 6263 Oval. Distinct, wide, medium-green Asgrow
stripes on light-green background.
Table 2. Temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research and Education
Center from 7 March to 9 June 1994 and 40-year monthly averages.
Average daily temperature (OF)
1994 40-yr average Rainfall (in.)
Month' High Low High Low 1994 40-yr average
March (7-31) 82 58 77 55 1.36 3.35
April 86 64 82 60 2.57 1.72
May 89 67 87 64 0.20 3.20
June (1-9) 89 67 89 70 2.76 7.48
11994 data are for the dates shown, 40-year averages are for the entire month.
Table 3. Transplant return, early and total yields, average fruit weight, soluble solids, and the incidence and severity of hollowheart of seedless
watermelons. Replicated trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1994.
Transplant Early Harvest" Total Harvest
return Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Hollowheart Weight Avg. fruit Soluble olltowheart
Entry (X) (cwt/A ) wt (Ib) solids (C) (X) (in.) (cwt/A') wt (Ib) solids (X) (%) (in.)
Crimson Trio 68 271 ab 15.5 ab 12.6 ab 50 ab 0.9 c-e 842 a 14.4 b-d 12.5 a 26 a-c 0.5 ab
HMX 7928 85 287 ab 13.5 ab 13.5 a 33 ab 0.2 de 783 a 11.7 f-i 12.8 a 11 bc 0.1 b
Queen of Hearts 88 186 a-c 13.1 ab 12.1 b 100 a 1.5 a-e 757 a 12.7 c-g 12.2 a 41 a-c 0.6 ab
Merrilee III 85 154 a-c 14.8 ab 12.6 ab 100 a 1.6 a-e 756 a 14.5 b-d 12.4 a 31 a-c 0.8 ab
RXW 701 72 236 a-c 16.7 a 12.1 b 67 ab 1.0 b-e 747 a 15.3 ab 12.1 a 30 a-c 0.5 ab
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tiffany 53 260 ab 14.3 ab 13.6 a 83 ab 1.5 a-e 714 a 13.1 c-g 12.7 a 39 a-c 0.6 ab
Revelation 76 198 a-c 15.7 ab 12.7 ab 33 ab 0.3 c-e 680 a 12.8 c-g 12.2 a 22 a-c 0.2 ab
Sunrise 65 42 c 6.4 b 12.8 ab 33 ab 0.2 de 670 a 13.7 b-f 12.1 a 11 bc 0.1 b
W0016 62 242 a-c 14.1 ab 13.5 a 83 ab 1.9 a-e 664 a 12.7 c-g 12.7 a 41 a-c 0.8 ab
Tri-X-313 87 44 c 8.7 ab 13.1 a 67 ab 1.0 b-e 649 a 13.8 b-e 12.6 a 15 a-c 0.2 ab
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W0026 69 263 ab 13.6 ab 12.7 ab 100 a 3.0 ab 647 a 12.2 e-i 12.4 a 33 a-c 1.0 ab
Chiffon 86 83 bc 11.6 ab 13.1 a 58 ab 0.5 c-e 646 a 8.3 k 12.0 a 17 a-c 0.2 ab
Deuce of Hearts 82 264 ab 12.5 ab 12.5 ab 83 ab 1.6 a-e 638 a 11.3 g-j 12.1 a 39 a-c 0.7 ab
Ssupersweet 5244 86 156 a-c 16.4 a 13.2 a 67 ab 3.1 a 637 a 14.6 bc 12.0 a 18 a-c 0.8 ab
Nova 78 187 a-c 11.8 ab 12.4 ab 67 ab 0.4 c-e 617 a 10.5 h-j 12.1 a 28 a-c 0.2 ab 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ssupersweet 4073 98 102 a-c 13.6 ab 11.9 b 100 a 2.4 a-c 603 a 10.3 ij 11.5 a 29 a-c 0.7 ab
Millionaire 93 54 c 11.3 ab 12.6 ab 33 ab 0.6 c-e 585 a 16.9 a 12.2 a 11 bc 0.2 ab
Genesis 72 290 a 14.0 ab 12.4 ab 33 ab 0.6 c-e 572 a 13.1 c-g 12.1 a 18 a-c 0.2 ab
Honey Heart 85 183 a-c 14.0 ab 13.1 a 50 ab 1.2 a-e 568 a 12.7 c-g 12.3 a 52 ab 0.8 ab
W0024 69 191 a-c 10.0 ab 12.0 b 17 b 0.1 e 533 a 9.5 jk 11.9 a 6 c 0 b
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ssupersweet 3731 46 144 a-c 8.9 ab 12.0 b 50 ab 0.9 b-e 532 a 12.4 d-g 12.4 a 17 a-e 0.3 ab
Ace of Hearts 88 111 a-c 15.5 ab 13.4 a 100 a 2.2 a-d 519 a 15.6 ab 12.8 a 55 a 1.1 ab
King of Hearts 88 127 a-c 9.9 ab 13.2 a 33 ab 0.8 c-e 487 a 14.2 b-e 12.4 a 51 ab 1.2 a
W0010 67 163 a-c 8.4 ab 12.7 ab 50 ab 1.2 a-e 462 a 11.2 h-j 12.9 a 45 a-e 1.0 ab
Flordalee II 78 102 a-c 7.9 ab 13.1 a 17 b 0.2 de 461 a 11.5 g-j 12.3 a 31 a-c 0.7 ab
'Proportion of acceptable transplants of seeds planted.
