HISTORIC NOTE
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not reflect current scientific knowledge
or recommendations. These texts
represent the historic publishing
record of the Institute for Food and
Agricultural Sciences and should be
used only to trace the historic work of
the Institute and its staff. Current IFAS
research may be found on the
Electronic Data Information Source
(EDIS)
site maintained by the Florida
Cooperative Extension Service.
Copyright 2005, Board of Trustees, University
of Florida
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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH AND
EDUCATION CENTER, LEESBURG
5336 UNIVERSITY AVE.
TELEPHONE: 904/787-3423
(GAINESVILLE LINE 392-7272)
WA TERMEL ON
FIELD DAY
June 8, 1988
Gary W. Elmstrom
Assistant Center Director
So;:tral Science
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Leesburg CFREC Research Report (LBG 88-4)
200 copies
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
CENTER FOR TROPICAL. AGRICULTURE
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to Individuals and institutions that function without regard to race. color, sex. age, handicap or national origin.
LEESBURG FLORIDA 32748
1988 MAIN FIELD
North
Field
Watermelon
Wilt Biocontrol
& Spray Trial
Central Florida Research and Education Center
5336 University Ave.
Leesburg, Florida 32748
Phone (904) 787-3423
(Galnesvllle line 392-7272)
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PROGRAM
WATERMELON FIELD DAY
Wednesday, June 8, 1988
1:30 5:00 pm
Terry Courneya, Lake County Extension Director Moderator
Charles Conover, Center Director, Leesburg
Introductory comments
Don Hopkins, Plant Pathologist, Leesburg
Biological control of Fusarium wilt
Watermelon disease control
Cantaloupe fungicide test
Susan Webb, Entomologist, Leesburg
Epidemiology of WMV-2 in central Florida watermelon a preliminary
report
Larry Risse, Marketing Specialist, USDA, Orlando
Insight into storage and marketing of icebox watermelons
James Crall, Plant Pathologist, Leesburg
1986 Cultivar releases (Minilee, Mickylee, Charlee)
1988 Prospective releases: Jubilee BC release (Jubilee II), Charleston
Gray BC release (Graylee)
Near-future release (striped icebox line)
Longer-term projected releases (Crimson Sweet BC and other large round
striped lines, mosaic resistant line, gummy stem blight resistant line,
tetraploids and triploids, and dwarf progenies)
Watermelon evaluation program: Replicated Trials; Jubilee BC progenies,
Icebox progenies, Charlee F1s, Small-seeded Dixielee progenies
Gary Elmstrom, Horticulturist, Leesburg
Cucurbit variety evaluation
Muskmelon breeding
Squash breeding
Seedless watermelon breeding/evaluation
Watermelon fertilization
Tour of research plots, Don Maynard, Extension Vegetable Specialist,
Bradenton, Presiding
Refreshments (Courtesy of FOREMOST FERTILIZER COMPANY)
- 1 -
1. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF FUSARIUM WILT OF WATERMELON (Hopkins)
Fusarium wilt is the major, limiting production problem in watermelon in
Florida. Watermelon cultivars are described as resistant or susceptible to
Fusarium wilt, but they actually form a continuum from susceptible to highly
resistant (See table). Resistant cultivars and a long rotation are the only
controls used by most growers. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find
pastureland that has not been planted with watermelons for 6-8 years.
Therefore, we have been conducting studies to develop the methods to shorten
the interval of crop rotation.
Ten watermelon cultivars with a gradation of wilt resistance were compared in
a cultivar monoculture for the development of Fusarium wilt and for the
buildup of the wilt fungus in the soil. After 3-4 years, all of the cultivars
except Crimson Sweet wilted severely regardless of previously described
resistance levels. Only the resistance of Crimson Sweet was stable in the
monoculture.
Resistance 2-year monoculture 7-year monoculture
Cultivar ranking1 Z wilt Yield (T/acre) X wilt Yield (T/acre)
Calhoun Gray HR 12 a 9.8 a 61 cd 5.4 b
Smokylee HR 12 a 9.5 a 23 b 8.1 b
Crimson Sweet MR 19 ab 10.7 a 7 a 12.4 a
Charleston Gray MR 41 b 5.0 b 55 c 6.0 b
Florida Giant S 82 c 0 c 75 c 0 c
1HR = highly resistant, MR = moderately resistant, S = susceptible.
