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GCREC Research Report BRA1999-6
DIPLOID WATERMELON VARIETY EVALUATION
SPRING 1999
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 lb 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 7.2 million cwt of watermelons of all
types from 32,000 harvested acres in 1997-98 which provided an average yield of 225 cwt/acre. The
average price was $8.35/cwt resulting in a crop value of over $60 million which accounted for 3.6%
of the gross value of the state's vegetable crops (Witzig and Pugh, 1999).
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 = 6.8 and
Mehlich I extractable P = 106 (very high), K = 11 (very low), Mg = 68 (high), Ca = 771 (adequate),
Zn = 6.5 (adequate), Cu = 2.8 (adequate), and Mn = 3.8 (adequate) ppm.
The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in late January by incorporation of 0-0.8-0 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 lbf. 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 148-40-206 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.
2Biological Scientist.
September
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 15 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-two 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 silverleaf whitefly endosulfann, esfenvalerate, abamectin, and ultrafine oil), gummy stem blight
(chlorothalonil and azoxystrobin), and worms (Bacillus thuringiensis and methomyl).
Watermelons were harvested on 17-24 May and 7-14 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 digital hand-held refractometer on six
fruit of each entry at each harvest, polar and equatorial dimensions were obtained and the incidence
of hollowheart 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 15 February to 14 June was near normal
throughout. Rainfall was below average in every month. Rainfall in the first 14 days of June was
sparse.
Early yields, based on the first of two harvests, ranged from 0 for 'Starbrite' and 'Stargazer' to 426
cwt/acre for 'Sentinel' (Table 3). Twenty-one other entries had early yields similar to those of
'Sentinel'. Average fruit weight ranged from 19.9 lbs for SWD 8307 to 30.6 lbs for 'Big Stripe'.
Soluble solids concentration (a measure of sweetness) varied from 10.9% for 'Huck Finn' to 13.2%
for WX 8. The incidence of hollowheart ranged from 0 in ACX 7402, 'Fiesta', 'Huck
Finn','Legacy', 'Royal Star', RWM 8036, RWM 8074, 'Sentinel', 'Sultan', 'Summer Flavor 500',
'Summer Flavor 800', 'Summer Flavor 810', 'Summer Flavor 820', SWD 8307, SXW 5023, and
SXW 5038 to 100% in 'Big Stripe', 'Pifiata', and 'Stars-N-Stripes'.
Total yields (Table 3) varied from 450 cwt/acre for SXW 5023 to 856 cwt/acre for 'Big Stripe'.
Twenty-six other entries had yields statistically similar to those of Big Stripe'. Average fruit
weight over the entire season ranged from 20.6 Ibs for 'Sangria' to 28.2 lbs for 'Big Stripe'.
'Summer Flavor 810' average fruit weight was 26.7 lb., 'Huck Finn' average fruit weight was 26.0
lbs and a number of other entries had substantial average fruit weights. Fruit per plant varied from
1.3 for SXW 5023 to 2.2 for 'Mardi Gras'. Soluble solids concentrations ranged from 10.8% for
RWM 8074 to 12.9% for 'Sultan'. 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 of hollowheart varied from 0 in 'Starbrite'
and SKW 5023 to 83% in 'Pifiata' (large seed).
The proportion of fruit in market weight classes is shown in Table 4. 'Mardi Gras', RWM 8097,
'Sangria', 'Starbrite' and SXW 5023 produced more than 50% of their fruit in the most desirable
18-24 lb weight class. At least 80% of the fruit produced by ACX 7402, 'Big Stripe', 'Festival',
'Huck Finn', 'Legacy', 'Pifiata' (small seed), RWM 8036, RWM 8077, RWM 8094, 'Sangria',
'Sentinel', 'Starbrite', 'Stargazer', 'Summer Flavor 500', 'Summer Flavor 800', 'Summer Flavor
820', 'Summer Flavor 810', SXW 5038, and WX 8 exceeded 18 lbs 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, Maynard and Wittman, 1998). The highest
yields ranged from 439 cwt/acre in 1996 to 1026 cwt/acre in 1993. In spring 1999, the highest yield
was 856 cwt/acre which was considerably greater than the 8-year average yield of 710 cwt/acre.
Yields are a function of fruit number and fruit weight. In spring 1999, high yields were related to
fruit weight. Several entries including 'Big Stripe', 'Huck Finn', 'Summer Flavor 810', 'Summer
Flavor 820' and SWD 8307 produced some 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: Fiesta', 'Mardi Gras', 'Regency', 'Royal Flush', 'Royal
Star', 'Royal Sweet', 'Sentinel', 'Starbrite', 'Stars-N-Stripes' and Summer Flavor 800 and 900
series. 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., Asgrow Vegetable Seeds; Harris Moran Seed Co.; Novartis Seeds Vegetables-
NAFTA Inc.; d. palmer seed co.; Sakata Seed America Inc.; Shamrock Seed Co.; Sugar Creek Seed,
Inc.; Sunseeds Co.; and Willhite Seeds, Inc.
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.
Maynard, D. N. and A. V. Wittman. 1998. Diploid watermelon variety evaluation. Spring 1998.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1998-09.
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. 1999. Florida agricultural statistics. Vegetable summary, 1997-98.
Fla. Agr. Stat. Serv., Orlando.
Diploid watermelon entries, fruit descriptions, and seed sources. Gulf Coast
Research & Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1999.
Entry Description Source
ACX 7402
Athens
Big Stripe
Festival
Fiesta
Huck Finn
Legacy
Mardi Gras
Pifiata (Lg seed)
Elongated. (9 1/4 x 15 3/4 inches). Wide dark-
green stripes on light-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.8 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.25.
Elongated/blocky. (9 /2 x 14 /2 inches). Wide
dark-green stripes on light-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.10.
Elongated/blocky. (10 3/4 x 16 1/4 inches).
Narrow medium-green stripes on light-green
background. Rind-0.8 inch thick. Flesh color-
3.29.
Elongated. (9 x 15 1/4 inches). Narrow light-
green stripes on dark-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.50.
Elongated/blocky. (9 1/4 x 15 /2 inches).
Indistinct light-green stripes on dark-green
background. 'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch
thick. Flesh color-4.00.
Oval. (10 x 11 3/4 inches). Indistinct dark-green
stripes on medium-green background. Rind-0.8
inch thick. Flesh color-3.63.
Elongated/oval. (9 1/4 x 14 3/4 inches). Wide
dark-green stripes on light-green background.
Open pollinated. 'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch
thick. Flesh color-4.41.
Elongated. (9 x 15 V2 inches). Indistinct light-
green stripes on dark-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.17.
Elongated/oval. (9 3/4 x 13 '/2 inches). Wide
dark-green stripes on light-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
3.80.
Abbott & Cobb
Sunseeds
Willhite
Willhite
Novartis
Harris Moran
Willhite
Novartis
Willhite
Table 1.
Table 1. Continued.
Entry Description Source
Pifiata (Sm seed)
Royal Star
RWM 8036
RWM 8052
RWM 8074
RWM 8077
RWM 8094
RWM 8097
Sangria
Sentinel (PS 36694)
Elongated/oval. (10 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches). Wide
dark-green stripes on light-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
3.77.
Oblong/blocky. (10 1/4 x 14 /2 inches). Dark-
green stripes on medium-green background.
'Royal Sweet' type. Rind-0.8 inch thick. Flesh
color-4.00.
Elongated/blocky. (9 /2 x 16 inches). Light-
green stripes on dark-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.40.
Blocky. (10 x 13 3/4 inches). Light-green stripes
on dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.
Rind-0.8 inch thick. Flesh color-4.42.
Elongated. (9 /2 x 15 3/4 inches). Medium-green
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-4.58.
Elongated. (8 1/2 x 15 1/4 inches). Dark-green
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-4.25.
Elongated. (9 /2 x 15 3/4 inches). Dark-green
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.5 inch thick. Flesh color-4.00.
Elongated/blocky. (9 3/4 x 14 3/4 inches).
Medium-green stripes on light-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.46.
Elongated. (8 V x 15 V2 inches). Light-green
stripes on dark-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-4.18.
Elongated/blocky-oval. (9 3/4 x 15 1/4 inches).
Indistinct light-green stripes on dark-green
background. 'Royal Sweet' type. Rind-0.7 inch
thick. Flesh color-4.58.
Willhite
Petoseed
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Novartis
Petoseed
Table 1. Continued.
Entry Description Source
Starbrite
Stargazer
Stars-N-Stripes
Sultan
Summer Flavor 500
Summer Flavor 800
Summer Flavor 810
Summer Flavor 820
Summer Flavor 910
SWD 8307
Blocky/oblong. (10 x 15 /2 inches). Distinct
dark-green stripes on light-green background.
'Royal Sweet' type. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh
color-3.83.
Elongated/blocky. (9 3/4 x 16 /2 inches).
Indistinct light-green stripes on dark-green
background. 'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.6 inch
thick. Flesh color-3.50.
Elongated. (10 x 15 3/4 inches). Indistinct light-
green stripes on dark-green background, similar
to 'Starbrite'. Rnd-0.8 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.27.
Blocky/oval. (9 /2 x 14 1/4 inches). Distinct,
thick, dark-green stripes on light-green
background. Rind-0.5 inch thick. Flesh color-
3.44.
Blocky/oblong. (9 1/4 x 16 1/4 inches). Wide,
indistinct dark-green stripes on light-green
background. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.00.
Elongated/blocky. (9 3/4 x 15 2 inches). Dark-
green stripes on light-green background.
'Allsweet' type. Rind-0.8 inch thick. Flesh color-
4.08.
Elongated/blocky. (9 x 17 inches). Dark-green
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Rind color-4.00.
Elongated. (9 1/4 x 16 3/4 inches). Dark-green
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-4.00.
Elongated. (8 3/4 x 15 1/4 inches). Dark-green
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-4.50.
Blocky. (9 /2 x 14 inches). Dark-green stripes on
light-green background. Rind-0.5 inch thick.
Flesh color-4.73.
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
Harris Moran
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Sakata
Table 1. Continued.
Entry Description Source
SXW 5023 Blocky. (11 x 13 1/4 inches). Medium-green Sunseeds
stripes on light-green background. Rind-0.6 inch
thick. Flesh color-4.50.
SXW 5038 Elongated. (8 3/4 x 15 1/4 inches). Dark-green Sunseeds
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.7 inch thick. Flesh color-4.42.
W X 8 Elongated. (9 3/4 x 15 1/4 inches). Dark-green Willhite
stripes on light-green background. 'Allsweet'
type. Rind-0.6 inch thick. Flesh color-4.25.
'Flesh color 1 = light pink, 5 = deep red.
Table 2. Temperature and rainfall at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center during the
spring of 1999 and the 44-year average. (Stanley, 1998).
Mean Monthly
Maximum
Mean Monthly
Minimum
Temperature (F) Temperature (F) Rainfall (in)
Month 1999' 44-yr avg 1999' 44-yr avg 1999' 44-yr avg
February 73 74 46 52 0.09 2.89
March 79 78 50 55 0.97 3.31
April 86 82 61 60 0.55 1.75
May 88 87 64 65 2.05 3.21
June 90 90 69 70 1.53 7.55
' Direct seeded 15 February 1999. Last harvest 14 June 1999.
Table 3. Early and total yields, average fruit weight, fruit per plant, soluble solids and the incidence and severity of hollowheart of diploid watermelons.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1999.
