cl5TL
UNIVERSITY OF
FLORIDA
Institute of Food and Agricultural Scences
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
5007 60th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34203
Bradenton GCREC Research Report
BRA-1995-24 (August)
SEEDLESS WATERMELON CULTIGEN EVALUATION
SPRING 1995
D. N. MAYNAIb
arsto ence
yoenc
,;m ^1i~
GCREC Research Report BRA1995-24
SEEDLESS WATERMELON CULTIGEN EVALUATION
SPRING 1995
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 plants are sterile
and do 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, 1994).
The objective of this trial was to evaluate the performance of seedless
watermelon cultigens under west-central Florida conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seeds of 28 seedless watermelon varieties or experimental lines for replicated
trials and 20 entries for observational trials (Table 1) were planted in a peat-
'Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist.
August
lite growing mix in No. 128 Todd planter flats (1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5 in. cells) on 25
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 = 7.2 and Mehlich I extractable P = 35, K = 12, Mg = 111, Ca = 727, Zn = 3.2,
Cu = 1.9, and Mn = 2.4 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 methy1bromide: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 O/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.
Transplant return, the percentage of seeds that developed into acceptable
transplants, for each entry was determined prior to transplanting in holes
punched in the polyethylene at 2.5 ft in-row spacing on 6 March. The replicated
plots were 15-ft long and had six plants each and were repeated three times in
a randomized, complete block design. The observational plots were 25-ft long and
had 10 plants each. Standard watermelons that were being evaluated 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
silverleaf whitefly endosulfann and esfenvalerate), aphids endosulfann), and
gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil and metalaxyl-chlorothalonil).
Watermelons were harvested on 23 May, 31 May, and 12 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 6 March to 12 June was
higher than normal and rainfall during the fruit development period was less than
normal which provided excellent watermelon growing conditions.
Replicated Trial
Transplant return varied from 35% for F94 W23 to 98% for 'Queen of Hearts' (Table
3). The average return of named varieties was 85%, whereas the transplant return
of experimental lines was 79%. This agrees with results obtained in previous
studies (Maynard, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994) 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 19 cwt/acre
for W0038 to 298 cwt/acre for W0037 (Table 3). These entries were the only ones
having statistically different yields. Average fruit weight at the first harvest
varied from 12.9 lb for 'Deuce of Hearts' to 18.5 lb for W3023. Soluble solids
concentrations ranged from 11.6% for 'Revelation' to 13.9% for F94 W23, but there
were no statistical differences among entries. The percentage of fruit having
hollowheart at the first harvest ranged from 0 for F94 V23, ASM 5064, and W0038
to 100% for 'King of Hearts' and WM8008. The severity of hollowheart varied from
0 for the aforementioned entries to 3.6 in. diameter separations in 'Ace of
Hearts'.
Total yields (Table 3) ranged from 481 cwt/acre for 'Revelation' to 749 cwt/acre
for F94 V23. As with early yields, the extremes were the only entries having
statistically different yields. Total yields far exceeded the state average
yield of 210 cwt/acre for the 1989-90 to 1993-94 seasons (Freie and Pugh, 1995).
Average fruit weight over the entire season ranged from 11.2 lb for 'Deuce of
Hearts' to 17.5 lb for W3023. Soluble solids concentrations varied from 11.5%
for 'Revelation' to 13.7% for W0016. Accordingly, soluble solids in all entries
for both harvest periods far exceeded the 10% specified for optional use in the
U.S. watermelon grade standards to describe very good internal quality (U.S.
Standards for Grades of Watermelons, 1978). The incidence of hollowheart varied
from 0 for ASM 5064 to 58% for 'King of Hearts'. The severity of hollowheart
varied from 0 for ASM 5064 to 1.6 in. for 'Ace 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.
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 1995,
the highest yield in the replicated trial was 749 cwt/acre which was somewhat
more than the 820 cwt/acre average yield of the previous seven years.
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', 'Genesis', 'King of Hearts', 'Scarlet Trio', 'Summer
Flavor 2532', 'Summer Flavor 5032', 'Summer Flavor 5244', and 'Tri-X-313'.
'Merrilee III' should be considered for trial plantings. 'Millionaire' and
'Tiffany' were not included in this trial, but have performed well in several
past trials.
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.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author appreciate the financial support for watermelon variety evaluation
provided by American Sunmelon, Asgrow Seed Co., Petoseed, Pioneer Seed Co.,
Rogers Seed Co., Sakata Seed Co., and Shamrock Seed Co.
LITERATURE CITED
Freie, R. L. and N. L. Pugh. 1995. Florida Agricultural Statistics. Vegetable
Summary 1993-94. 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. 1993. Seedless watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1993.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1993-18.
Maynard, D.N. 1994. Seedless watermelon cultigen evaluation, spring 1994. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1994-21.
5
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
Coast Research & Education Center, Bradenton.
seed sources.
Spring 1995.
Entry Description Source
Ace of
Hearts
Elongated,
dark-green
background.
ASM 4064
ASM 4064F
ASM 5064
CLF 4001
CLF 4005
CLF 4044
Crimson Trio
Deuce of
Hearts
F94 V21
F94 V23
blocky.
stripes
Wide, indistinct
on light-green
Oval. Wide, indistinct dark-green
stripes on a light-green background.
Oval. Wide, indistinct medium-green
stripes on a light-green background.
Oval. Medium to dark-green rind.
Oval, elongated. Narrow, medium-green
stripes on a light-green background.
Elongated. Narrow, distinct, medium-
green stripes on a light-green back-
ground.
Elongated. Wide, indistinct, medium-
green stripes on a light-green back-
ground.
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.
Elongated/blocky.
dark-green stripes
background.
Wide, distinct,
on a light-green
Oval. Indistinct, wide dark-green
stripes on a light-green background.
F94 W21 Elongated. Narrow,
dark-green stripes
background.
F94 W23
indistinct, very
on a dark-green
Oval. Distinct, narrow dark-green
stripes on a light-green background.
Petoseed
American
Sunmelon
American
Sunmelon
American
Sunmelon
Pioneer
Pioneer
Pioneer
Rogers
Petoseed
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
CFREC-Leesburg
Gulf
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
Flordalee
III
Genesis
King of
Hearts
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'.
dark-green
background.
Oval. Indistinct, dark-green stripes
on medium-green background. Similar to
'Tri-X-313'.
Merrilee III
Queen of
Hearts
Revelation
Oval. Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
medium-green
background.
Oval. Distinct, dark-green stripes on
medium-green background.
Oval. Indistinct, wide,
stripes on light-green
Similar to 'Tri-X-313'.
dark-green
background.
Scarlet Trio
Oval.
stripes
Similar
Thin, distinct, dark-green
on light-green background.
to 'Queen of Hearts'.
Summer
Flavor 2532
Summer
Flavor 5032
Summer
Flavor 5244
Tri-X-313
W0010
W0014
Round/oval. Distin
green stripes or
background. Similar
Hearts'.
Round/oval. Wide,
green stripes on a
ground.
Oval.
stripes
Similar
ct, narrow dark-
a light-green
r to 'Queen of
indistinct, dark-
light-green back-
Indistinct, wide,
on light-green
to 'Tri-X-313'.
dark-green
background.
Oval. Indistinct, wide, medium-green
stripes on light-green background.
Oval. Distinct narrow dark-green
stripes on medium-green background.
Round. Wide, indistinct, dark-green
stripes on a light-green background.
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
American
Sunmelon
Pioneer
Pioneer
Pioneer
Shamrock
Petoseed
Pioneer
Petoseed
Shamrock
Rogers
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
W0016 Round/oval. Narrow dark-green stripes Pioneer
on medium-green background.
W0027 Oval/round. Wide, indistinct dark- Pioneer
green stripes on light-green back-
ground. 'Tri-X-313' type.
W0037 Elongated. Wide, dark-green stripes Pioneer
alternating with narrow light-green
stripes. 'All Sweet' type.
W0038 Elongated. Indistinct dark-green Pioneer
stripe on a medium-green background.
W3003 Oval/round. Distinct, narrow, dark- Pioneer
green stripes on a medium-green back-
ground.
W3006 Round/oval. Indistinct, medium width, Pioneer
medium-green stripe on a light-green
background.
W3008 Oval. Medium-green, indistinct stripe Pioneer
on a light-green background.
W3009 Oval. Distinct, narrow, dark-green Pioneer
stripe on a light-green background.
W3010 Round/oval. Wide, distinct, dark-green Pioneer
stripe on a medium-green background.
W3014 Oval. Narrow, distinct medium-green Pioneer
stripe on a light-green background.
W3021 Oval. Narrow, distinct, dark-green Pioneer
stripe on a medium-green background.
W3022 Blocky/oval. Narrow, distinct, dark- Pioneer
green stripes on a light-green back-
ground.
W3023 Elongated/blocky. Distinct, narrow, Pioneer
dark-green stripe on a light green
background.
Table 1 (continued).
Entry Description Source
W3024 Elongated. Light-gray background with Pioneer
medium-gray pencil lines. 'Charleston
Gray' type.
W3027 Elongated. Wide, indistinct, dark- Pioneer
green stripe on a light-green back-
ground.
W3048 Oval/round. Medium-green, medium width Pioneer
stripes on a light-green background.
W3055 Oval. Indistinct, dark-green stripes Pioneer
on a light-green background.
W3059 Elongated. Wide, medium-green, in- Pioneer
distinct stripes on a light-green
background.
W3060 Elongated. Light-green background with Pioneer
medium-green pencil lines. 'Charleston
Gray' type.
W3069 Round/oval. Distinct, narrow, dark- Pioneer
green stripes on a medium-green back-
ground.
WM8008 Round/oval. Distinct, narrow, medium- Rogers
green stripes on a light-green back-
ground.
WM8009 Round/oval. Indistinct, wide, dark- Rogers
green stripes on a light-green back-
ground.
10
Table 2. Temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research and Education
Center, Bradenton from 6 March to 12 June 1995 and 40-year monthly
averages (Stanley, 1994).
Average daily
1995
Hiah Low
Month'
temperature (oF)
40-yr average
Hiah Low
Rainfall (in.)
1995 40-vr averaae
March (6-31) 80 59 77 55 2.57 3.35
April 83 63 82 60 3.41 1.72
May 91 70 87 64 1.48 3.20
June (1-12) 89 73 89 70 6.68 7.48
'1995 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, Bradenton. Spring 1995.
Transplant Early Harvest' Total Harvest
return' Weight Avg. fruit Soluble HotLowheart Weight Avg. fruit SoLuble Hollowheart
Entry (X) (cwt/A3) wt (Ib) solids (%) (C) (in.) (cut/A3) wt (Ib) solids () (X) (in.)
F94 V23 73 190 ab' 15.6 a-f 12.2 a 0 c 0 c 749 a 14.2 c-g 11.9 f-i 6 ef 0.1 e
Genesis 87 195 ab 13.6 d-f 12.4 a 17 bc 0.1 bc 732 ab 12.9 d-h 12.1 e-i 11 d-f 0.1 e
Sunmer Flavor 5032 86 230 ab 15.1 a-f 11.8 a 83 ab 0.5 a-c 712 ab 15.4 a-d 11.7 g-i 45 a-d 0.5 b-e
ASM 4064F 95 230 ab 17.9 ab 13.3 a 33 a-c 0.9 a-c 702 ab 15.2 a-e 13.1 ab 22 b-f 0.4 b-e
F94 W23 35 234 ab 17.9 ab 13.9 a 40 a-c 0.8 a-c 686 ab 13.9 c-g 12.7 b-g 23 b-f 0.7 b-e
