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EVALUATION, SPRING 1998
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GCREC Research Report BRA 1998-09
DIPLOID WATERMELON VARIETY EVALUATION
SPRING 1998
D. N. Maynard' and A. V. Wittman2
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University of Florida, IFAS
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
Standard diploid (seeded) watermelons generally weigh from 18 to 35 Ib and represent most of the
commercial crop grown in Florida. Icebox watermelons weigh 6 to 12 lb each and are grown on a
very small acreage. Triploid (seedless) watermelons, usually weighing 12 to 18 lb, also are grown
in Florida on a limited, but increasing scale. Florida produced 7.5 million cwt of watermelons of all
types from 30,000 harvested acres in 1996-97 which provided an average yield of 250 cwt/acre. The
average price was $7.30/cwt resulting in a crop value of almost $55 million which accounted for
3.4% of the gross value of the state's vegetable crops (Witzig and Pugh, 1998).
Until recently, the Florida crop was about equally divided among 'Crimson Sweet', 'Charleston
Gray', and 'Jubilee' types. A noticeable decline in 'Charleston Gray' and 'Jubilee' production has
been replaced largely by increases in production of 'Allsweet' and blocky 'Crimson Sweet' types.
In addition, hybrids have replaced open-pollinated varieties in most production areas.
The purpose of this trial was to evaluate some of the recently introduced commercial varieties and
experimental lines of the blocky 'Crimson Sweet' and 'Allsweet' types.
Materials and Methods
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 = 7.2 and
Mehlich I extractable P = 130 (very high), K = 13 (very low), Mg = 80 (high), Ca = 827 (adequate),
Zn = 9.6 (adequate), Cu = 4.6 (adequate), and Mn = 5.9 (adequate) ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in late January by incorporation of 0-1.2-0 lb N-P205-K20 per
100 linear bed feet (lbf). Beds were formed and fumigated with methyl bromide: chloropicrin, 67:33
at 2.3 lb/100 Ibf. Banded fertilizer was applied in shallow grooves on the bed shoulders at 3.1-0-4.3
lb N-P205-K20/100 lbf after the beds were pressed and before application of the black polyethylene
mulch. The total fertilizer applied was equivalent to 148-60-206 lb N-P205-K20/acre. 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. The diploid watermelons were planted in
'Professor.
2Laboratory Technician.
August
rows adjacent to the ditches and also served as pollenizers for triploid watermelons that were being
evaluated in the two center beds of each land.
Watermelon seeds were planted on 13-17 February in holes punched in the polyethylene mulch at
3 ft in-row spacing. Seedlings were thinned at the two true-leaf stage to one per hole. Thirty-six
entries (Table 1) were included in the trial. The 30-ft long plots had ten plants each and were
replicated three times in a randomized complete-block design. Weed control in row middles was
accomplished by cultivation and application of paraquat. Plant stand counts recorded just before
vines grew together showed no significant difference among plots. Pesticides were applied as
needed for control of silverleafwhitefly endosulfann), gummy stem blight (chlorothalonil, metaxyl-
chlorothalonil, alliette, and maneb) bacterial fruit blotch (fixed copper), and worms (Bacillus
thuringiensis and methomyl).
Watermelons were harvested 26-28 May and 8-11 June. Marketable fruit (U.S. No. 1 or better)
according to U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons (U.S. Dept. Agr., 1978) were separated
from culls and counted and weighed individually. Fruit 12 lbs and larger were assumed to be
marketable. Soluble solids determinations were made with a hand-held refractometer on six fruit
of each entry at each harvest, and the incidence ofhollowheart was recorded for these fruits. Cell
separations however slight were noted as hollowheart, even though the fruit may be commercially
acceptable. 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 13 February to 11 June was near normal
throughout. Rainfall was more than twice average in March at 8.16 inches but only 0.10 inches in
April. Rainfall in the first 11 days of June was sparse. Strong and persistent winds in March caused
considerable vine twisting on the polyethylene mulch.