At this time, we do not recommend growing Crimson Sweet in a monoculture. In
some cases, Crimson Sweet can suffer very severe losses to wilt.
Laboratory and greenhouse studies of the soil from the Crimson Sweet plots
indicated that Crimson Sweet was uniquely able to promote the buildup of a
biological control agent in the soil. We believe that the biocontrol agent is
a soil fungus that is antagonistic to the Fusarium wilt fungus. We currently
are studying methods to use this soilborne fungus to develop biological
control procedures for Fusarium wilt in watermelon and other crops, if
possible. We are also attempting to determine the mechanism of promotion of
the biocontrol fungus by Crimson Sweet so that it might be incorporated into
other watermelon cultivars.
-2-
CANTALOUPE FUNGICIDE TEST (Hopkins)
Date of Planting: March 7, 1988
Variety: Gold Star
Procedure: Sprays are applied weekly in 100 gallons of dilute spray per acre at a pressure of
150 psi, using a boom sprayer.
Treatment
Rate (Amt. Product/acre)
(A) Bravo 720 2.0 pts.
(B) Bravo 720 alternated with Bravo 720 + Bayleton 50WP 2.0 pts. 1.5 pts. + 0.125 lb.
(C) Aliette 80WP 2.0 lbs.
(D) Aliette 80WP + Manzate 200 80WP 2.0 Ibs. + 1.5 lbs.
(E) Aliette 80WP + Bravo 75WP 2.0 lbs. + 1.0 lb.
(F) RH-3866 60DF + Dithane M-45 + Triton B-1956 0.1 lb. + 3.0 Ibs. + 4 oz.
(G) RH-3866 60DF + Dithane M-45 + Triton B-1956 0.15 lb. + 3.0 lbs. + 4 oz.
(H) Dikar + Triton B-1956 1.5 Ibs. + 4 oz.
(I) Dikar + Triton B-1956 2.5 lbs. + 4 oz.
(J) Unsprayed
Results: Not complete. We will see plots on field tour.
FUNGICIDES FOR WATERMELON DISEASE CONTROL (Hopkins) Disease
Disease2
Gnumy Stem Downy Alternaria
Fungicidel Rate/acre Blight Mildew Leaf Spot
Benlate 1/4 1/2 lbs. ++ 0 0
Bravo 720 1 1/2 3 pts. ++ ++ +
Dithane M-22 Special 1 3 lbs. + + +
Dithane M-45 2 3 Ibs. + ++ +
Ridomil-Bravo 81W 1 1/2 2 lbs. + ++ +
Manex 1.6 qts. + + +
Manzate 200 2 3 lbs. + ++ +
Penncozeb 2 3 lbs. + ++ +
Ridomil MZ-58 1.5 2 lbs. 0 ++ 0
1Other formulations of these products may be available. Read the label for directions and rates.
++ = most effective, + = effective, 0 = not effective.
2. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF WMV-2 IN CENTRAL FLORIDA WATERMELON A PRELIMINARY REPORT
(Webb)
Watermelon mosaic virus 2 (WMV-2) has become an increasingly important problem
in Central Florida watermelon production. Although much has been learned in
the past about potential aphid vectors and although summer weed hosts (citron,
hibiscus, lupine, showy crotaloria, hairy indigo) have been identified, we
still know very little about factors that may lead to damaging levels of
infection in a particular field in a particular area. Overwintering hosts for
this virus have not been identified yet in Central and North Florida.
Practical control measures are non-existent or are inconsistent. This spring,
in cooperation with county agents Catherine Neal (Lake), Bill Phillips
(Marion), and Anthony Drew (Levy), we have been surveying commercial
watermelon fields in Lake, Sumter, Marion, and Levy counties to determine
where and when mosaic first appears. We are comparing fields based on
vegetation surrounding them, on cultural practices and cropping history, and
are sampling weeds, shrubs, and trees adjacent to sites of early infection in
the crop. Growers have been extremely helpful and have shared their
observations and experiences with the virus problem.
Methods. Each week beginning 11 April we monitored five fields in Lake and
Sumter, eight in Marion, and three in Levy. Fields were located as far south
as Groveland, and as far north as Chiefland. