<%BANNER%>
HIDE
 Front Cover
 Main


IFAS FLAG UF



Standard watermelon variety evaluation
ALL VOLUMES CITATION SEARCH THUMBNAILS PAGE IMAGE ZOOMABLE
Full Citation
STANDARD VIEW MARC VIEW
Permanent Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00054252/00006
 Material Information
Title: Standard watermelon variety evaluation
Series Title: Bradenton GCREC research report
Physical Description: v. : ; 28 cm.
Language: English
Creator: Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (Bradenton, Fla.)
University of Florida -- Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Publisher: University of Florida
Place of Publication: Bradenton Florida
Creation Date: 1997
Publication Date: -1997
Frequency: annual
regular
 Subjects
Subjects / Keywords: Watermelons -- Varieties -- Periodicals   ( lcsh )
Watermelons -- Field experiments -- Periodicals -- Florida   ( lcsh )
Genre: government publication (state, provincial, terriorial, dependent)   ( marcgt )
serial   ( sobekcm )
 Notes
Dates or Sequential Designation: -1997
General Note: Description based on: 1991; title from cover.
 Record Information
Source Institution: University of Florida
Rights Management: All rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.
Resource Identifier: oclc - 62705961
lccn - 2005229321
System ID: UF00054252:00006
 Related Items

Table of Contents
    Front Cover
        Front Cover
    Main
        Page 1
        Page 2
        Page 3
        Page 4
        Page 5
        Page 6
        Page 7
        Page 8
        Page 9
        Page 10
        Page 11
        Page 12
Full Text
~S.4
,(#0-'
C/Al/La)'I
.4' 44.




I.' 4.
;UIt, r
Aaltwl Sio


"'-I .. '
-~ '


-";. I)b .W.;4 ."A h4 v'tS
... ~ ~ L*. *'I- xri L~l I I -


tF.P `''








.44.
4w,


STA

V)


\~ ~ ~ ~~. *. .! {--"^' '* '.'*
I l l" '

'**'*. *~' ''' .* *"$ .I .' ; '
'* I.'?

44 -St^.
-4-
rl;~'' *^C ^^^^


.,* *liAAie^A- -^saF '


;~~aa~i~ ,.
I~ I:,Ce:~ C;~ I 4',..' .
'I b. "
1t 1




.? .4


Z'-7



" ~ ''

' ., 1


%i: '
'vI.-' ~
n-ti


''3
'4


S. 1


:1.


-.









GCREC Research Report BRA1997-14


STANDARD WATERMELON VARIETY EVALUATION
SPRING 1997

D. N. Maynard'
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University of Florida, IFAS
5007 60th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203


Standard seeded watermelons 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 small acreage.
Seedless watermelons, weighing 12 to 18 lb, also are grown in Florida on a limited scale. Florida
produced 7.14 million cwt of watermelons of all types from 34,000 harvested acres in 1995-96 which
provided an average yield of 210 cwt/acre. The average price was $7.00/cwt resulting in a crop value
of almost $50 million which accounted for 3.4% of the gross value of the state's vegetable crops
(Witzig and Pugh, 1997).

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 and
experimental hybrids 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 = 7.0 and
Mehlich I extractable P = 134 (very high), K = 42 (medium), Mg = 117 (high), Ca = 1011 (adequate),
Zn = 9.2 (adequate), Cu = 4.0 (adequate), and Mn = 7.1 (adequate) ppm.

The EauGallie fine sand was prepared in late January by incorporation of 0-1.2-0 lb N-P20O-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-P20,-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-P20O-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 standard watermelons were planted in


1Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist.


September








rows adjacent to the ditches and also served as pollenizers for seedless watermelons that were being
evaluated in the two center beds of each land.

Watermelon seeds were planted on 17 February in holes punched in the polyethylene mulch at 3 ft
in-row spacing. Thirty-six entries (Table 1) were included in the trial. The 18 ft long plots had six
plants each and were replicated three times in a randomized complete-block design. 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) and gummy stem blight
(chlorothalonil and metaxyl-chlorothalonil).

Watermelons were harvested 13 May, 27 May, and 4 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. Soluble solids determinations were made with a hand-
held refractometer on six fruit of each entry at each harvest, and the incidence of hollowheart was
recorded for these fruits. 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 17 February to 4 June was near normal
in April, May, and June, but was 90 and 7F above normal in February and March, respectively which
provided for rapid initial growth after seeding. Rainfall was 7 in. above normal in April, below
normal in February, and about normal in other months of the growing season.

Early yields, based on the first of three harvests, ranged from 0 for SXW 5041 to 413 cwt/acre for
'Mardi Gras' (Table 3). Twenty-four other entries had early yields similar to those of 'Mardi Gras'.
Average fruit weight ranged from 6.3 lbs for SF 829 to 26.5 Ibs for RWM 8007. Soluble solids
varied from 10.7% in RWM 8032 to 12.6% in SF 829. The incidence of hollowheart ranged from
0 in LF 1390, LF 1832, 'Starset', and SF 829 to 100% in ACX 5445, LF 1402, 'Royal Sweet', 95-03
and 'Starbrite'.

Total yields (Table 3) varied from 240 cwt/acre for SF 829 to 935 cwt/acre for 'Stars-N-Stripes'.
Seventeen other entries had yields that were statistically similar to 'Stars-N-Stripes'. Average fruit
weight over the entire season ranged from 4.4 lbs for SF 829 to 24.0 lbs for SSC 460083. Eight
other entries had fruit weight similar to that for SSC 460083. Soluble solids concentrations ranged
from 10.4% for WM 8036 to 12.3% for SF 662 and SF 829. 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
ranged from 0 in LF 1832 to 67% in ACX 5445.

The proportion of fruit in market weight classes is shown in Table 4. ACX 5407, ACX 5411,
'Fiesta', 'Sangria', SSC 460068, WM 8036, WM 8052, 96-29, and LF 1832 produced 50% or more
of their fruit in the desirable 18 to 24 lb range. At least 75% of the fruit produced by 'Mardi Gras',
SSC 460068, SSC 460083, WM 8036, WM 8052 exceeded 18 lb.








SUMMARY

Watermelon variety evaluations have been conducted at this location each spring season since 1991.
The highest yields ranged from 439 cwt/acre in 1996 to 1026 cwt/acre in 1993. In spring 1997, the
highest yield was 935 cwt/acre which was considerably greater than the 6-year average yield of 650
cwt/acre.

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 on 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 green rind.

The incidence and severity of hollowheart was especially great in the 1997 spring season in this trial.
Commercial plantings were generally plagued with severe hollowheart as well. However, most were
accepted on the market because of the unusually short crop. The reason for the high level of
hollowheart is not known.

Based on this and previous trials, the following 'Allsweet' and blocky 'Crimson Sweet' type
varieties are expected to perform well in Florida: 'Carnival', 'Fiesta', 'Ferrari', 'Mardi Gras',
'Regency', 'Royal Star', 'Royal Sweet', and 'Sangria'. 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 author appreciates the financial support for watermelon variety evaluation provided by Abbott
& Cobb, Inc., American Sunmelon, Asgrow Seed Co., Novartis Seeds Inc., Sakata Seed America
Inc., Shamrock Seed Co., Sunseeds Co., and cdm Fast Track.

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. BRA 1992-19.

Maynard, D. N. 1993. Standard watermelon variety evaluation, spring 1993. Gulf Coast Research
and Education Center Res. Rept. BRA1993-20.








4

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.

Stanley, C. D. 1997. Weather report for 1996. Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Res.
Rept. BRA1997-11.

U.S. Dept. Agr. 1978. U.S. Standards for Grades of Watermelons. AMS, Washington, D.C.

Witzig, J. D. and N. L. Pugh. 1997. Florida Agricultural Statistics. Vegetable Summary, 1995-96.
Fla. Agr. Stat. Serv., Orlando.








5

Table. 1. Standard watermelon entries, fruit descriptions, and seed sources. Gulf Coast
Research & Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1997.