Early yields, based on the first of two harvests, ranged from 0 for 'Regency' to 474 cwt/acre for
'Royal Flush' (Table 3). Twenty-three other entries had early yields similar to those of 'Royal
Flush'. Average fruit weight ranged from 16.6 lbs for 'Bravo' to 28.4 lbs for 'Starbrite'. Soluble
solids concentration (a measure of sweetness) varied from 9.7% for 'Verde Grande' to 12.2% for
PS 36694. The incidence of hollowheart ranged from 0 in 'Pifiata' (large seed), 'Summer Flavor
810', 'Mardi Gras', 'Athens', RWM 8036, 'Summer Flavor 800', SXW 5045, HSR 2590, 'Verde
Grande', 'Summer Flavor 820', RWM 8052, 'Summer Flavor 900', 'Summer Flavor 910',
'Stargazer', and SWM 7304 to 100% in XWM 7301 and 'Huck Finn'.
Total yields (Table 3) varied from 484 cwt/acre for 'Bravo' to 896 cwt/acre for 'Stars-N-Stripes'.
Twenty-six other entries had yields statistically similar to those of 'Stars-N-Stripes'. Average fruit
weight over the entire season ranged from 17.7 lbs for 'Bravo' to 28.0 lbs for 'Starbrite'. 'Huck
Finn' average fruit weight was 27.7 lbs and a number of other entries had substantial average fruit
weights. Soluble solids concentrations ranged from 10.1% for 'Verde Grande' to 12.4% for
'Regency'. Seasonal average soluble solids for all entries exceeded the 10% specified for optional
use to designate very good internal quality in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons (U.S.
Dept. Agr., 1978). The incidence ofhollowheart varied from 0 in 'Summer Flavor 810', 'Athens',
RWM 8036, 'Verde Grande' and RWM 8052 to 75% in XWM 7301.
The proportion of fruit in market weight classes is shown in Table 4. 'Fiesta', PS 36694, 'Royal
Flush', and XWM 7302 produced more than 50% of their fruit in the most desirable 18-24 lb weight
class. At least 80% of the fruit produced by HSR 2590, 'Huck Finn', 'Pifiata' (small seed),
'Regency', RWM 8036, RWM 8064, 'Starbrite', 'Summer Flavor 810', SWM 7201, and XWM
7302 exceeded 18 Ibs average weight.
Summary
Watermelon variety evaluations have been conducted at this location each spring season since 1991
(Maynard; 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997). The highest yields ranged from 439 cwt/acre
in 1996 to 1026 cwt/acre in 1993. In spring 1998, the highest yield was 896 cwt/acre which was
considerably greater than the 7-year average yield of 690 cwt/acre.
Yields are a function of fruit number and fruit weight. In spring 1998, high yields were related to
fruit weight. The highest individual fruit weight ever obtained in these trials was produced this year
by 'Starbrite' at 49.2 lbs. Several other entries, included HSR 2590, 'Huck Finn', 'Pifiata' (small
seed), RWM 8036, 'Stars-N-Stripes', 'Sultan', 'Summer Flavor 800', 'Summer Flavor 810', SWM
7201 and 'Verde Grande' produced fruit exceeding 40 lbs each.
Variety shape and rind patterns, based on observations in this trial, are shown in Table 1. Varieties
producing elongated or elongated/blocky fruit are generally favored in the market. Distinctively
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 or medium green rind.
Based on this and previous trials, the following Allsweet and blocky Crimson Sweet type varieties
are expected to perform well in Florida: 'Athens', 'Carnival', Fiesta', 'Mardi Gras', 'Regency',
'Royal Flush', 'Royal Star', 'Royal Sweet', 'Sangria', 'Starbrite', 'Stars-N-Stripes' and 'Summer
Flavor 500'. Other varieties may perform equally well on some farms.
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.
Acknowledgment
The authors appreciate the financial support for watermelon variety evaluation provided by Abbott
& Cobb, Inc., American Sunmelon, Asgrow Seed Co., Florida Seed Co., Inc., Harris Moran Seed
Co., Hollar Seeds, Novartis Seeds Inc., Sakata Seed America Inc., Shamrock Seed Co., Sunseeds
Co., and Willhite Seeds, Inc.
4
Literature Cited
Hanlon, E. A. and J. M. DeVore. 1989. IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory Chemical
Procedures and Training Manual. Fla. Coop. Ext. Circ. 812.
Maynard, D. N. 1991. Standard watermelon variety evaluation. Gulf Coast Research and
Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1991-18.
Maynard, D. N. 1992. Standard and icebox watermelon variety evaluations, spring 1992. Gulf
Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1992-19.
Maynard, D. N. 1993. Standard watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1993. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1993-20.