------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WN 8008 83 144 ab 14.7 b-f 12.2 a 100 a 3.0 a 660 ab 12.8 d-h 12.3 b-i 33 a-f 0.9 a-d
Scartet Trio 96 239 ab 17.1 a-c 12.2 a 67 a-c 1.6 a-c 660 ab 14.2 c-g 12.1 c-i 45 a-d 0.7 b-e
MerriLee III 88 173 ab 16.0 a-f 12.7 a 25 bc 0.2 bc 650 ab 16.1 a-c 12.2 c-i 14 c-f 0.2 b-e
W0016 88 235 ab 13.2 ef 13.6 a 67 a-c 2.0 a-c 627 ab 12.4 f-h 13.7 a 39 a-e 1.2 ab
Summer Flavor 5244 81 216 ab 17.5 a-c 12.4 a 83 ab 0.7 a-c 627 ab 16.2 a-c 12.3 b-i 35 a-e 0.3 b-e
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crimson Trio 97 261 ab 17.3 a-c 12.3 a 40 a-c 0.4 a-c 612 ab 14.6 b-f 12.1 c-i 41 a-d 0.4 b-e
W3022 78 214 ab 16.8 a-d 13.3 a 67 a-c 1.1 a-c 611 ab 16.2 a-c 12.6 b-g 28 a-f 0.3 b-e
Flordalee III 64 172 ab 16.1 a-f 13.5 a 67 a-c 1.2 a-c 607 ab 13.1 d-h 12.7 b-e 39 a-e 0.6 b-e
Sumner Flavor 2532 84 155 ab 15.7 af 12.7 a 50 a-c 0.2 bc 597 ab 14.9 a-f 12.3 b-i 22 b-f 0.2 c-e
Ace of Hearts 95 134 ab 15.6 a-f 12.9 a 75 a-c 3.6 a 592 ab 16.0 a-c 12.9 bc 42 a-d 1.6 a
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deuce of Hearts 81 239 ab 12.9 f 12.3 a 50 a-c 0.5 a-c 588 ab 11.2 h 11.6 i 28 a-f 0.2 b-e
ASM 5064 88 132 ab 15.2 a-f 13.0 a 0 c 0 c 587 ab 13.7 c-h 12.5 b-h 0 f O e
wn 8009 71 125 ab 16.4 a-e 13.5 a 25 bc 0.2 bc 581 ab 16.2 a-c 12.8 b-d 25 a-f 0.8 b-e
Tri-X-313 78 208 ab 16.0 a-f 12.3 a 33 a-c 1.0 a-c 577 ab 14.4 b-f 12.1 c-i 17 c-f 0.4 b-e
Queen of Hearts 98 190 ab 14.4 c-f 12.7 a 33 a-c 0.8 a-c 573 ab 12.6 e-h 11.9 e-i 28 a-f 0.7 b-e
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W0037 83 298 a 17.2 a-c 13.3 a 80 ab 1.4 a-c 563 ab 16.9 ab 12.6 b-g 43 a-d 0.5 b-e
ASM 4064 95 231 ab 16.7 a-d 12.6 a 50 a-c 0.7 a-c 560 ab 15.1 a-e 12.5 b-g 23 b-f 0.3 b-e
W0010 75 218 ab 13.5 d-f 13.1 a 67 a-c 1.0 a-c 557 ab 11.8 gh 12.6 b-g 31 a-f 0.5 b-e
W0038 75 19 b 15.9 a-f 13.1 a 0 c 0 c 540 ab 16.9 ab 12.1 c-i 6 ef 0.1 de
King of Hearts 84 180 ab 15.3 a-f 12.5 a 100 a 1.8 a-c 528 ab 14.3 b-g 11.9 g-i 58 a 0.9 a-d
---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W3023 91 239 ab 18.5 a 13.1 a 83 ab 2.5 ab 507 ab 17.5 a 12.7 b-g 35 a-e 1.0 a-c
W3027 75 162 ab 16.6 a-d 13.5 a 83 ab 1.6 a-c 497 ab 15.1 a-e 12.7 b-f 48 a-c 0.8 b-e
Revelation 65 194 ab 14.7 b-f 11.6 a 17 bc 0.1 c 481 b 12.9 d-h 11.5 i 11 d-f 0.1 e
'Proportion of acceptable transplants of seeds planted.
2Early harvest based on first of three harvests.
'Acre = 4840 linear bed feet.
'Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Table 4. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelon.
Replicated trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton.
Spring 1995.