Entry

ACX 5404

ACX 5407

ACX 5408

ACX 5411

ACX 5413

ACX 5443

ACX 5445

ACX 5451

Carnival


Ferrari



Fiesta


LF 1390


LF 1402

LF 1832


Mardi Gras


Royal Sweet


Description

Elongated, blocky. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated, blocky. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated, blocky. 'Allsweet' type.

Blocky. 'Allsweet' type.

Blocky. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated, blocky. 'Allsweet' type.

Blocky/oblong. Wide, indistinct dark-green
stripes on light-green background.

Elongated. Alternating wide dark-green stripes
with narrow light-green stripes. Open-
pollinated 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Oval. 'Crimson Sweet'-type stripe. Thin rind.
Good internal color.

Oval/elongated. 'Crimson Sweet'-type stripe.

Oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green stripes on
light-green background.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Oblong. Wide, dark-green stripes on light-
green background.


Source

Abbott & Cobb

Abbott & Cobb

Abbott & Cobb

Abbott & Cobb

Abbott & Cobb

Abbott & Cobb

Abbott & Cobb

Abbott & Cobb

Novartis Seeds


Shamrock



Novartis Seeds


cdm Fast Track


cdm Fast Track

cdm Fast Track


Novartis Seeds


Petoseed












Entry

RWM 8007


RWM 8032

Sangria


SF 662



SF 829



SSC 460068


SSC 460083


Starbrite


Starfire


Stargazer


Stars-N-Stripes


Starset


SXW 0086


---


Description

Oval. Wide, indistinct dark-green stripes on a
light-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Blocky. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Light-green stripes on dark-green
background. 'Allsweet' type.

Round, oval. Indistinct, wide, dark-green
stripes on light-green background. Icebox
type.

Oval. Indistinct, narrow, very dark-green
stripes on dark-green background. Icebox
type.

Oblong. Light-green stripes on dark-green
background. 'Allsweet' type.

Blocky, oblong. Light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Oblong. Distinct dark-green stripes on light-
green background. 'Royal Sweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct medium-green stripes on
very dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Oval, blocky. Indistinct medium-green stripe
on light-green background.


Source

Novartis Seeds


Novartis Seeds

Novartis Seeds


cdm Fast Track



cdm Fast Track



Shamrock


Shamrock


Asgrow


Asgrow


Asgrow


Asgrow


Asgrow


Sunseeds











Entry Description Source


SXW 5022



SXW 5041


WM 8036


WM 8052


94-52


95-03


96-29


Sunseeds



Sunseeds


Elongated. Indistinct, narrow, light-green
stripes on very dark-green background.
'Allsweet' type.

Oval. Alternating light and dark-green stripes.
Similar to 'Crimson Sweet'.

Blocky. Indistinct light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Blocky. Indistinct light-green stripes on dark-
green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.

Elongated. Indistinct light-green stripes on
dark-green background. 'Allsweet' type.


Novartis Seeds


Novartis Seeds


Sakata America


Sakata America


Sakata America









Table 2.


Temperature and rainfall at the GCREC during the spring of 1997 and the 42-year
averages (Stanley, 1997).


Average Daily Temperature (oF)
Maximum Minimum Rainfall (in.)
Month 19971 42-yr avg 19971 42-yr avg 19971 42-yr avg

February 83 74 59 52 0.48 3.00
March 84 77 61 55 4.50 3.32
April 81 82 60 60 8.78 1.78
May 87 87 66 65 3.27 3.09
June 88 90 68 70 0.13 7.59


'Field transplanted 17 February 1997. Last harvest 4 June 1997.






Table 3. Early and total yields, average fruit weight, soluble solids and the incidence and severity of hollowheart of standard watermelons.
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1997.