Maynard, D. N. 1994. Standard watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1994. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1994-22.
Maynard, D. N. 1995. Standard watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1995. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1995-23.
Maynard, D.N. 1996. Standard watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1996. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1996-18.
Maynard, D. N. 1997. Standard watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1997. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1997-14.
Stanley, C. D. 1998. Weather report for 1997. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res.
Rept. BRA1998-02.
U.S. Dept. Agr. 1978. U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons. AMS, Washington, D.C.
Witzig, J. D. and N. L. Pugh. 1998. Florida Agricultural Statistics. Vegetable Summary, 1996-
97. Fla. Agr. Stat. Serv., Orlando.
5
Diploid watermelon entries, fruit descriptions, and seed sources. Gulf Coast
Research & Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1998.
Entry Description Source
Athens (SXW 5025)
Bravo
Festival
Fiesta
HSR 2261
HSR 2590
Huck Finn
Legacy
Mardi Gras
Pifiata (Lg seed)
Piiata (Sm seed)
PS 36694
Regency
Royal Flush
Elongated/blocky. Wide dark-green stripes on
light-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated. Wide dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated. Narrow light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/blocky. Indistinct light-green stripes
on dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type
Oval. Indistinct dark-green stripes on light-green
background.
Oval. Medium dark-green stripes on light-green
background.
Oval. Indistinct dark-green stripes on medium-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/oval. Wide dark-green stripes on light-
green background. Open pollinated. 'Allsweet'
type.
Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/oval. Wide dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/oval. Wide dark-green stripes on light-
green background.'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/blocky-oval. Indistinct light-green
stripes on dark-green background. 'Allsweet'
type.
Oblong. Indistinct dark-green stripes on light-
green background.
Elongated. Narrow light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Sunseeds
Hollar
Willhite
Novartis
Hollar
Hollar
Harris Moran
Willhite
Novartis
Willhite
Willhite
Petoseed
Petoseed
Petoseed
Table 1.
Entry
Royal Star
RWM 8036
RWM 8052
RWM 8064
Sangria
Starbrite
Stargazer
Stars-N-Stripes
Sultan
Summer Flavor 800
Summer Flavor 810
Summer Flavor 820
Summer Flavor 900
Summer Flavor 910
Sweet Amigo
SWM 7201 (95-60)
Description
Oblong/blocky. Dark-green stripes on light-green
background.
Elongated/blocky. Light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Blocky. Light-green stripes on dark-green
background. 'Allsweet' type.
Blocky. Medium dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated. Light-green stripes on dark-green
background. 'Allsweet' type.
Oblong. Distinct dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Royal Sweet' type.
Elongated/blocky. Indistinct light-green stripes
on dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Blocky/oval. Distinct, dark-green stripes on light-
green background.
Elongated/blocky. Dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/blocky. Dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated. Dark-green stripes on light-green
background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/oval. Dark-green stripes on light-green
background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated. Dark-green stripes on light-green
background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/oval. Wide dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/blocky. Distinct dark-green stripes on
light-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Source
Petoseed
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
Harris Moran
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Florida Seed
Sakata
Entry
SWM 7303 (96-55)
SWM 7304 (97-03)
SXW 5045
Verde Grande
XWM 7301 (94-52)
XWM 7302 (96-10)
Description
Elongated/oval. Wide dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/oval. Wide dark-green stripes on
light-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/blocky. Wide dark-green stripes on
light-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/blocky. Smokey medium green
overall.
Elongated/oval. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Elongated/oval. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Source
Sakata
Sakata
Sunseeds
Florida Seed
Sakata
Sakata
Table 2.
Temperature and rainfall at the GCREC during the spring of 1998 and the 43-year
averages (Stanley, 1998).
Average Daily Temperature (*F)
Maximum Minimum Rainfall (in.)
Month 1998 .43-yr avg 1998 1 43-yr avg 1998 1 43-yr avg
February 76 74 55 52 3.98 2.96
March 76 78 54 55 8.16 3.37
April 82 82 59 60 0.10 1.78
May 88 87 65 65 3.41 3.24
June 92 90 73 70 0.32 7.69
1Direct seeded 13 February 1998. Last harvest 11 June 1998.
Table 3. Early and total yields, average fruit weight, soluble solids and the incidence and severity of hollowheart of diploid watermelons.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1998.