'Early harvest based on first of three harvests.
'Acre = 4840 Lbf.
'Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test.
Table 4. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelon.
Replicated trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
Spring 1994.
Entry S10 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20 lb
---------------- Percentage of fruit ---------------
Ace of Hearts 4 44 39 13
Chiffon 79 21 0 0
Crimson Trio 11 45 42 2
Deuce of Hearts 34 60 6 0
Flordalee III 39 37 22 1
Genesis 23 60 15 2
HMX 7928 39 37 23 1
Honey Heart 17 59 24 0
King of Hearts 7 50 43 0
Merrilee III 1 63 27 9
Millionaire 7 18 56 18
Nova 45 53 2 0
Queen of Hearts 26 46 25 3
Revelation 20 59 21 0
RXW 701 14 34 38 14
Ssupersweet 3731 35 41 22 2
Ssupersweet 4073 49 46 5 0
Ssupersweet 5244 12 43 43 2
Sunrise 22 37 36 5
Tiffany 24 43 29 4
Tri-X-313 14 49 33 4
W0010 43 34 23 0
W0016 23 57 19 1
W0024 60 37 3 0
W0026 32 47 21 0
Table 5. Transplant return, early and total yield, average fruit weight, soluble solids, and the incidence and severity of hollowheart of seedless
watermelons. Observational trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Spring 1994.
Transplant Early Harvest' Total Harvest
return' Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Hollowheart Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Hollowheart
Entry (X) (cwt/A)3 wt (Lb) solids (%) (X) (in.) (cwt/A)3 wt (Ib) solids (%) (X) (in.)
CLF 3019 41 51 8.0
XPH 6215 31 157 16.3
W0044 67 48 15.0
XPH 6218 48 37 11.5
ASM 5064 82 93 14.5
W0046 28 98 15.2
XPH 6201 30 169 10.5
W0051 72 162 12.5
ASM 8907 88 131 13.6
XPH 6260 25 182 11.3
W0045 5 100 15.5
CLF 3023 88 268 16.6
XPH 6261 55 240 12.4
CLF 2027 82 205 15.3
CLF 3060 70 55 17.2
W0047 18 86 13.3
W0027 81 146 15.1
CLF 3025 91 188 19.4
XPH 6263 64 49 15.3
XPH 6262 46 207 15.4
CLF 3020 48 0
Scarlet Trio 79 198 14.7
RXW 702 55 112 13.9
RXW 703 86 247 15.3
CLF 3030 87 135 20.9
12.1 0 0 954 7.0 11.5 0 0
13.2 0 0 798 19.0 11.0 0 0
14.0 100 0.6 797 12.4 11.4 40 0.2
12.5 0 0 751 16.6 12.8 0 0
12.1 100 1.0 745 12.8 13.0 50 0.8
................................................................................................
13.3 100 0.8 734 12.0 12.9 33 0.3
11.3 0 0 703 11.5 12.1 17 0.1
11.1 100 1.3 680 13.2 11.9 50 0.7
12.5 50 1.5 676 11.0 12.3 17 0.5
14.1 0 0 670 10.9 12.8 0 0
................................................................................................
13.3 0 0 623 14.9 10.6 0 0
11.9 33 1.2 619 17.4 11.7 29 0.7
12.0 0 0 612 12.6 13.0 0 0
12.6 0 0 610 13.5 12.0 0 0
12.5 0 0 599 13.3 11.5 0 0
................................................................................................
12.5 0 0 580 13.8 12.1 0 0
13.5 50 0.6 562 12.4 13.0 17 0.2
12.5 0 0 552 14.3 10.5 17. 0.1
12.0 100 1.6 526 13.6 10.6 20 0.3
13.3 50 0.7 492 11.5 13.2 25 0.4
................................................................................................
475 6.7 11.5 80 1.6
12.9 0 0 457 11.3 11.1 0 0
13.0 50 1.4 351 10.8 11.4 20 0.6
10.1 50 0.2 247 15.3 12.6 50 0.2
11.5 0 0 186 19.2 11.6 0 0
'Proportion of acceptable transplants of seeds planted.
'Early harvest based on first of three harvests.
'Acre = 4840 Lbf.
Table 6. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelon.
Observational trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
Spring 1994.
Entry 10 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20 lb
---------------- Percentage of fruit ---------------
ASM 5064 22 56 11 11
ASM 8907 47 32 16 5
CLF 3019 98 2 0 0
CLF 3020 95 5 0 0
CLF 3023 9 18 45 27
CLF 3025 25 25 33 17
CLF 3027 29 36 21 14
CLF 3030 0 0 33 67
CLF 3060 29 21 50 0
RXW 702 33 50 17 0
RXW 703 0 60 20 20
Scarlet Trio 40 47 13 0
W0027 29 50 21 0
W0044 35 40 25 0
W0045 23 23 38 15
W0046 32 52 11 5
W0047 15 46 38 0
W0051 12 56 25 6
XPH 6201 53 26 16 5
XPH 6215 0 23 46 31
XPH 6218 0 29 57 14
XPH 6260 37 58 5 0
XPH 6261 26 47 27 0
XPH 6262 31 50 19 0
XPH 6263 25 42 25 8
The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
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 vith 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 bf 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.
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.
" 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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