Fruit Wt (Ib)
Entry s10 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20
---------------- Percentage of fruit ---------------
Ace of Hearts 0 57 28 15
ASM 4064 5 41 48 6
ASM 4064F 13 59 24 6
ASM 5064 15 69 16 0
Crimson Trio 11 52 34 3
Deuce of Hearts 33 59 7 2
F94 V23 4 63 26 6
F94 W23 12 53 32 3
Flordalee III 21 46 32 0
Genesis 17 62 19 2
King of Hearts 9 58 27 6
Merrilee III 4 36 42 20
Queen of Hearts 17 69 14 0
Revelation 13 69 12 6
Scarlet Trio 8 56 32 4
Summer Flavor 2532 7 53 32 9
Summer Flavor 5032 5 45 44 5
Summer Flavor 5244 3 40 41 16
Tri-X-313 0 52 48 0
W0010 24 61 15 0
W0016 21 67 10 2
W0037 0 45 36 19
W0038 0 27 55 18
W3022 0 46 42 11
W3023 0 26 44 29
W3027 3 63 28 6
WM 8008 21 58 18 2
WM 8009 0 46 37 16
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, Bradenton. Spring 1995.
Transplant Early Harvest' Total Harvest
return' Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Hollouheart Weight Avg. fruit Soluble Hollowheart
Entry (%) (cut/A)3 wt (lb) solids (%) (%) (in.) (cut/A)3 wt (Lb) solids (%) (%) (in.)
W3014 86 56 14.6 14.1 0 0 803 13.0 12.6 0 0
W3010 82 208 15.4 13.4 0 0 716 13.7 12.5 0 0
W3009 86 216 13.9 13.5 0 0 716 13.7 12.1 0 0
W3006 83 204 15.0 14.0 50 0.8 624 12.9 12.6 33 0.6
F94 V21 86 35 17.8 11.2 0 0 621 17.8 11.2 0 0
W3003 82 133 13.7 14.0 50 0.5 579 14.2 12.7 17 0.2
W3024 88 34 17.5 12.2 0 0 568 17.3 11.6 0 0
CLF 4005 46 28 14.5 13.0 40 0.9 559 12.6 11.9 40 0.9
W3008 80 167 14.4 13.8 50 1.0 553 11.4 12.6 33 0.6
W3021 82 85 14.7 13.3 50 1.9 546 14.0 12.4 67 1.4
---- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - --------~-----------------~-----------
W0014 86 86 14.8 12.4 100 3.5 537 13.2 12.0 33 1.2
F94 W21 83 297 19.2 12.0 50 3.0 533 18.3 11.8 50 1.8
W3060 82 68 17.7 13.8 0 0 519 14.9 12.9 0 0
W3048 62 53 13.6 12.2 100 1.0 494 12.8 12.2 33 0.3
CLF 4001 60 72 12.5 13.1 100 0.7 447 11.0 11.4 50 0.5
W3069 91 172 12.7 14.0 0 0 446 12.1 13.2 0 0
W0027 54 80 13.8 11.4 50 2.0 414 11.9 11.7 50 0.8
U3055 71 166 17.2 13.8 0 0 388 15.4 12.6 0 0
W3059 54 26 6.7 13.2 0 0 351 15.1 12.2 0 0
CLF 4044 63 273 10.1 10.3 50 0.1 349 10.0 11.4 25 0.1
'Proportion of acceptable transplants of seeds planted.
'Early harvest based on first of three harvests.
'Acre = 4840 Linear bed feet.
14
Table 6. Fruit size distribution of the total yield of seedless watermelon.
Observational trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center,
Bradenton. Spring 1995.
Fruit Wt (Ib)
Entry sl0 10.1-15.0 15.1-20.0 >20
---------------- Percentage of fruit ---------------
CLF 4001 38 57 5 0
CLF 4005 13 74 9 4
CLF 4044 50 50 0 0
F94 V21 6 22 44 28
F94 W21 0 13 60 27
W0014 19 52 24 5
W0027 28 67 6 0
W3003 5 62 29 5
W3006 28 44 28 0
W3008 40 52 8 0
W3009 11 56 33 0
W3010 0 70 30 0
W3014 9 69 22 0
W3021 15 45 40 0
W3024 0 6 76 18
W3048 10 85 5 0
W3055 0 46 54 0
W3059 0 58 42 0
W3060 0 67 22 11
W3069 11 89 0 0
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:
" The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
Q A statewide organization dedicated to teaching,
research and extension.
" Faculty located in Gainesville and at 13 research
and education centers, 67 county extension
offices and four demonstration units throughout
the state.
D 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.
|