Early Harvest' Total Harvest
Avg. fruit Soluble Avg. fruit Soluble
Weight weight Solids Hollowheart Weight weight Solids Hollowheart
Entry (cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3 (cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3
Stars-N-Stripes
245 a-h4 24.1 a-h 10.9 a-f 50 a-c 0.3 b
896 a 23.1 b-e
11.4 a-f 50 a-c
Piflata (large seed) 226 b-h 21.9 c-i 10.3 c-f 0 c 0 b 836 ab 22.3 b-e 11.2 a-g 42 a-c 0.2 ab
SWM 7201 (95-60) 208 c-h 24.5 a-h 11.3 a-f 33 bc 0.2 b 800 a-c 22.2 b-e 11.4 a-f 33 a-c 0.2 ab
RWM 8064 361 a-e 24.8 a-h 11.0 a-f 17 bc 0.1 b 797 a-c 24.6 a-d 10.9 c-g 17 be 0.1 ab
Royal Flush 474 a 19.6 g-i 11.3 a-f 17 be 0.2 b 794 a-c 21.1 d-f 11.6 a-e 17 be 0.1 ab
------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Piiiata (small seed) 160 d-h 19.3 hi 10.4 c-f 25 bc 0.1 b 787 a-c 24.5 a-d 10.9 c-g 8 be 0.1 b
XWM 7301 (94-52) 161 d-h 22.1 c-i 11.0 a-f 100 a 1.1 b 781 a-c 21.0 d-f 11.5 a-e 75 a 0.7 ab
Starbrite 157 d-h 28.4 a 10.6 b-f 25 bc 0.3 b 768 a-d 28.0 a 10.9 c-g 17 be 0.1 ab
Summer Flavor #810 454 ab 27.3 a-d 10.9 a-f 0 c 0 b 762 a-d 24.5 a-d 10.9 c-g 0 c 0 b
Mardi Gras 417 a-c 23.9 a-h 10.4 c-f Oc 0b 760 a-d 22.8 b-e 11.1 b-g 17 be 0.1 b
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------
Athens (SXW 5025) 458 a 23.0 a-h 11.3 a-e 0 c 0b 741 a-d 22.7 b-e 11.4 a-f 0 c 0 b
XWM 7302 (96-10) 351 a-f 22.6 b-h 11.7 a-c 67 ab 0.4 b 740 a-d 23.4 b-e 12.0 a-c 58 ab 0.7 ab
HSR 2261 309 a-h 20.5 e-i 11.1 a-f 33 be 0.1 b 722 a-d 19.8 ef 11.6 a-e 17 be 0.1 b
RWM 8036 318 a-h 24.6 a-h 10.5 b-f 0 c 0 b 721 a-d 23.6 b-e 10.9 c-g 0c 0 b
Summer Flavor #800 398 a-c 22.5 b-h 10.4 c-f 0 c 0 b 710 a-d 21.7 d-f 10.8 c-g 8 be 0.2 ab
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SXW 5045 297 a-h 23.4 a-h 10.9 a-f 0 c 0b 701 a-d 23.0 b-e 11.3 a-f 0 c 0 b
HSR 2590 92 h 27.4 a-c 11.0 a-f 0 c 0 b 697 a-d 26.0 a-c 11.5 a-e 8 be 0.1 b
Royal Star 111 gh 27.5 a-c 11.6 a-d 50 a-c 2.8 a 690 a-d 26.2 ab 11.4 a-f 42 a-c 0.7 ab
Legacy 323 a-g 25.2 a-g 10.7 a-f 33 be 0.4 b 685 a-d 22.7 b-e 10.6 e-g 25 be 0.2 ab
SWM 7303 (96-55) 361 a-e 20.0 f-i 11.4 a-e 17 be 0.1 b 680 a-d 19.8 ef 11.7 a-e 17 be 0.1 ab
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiesta 401 a-c 21.6 d-i 11.4 a-e 50 c 0.3 b 679 a-d 20.9 d-f 11.7 a-e 42 a-c 0.2 ab
Huck Finn 133 e-h 28.0 ab 11.5 a-e 100 a 0.8 b 645 a-d 27.7 a 12.0 a-c 42 a-c 0.2 ab
Sangria 376 a-d 21.0 e-i 10.8 a-f 17 be 0.1 b 641 a-d 19.8 ef 11.3 a-g 17 be 0.1 ab
Verde Grande 379 a-c 25.6 a-f 9.7 f 0c 0 b 634 a-d 23.2 b-e 10.1 g 0 c 0 b
Regency NH5 NH NH NH NH 625 a-d 24.3 a-e 12.4 a 50 a-c 0.9 a
0.3 ab
Table 3. Continued.