Early Harvest1 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)' (Ib) (%) (%) (in.)3

Stars-N-Stripes 163 b-e4 20.7 c-g 11.3 a-c 67 ab 0.8 bc 935 a 19.7 bc 10.8 b-d 37 a-g 0.4a-c
96-29 335 ab 20.8 c-g 12.4 ab 67 ab 0.6 c 840 ab 18.7 b-d 11.3 a-d 50 a-e 0.2 a-c
Ferrari 235 a-e 19.4 fg 11.2 a-c 67 ab 0.4 c 823 a-c 19.5 b-d 11.2 a-d 39 a-g 0.3 a-c
Stargazer 200 a-e 21.8 a-g 11.6 a-c 33 ab 0.1 c 805 a-d 19.1 b-d 11.4 a-d 34 a-g 0.4 a-c
Mardi Gras 413 a 22.7 a-g 11.3 a-c 33 ab 1.0 a-c 799 a-e 22.0 a-c 11.2 a-d 29 a-g 0.4 a-c
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------
WM 8036 210 a-e 26.0 ab 11.0 bc 75 ab 0.9 a-c 784 a-e 21.8 a-c 10.4 d 25 a-g 0.2 a-c
Starbrite 67 c-e 24.8 a-e 11.6 a-c 100 a 0.2 c 764 a-e 21.7 a-c 11.5 a-d 61 ab 0.4 a-c
ACX 5413 372 ab 22.9 a-g 12.1 a-c 50 ab 0.4 c 761 a-e 19.8 bc 10.5 cd 11 e-g 0.1 bc
SXW 5022 164 b-e 20.7 c-g 12.0 a-c 67 ab 0.8 bc 740 a-e 19.3 b-d 11.8 ab 45 a-f 0.4 a-c
RWM 8032 252 a-e 20.2 d-g 10.7 c 67 ab 0.2 c 738 a-e 20.2 bc 10.9 b-d 35 a-g 0.1 bc
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------- ----- -
Fiesta 379 ab 20.3 d-g 11.6 a-c 50 ab 0.2 c 735 a-e 19.5 b-d 10.7 b-d 31 a-g 0.2 a-c
94-52 290 a-c 25.3 a-d 12.0 a-c 75 ab 2.1 a 715 a-e 20.7 a-c 11.6 a-c 44 a-f 0.7 a
95-03 162 b-e 19.4 fg 12.1 a-c 100 a 0.6 c 682 a-f 20.0 bc 11.5 a-d 58 a-c 0.3 a-c
ACX 5408 271 a-d 21.7 a-g 12.2 a-c 33 ab 0.2 c 679 a-f 21.7 a-c 11.5 a-d 21 b-g 0.1 bc
ACX 5404 275 a-d 20.7 c-g 12.3 ab 33 ab 0.2 c 667 a-f 19.0 b-d 11.7 ab 34 a-g 0.2 a-c
-------------------------------------- -- ------------------------------------------------------- --------------
Starset 277 a-c 19.9 e-g 11.5 a-c Ob Oc 645 a-f 19.2 b-d 11.5 a-d 18 c-g 0.1 bc
SSC 460068 217 a-e 21.6 a-g 12.5 ab 83 a 1.4 a-c 627 a-g 20.5 bc 11.5 a-d 56 a-d 0.6 a-c
Carnival 189 a-e 23.1 a-f 11.8 a-c 67 ab 0.5 c 622 a-g 19.9 bc 11.6 a-d 42 a-g 0.4 a-c
WM 8052 219 a-e 25.6 a-c 11.5 a-c 83 a 0.7 bc 610 b-g 21.7 a-c 10.5 cd 42 a-g 0.3 a-c
ACX 5443 214 a-e 21.1 b-g 11.9 a-c 33 ab 0.3 c 609 b-g 20.9 a-c 11.2 a-d 32 a-g 0.4 a-c
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------ ------
SSC 460083 235 a-e 25.6 a-c 11.1 a-c 50 ab 0.2 c 604 b-g 24.0 a 10.8 b-d 28 a-g 0.1 bc
Starfire 287 a-c 21.8 a-g 12.1 a-c 83 a 0.4 c 602 b-g 20.0 bc 11.7 ab 43 a-f 0.2 a-c
ACX 5445 202 a-e 20.6 c-g 12.1 a-c 100 a 0.9 a-c 590 b-h 18.4 c-e 11.6 a-c 67 a 0.7 ab
ACX 5451 283 a-c 22.0 a-g 11.2 a-c 33 ab 0.3 c 590 b-h 19.8 bc 10.7 b-d 11 e-g 0.1 bc
ACX 5411 263 a-d 21.8 a-g 12.1 a-c 50 ab 0.2 c 585 b-h 19.2 b-d 11.3 a-d 29 a-g 0.1 a-c