Early Harvest' Total Harvest
Avg. Fruit Soluble Avg. Fruit Fruit Soluble
Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart Weight Weight per Solids Hollowheart
Entry (cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3 (cwt/A)2 (lb) Plant (%) (%) (in.)3
Big Stripe 49 cd4 30.6 a 12.5 ab 100 a 0.6 b 856 a 28.2 a 1.9 ab 11.7 b-e 33 a-c 0.2 b-d
Sentinel 426 a 23.1 cd 12.7 ab 0c 0d 840 ab 23.5 b-d 2.1 a 12.7 ab 8 b-e 0.1 b-d
Summer Flavor 800 275 a-d 25.1 a-d 12.4 ab Oc Od 827 ab 23.5 b-d 2.1 a 12.1 a-c 17 bc Od
Huck Finn 67 cd 20.9 cd 10.9 b Oc Od 812 a-c 26.0 a-c 2.0 ab 11.8 a-e 42 a-c 0.2 b-d
Fiesta 228 a-d 21.8 cd 11.1 b Oc Od 786 a-d 24.2 a-d 2.0 ab 11.5 c-e 25 a-c 0.1 b-d
RWM 8097 340 ab 21.9 cd 11.2 b 17 bc 0.1 cd 779 a-d 22.8 b-d 2.1 a 11.2 c-e 42 a-c 0.1 b-d
Royal Star 38 d 23.6 cd 12.5 ab 0 c 0 d 774 a-d 23.9 a-d 2.0 ab 11.8 a-e 22 bc 0.1 b-d
ACX 7402 261 a-d 24.9 a-d 12.4 ab Oc Od 766 a-d 24.9 a-d 1.9 ab 12.2 a-c 42 a-c 0.1 b-d
Mardi Gras 285 a-d 20.8 cd 11.8 ab 17 bc 0.1 cd 744 a-d 21.3 cd 2.2 a 11.7 a-e 25 a-c 0.1 b-d
Summer Flavor 810 245 a-d 25.7 a-d 11.4 ab Oc Od 736 a-d 26.7 ab 1.7 ab 12.0 a-e 17 bc 0.1 b-d
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RWM 8077 305 a-c 21.5 cd 11.1 b 17 bc 0.1 cd 732 a-e 23.0 b-d 2.0 ab 11.0 c-e 33 a-c 0.1 b-d
Legacy 224 a-d 24.7 a-d 11.8 ab Oc Od 729 a-e 23.5 b-d 1.9 ab 11.6 b-e 8 bc 0 d
Summer Flavor 910 274 a-d 21.2 cd 12.2 ab 33 bc 0.3 b-d 698 a-e 22.2 b-d 2.0 ab 12.1 a-d 17 bc 0.1 b-d
RWM 8074 331 ab 22.3 cd 11.4 ab Oc Od 696 a-e 21.8 cd 2.0 ab 10.8 e 8 bc 0 d
RWM 8052 347 ab 22.8 cd 11.9 ab 67 ab 0.3 b-d 675 a-e 23.1 b-d 1.9 ab 11.6 b-e 42 a-c 0.2 b-d
Pifiata small seed 49 cd 30.3 ab 11.9 ab 100 a 1.1 a 671 a-e 23.0 b-d 1.8 ab 11.6 b-e 33 a-c 0.3 a-d
Stars-N-Stripes 105 b-d 25.5 a-d 12.2 ab 100 a 0.4 bc 666 a-e 23.1 b-d 1.8 ab 11.7 a-e 61 ab 0.2 b-d
Table 3. Continued.