Early Harvest' Total Harvest
Avg. fruit Soluble Avg. fruit Soluble
Weight weight Solids Hollowheart Weight weight Solids Hollowheart
Entry (cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3 (cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3
PS 36694 443 ab4 23.8 a-h 12.2 a 25 bc 0.1 b 622 a-d 21.4 d-f 12.4 a 8 bc 0.1 b
Summer Flavor #820 352 a-f 26.1 a-e 9.9 ef 0 c 0 b 609 a-d 24.4 a-d 10.6 e-g 17 bc 0.2 ab
RWM 8052 365 a-d 22.7 b-h 10.2 c-f Oc 0b 598 b-d 22.1 b-e 10.1 g Oc 0 b
Summer Flavor #900 313 a-h 20.1 f-i 11.1 a-f 0 c 0 b 564 b-d 20.6 d-f 11.8 a-d 42 a-c 0.1 ab
Sultan 257 a-h 23.0 a-h 12.0 ab 33 bc 0.3 b 560 b-d 21.5 d-f 12.2 ab 50 a-c 0.8 ab
Summer Flavor #910 284 a-h 23.2 a-h 11.3 a-e Oc 0b 551 cd 21.4 d-f 11.6 a-e 8 be 0.1 b
Sweet Amigo 205 c-h 23.1 a-h 11.3 a-f 25 bc 0.1 b 530 cd 22.0 c-e 11.7 a-e 8 bc 0.1 b
Stargazer 130 f-h 20.5 e-i 10.4 c-f Oc 0b 521 cd 21.8 d-f 11.2 a-g 33 a-c 0.1 ab
SWM 7304 (97-03) 307 a-h 23.8 a-h 10.1 d-f 0 c 0 b 521 cd 22.9 b-e 10.7 d-g 8 bc 0.1 b
Festival 244 a-h 20.4 e-i 9.8 f 33 bc 0.1 b 491 d 21.8 d-f 10.2 fg 33 a-c 0.1 ab
Bravo 114 gh 16.6 i 10.1 d-f 50 a-c 0.2 b 484 d 17.7 f 11.3 a-f 33 a-c 0.2 ab
'Early harvest represents the first of two harvests.
2Acre = 4840 Ibf.
3Average width of fruit cracks of those fruit sampled.
4Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
5Not harvested.
Table 4. Fruit weight distribution of the total yield of diploid watermelon. Replicated
trial. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1998.
Fruit Weight (lb)
Entry 12.0 18.0 18.1 24.0 > 24.0
--------------------------Percentage of fruit-----------------------
Athens (SWM 5045) 23 39 38
Bravo 56 40 4
Festival 26 45 29
Fiesta 28 52 20
HSR 2261 44 34 23
HSR 2590 14 28 58
Huck Finn 2 33 65
Legacy 25 36 39
Mardi Gras 23 40 37
Pifiata (lg. seed) 27 41 31
Pifiata (sm. seed) 15 32 53
PS 36694 22 54 24
Regency 15 33 52
Royal Flush 36 51 13
Royal Star 12 24 63
RWM 8036 18 44 39
RWM 8052 24 36 40
RWM 8064 13 38 48
Sangria 38 48 13
Starbrite 8 33 60
Stargazer 40 34 26
Stars-N-Stripes 23 35 42
Fruit Weight (lb)
Entry 12.0- 18.0 18.1 -24.0 > 24.0
-----------------------------Percentage of fruit-----------------------
Sultan 29 45 27
Summer Flavor 800 36 34 30
Summer Flavor 810 21 28 52
Summer Flavor 820 28 21 51
Summer Flavor 900 41 35 24
Summer Flavor 910 33 38 29
Sweet Amigo 33 40 27
SWM 7201 19 49 31
SWM 7303 39 47 14
SWM 7304 21 36 43
SXW 5045 26 25 49
Verde Grande 27 31 41
XWM 7301 35 38 28
XWM 7302 10 56 34
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.
Location of
GCREC Bradenton
IFAS IS:
" The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida.
D 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.
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