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

Sangria 240 a-e4 20.7 c-g 12.4 ab 67 ab 0.5 c 549 b-i 19.2 b-d 11.7 ab 48 a-f 0.2 a-c
ACX 5407 193 a-e 19.6 fg 11.4 a-c 50 ab 0.4 c 545 b-i 19.6 b-d 11.7 ab 36 a-g 0.2 a-c
Royal Sweet 93 c-e 21.3 b-g 12.1 a-c 100 a 2.0 ab 530 b-i 20.4 bc 11.5 a-d 60 a-c 0.6 a-c
SXW 5041 0 0 0 0 0 509 c-i 18.9 b-d 11.3 a-d 39 a-g 0.4 a-c
RWM 8007 256 a-e 26.5 a 11.4 a-c 33 ab 0.2 c 492 d-i 22.1 ab 11.3 a-d 31 a-g 0.2 a-c

SXW 0086 148 b-e 20.0 e-g 12.5 a 33 ab 0.2 c 481 e-i 19.7 bc 11.6 a-d 13 d-g 0.1 bc
SF 662 39 de 7.3 h 12.3 ab 50 ab 0.1 c 387 f-i 5.8 f 12.3 a 6fg 0.1 c
LF 1402 88 c-e 20.2 d-g 12.2 a-c 100 a 0.4 c 373 f-i 16.2 de 11.3 a-d 36 a-g 0.2 a-c
LF 1390 154 b-e 19.0 fg 11.6 a-c Ob Oc 313g-i 15.8e 12.2a 33a-g 0.1 bc
LF 1832 218 a-e 17.9 g 11.1 a-c Ob Oc 280 hi 18.6 b-d 10.8 b-d Og Oc

SF 829 26 e 6.3 h 12.6 a Ob Oc 240 i 4.4 f 12.3 a 8 e-g 0.1 c



'Early harvest represents the first of three harvests.
2Acre = 4840 Ibf.
3Average width of fruit cracks of those fruit sampled.
'Mean separation in columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.








Table 4.


Fruit weight distribution of the total yield of standard watermelon. Gulf Coast
Research and Education Center, Bradenton. Spring 1997.


Fruit Weight (lb)
Entry 12.1 -18.0 18.1 -24.0 > 24
---------------------------Percentage of fruit-------------------------

ACX 5404 46 44 10
ACX 5407 32 58 10
ACX 5408 39 33 28
ACX 5411 41 50 9
ACX 5413 42 35 23

ACX 5443 36 39 24
ACX 5445 56 36 8
ACX 5451 43 33 24
Carnival 34 46 20
Ferrari 45 38 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiesta 36 50 14
Mardi Gras 22 44 34
Royal Sweet 35 41 24
RWM 8007 42 19 39
RWM 8032 34 49 17

Sangria 44 50 6
SSC 460068 23 54 23
SSC 460083 16 42 42
Starbrite 28 39 33
Starfire 38 47 15

Stargazer 49 38 13
Stars-N-Stripes 40 41 19
Starset 45 42 13
SXW 0086 33 48 19
SXW 5022 42 49 9

SXW 5041 54 33 13
WM 8036 25 50 25
WM 8052 13 53 32
94-52 32 36 32
95-03 45 32 23

96-29 40 52 8
LF 1390 77 23 0
LF 1402 73 23 4
LF 1832 41 59 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 of fundamental knowledge of disciplines
represented by faculty and (8) directing graduate
student training and teaching special undergraduate
classes.


Location of
GCREC Bradenton


IFAS IS:
a 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.
" 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.