Early Harvest' Total Harvest
Avg. Fruit Soluble Avg. Fruit Fruit Soluble
Weight Weight Solids Hollowheart Weight Weight per Solids Hollowheart
Entry (cwt/A)2 (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3 (cwt/A)2 (lb) Plant (%) (%) (in.)3
RWM 8036
Summer Flavor 820
Starbrite
Stargazer
RWM 8094
Festival
Pifiata large seed
SXW 5038
Summer Flavor 500
SWD 8307
WX8
Sultan
Athens
Sangria
SXW 5023
230 a-d4
251 a-d
NH5
NH
95 b-d
200 a-d
59 cd
189 a-d
239 a-d
280 a-d
248 a-d
149 b-d
410a
216 a-d
253 a-d
21.9 cd
26.3 a-c
NH
NH
23.2 cd
23.6 cd
22.4 cd
24.6 bc
29.7 ab
19.9 d
23.7 cd
21.9 cd
21.0 cd
22.4 cd
21.0 cd
12.1 ab
12.1 ab
NH
NH
12.5 ab
11.4 ab
11.9 ab
11.8 ab
10.8 b
11.3 ab
13.2 a
11.9 ab
12.3 ab
12.6 ab
12.1 ab
Oc
Oc
NH
NH
50 a-c
25 bc
100 a
Oc
Oc
Oc
50 a-c
Oc
25 bc
17 bc
Oc
Od
Od
NH
NH
0.1 cd
0.2 cd
1.3 a
Od
Od
Od
0.3 b-d
Od
0.3 b-d
0.1 cd
Od
652 a-e
649 a-e
635 a-e
622 a-e
618 a-e
608 a-e
591 a-e
586 a-e
586 a-e
575 a-e
556 b-e
553 b-e
530 c-e
518 de
450 e
22.7 b-d
24.2 a-d
24.3 a-d
24.0 a-d
23.7 a-d
23.0 b-d
21.9 b-d
23.8 a-d
25.9 a-c
24.3 a-d
23.0 b-d
22.6 b-d
22.7 b-d
20.6 d
20.9 d
1.8 ab
1.7 ab
1.7 ab
1.6 ab
1.6 ab
1.6 ab
1.7 ab
1.5 ab
1.4 ab
1.5 ab
1.5 ab
1.5 ab
1.5 ab
1.6 ab
1.3 b
11.4 c-e
11.8 a-e
10.9 de
12.7 ab
11.5 c-e
11.4 c-e
11.5 c-e
11.5 c-e
11.4 c-e
11.1 c-e
12.2 a-c
12.9 a
12.0 a-e
11.9 a-e
11.8 a-e
17 bc 0.2 b-d
8 bc 0.1 d
0c Od
50 a-c 0.7 a
33 a-c 0.1 b-d
17 bc 0.1 b-d
83 a 0.5 a-c
Oc Od
33 a-c 0.2 b-d
17 bc 0.1 cd
25 a-c 0.2 b-d
64 ab 0.6 ab
8 bc 0.1 b-d
8 bc Od
17 bc 0 d
' Early harvest based on first of two harvests.
2 Acre = 4840 lbf.
3 Average separation of those fruit sampled.
4 Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
s Not harvested.
____
_____
I____
__
____
____
_
____
____
___
___
____
_____
____
__
____
____
_
--
'---
---
'---
----
----~
'----
--
~---
---~
--
~'---
--'-
"-
.---
Table 4. Fruit weight distribution of the total yield of diploid watermelons. Gulf Coast
Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1999.
Entry
ACX 7402
Athens
Big Stripe
Festival
Fiesta
Huck Finn
Legacy
Mardi Gras
Pifiata large
Pifiata small
Royal Star
RWM 8036
RWM 8052
RWM 8074
RWM 8077
RWM 8094
RWM 8097
Sangria
Sentinel
Starbrite
Stargazer
Stars-N-Stripes
Sultan
Fruit Weight (lb)
12.0-18.0 18.1-24.0 >24.0
-----------------------Percentage of fruit-----------------
10 38 52
27 34 39
5 32 63
18 45 37
27 48 25
12 36 52
19 34 47
21 58 21
30 38 32
17 42 41
23 31 46
15 41 44
25 44 31
32 40 28
13 46 41
16 39 45
20 52 28
17 60 23
11 47 42
4 55 41
15 38 47
20 39 41
22 41 37
__
--------------------
_
__
--------------------
_
--
---- --- --- ----- -'-
-
--------------------
Table 4. Continued.
Fruit Weight (lb)
Entry 12.0-18.0 18.1-24.0 >24.0
-----------------------Percentage of fruit-------------------
Summer Flavor 500 11 42 47
Summer Flavor 800 16 41 43
Summer Flavor 810
Summer Flavor 820
Summer Flavor 910
SWD 8307
SXW 5023
SXW 5038
WX8
---------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
" 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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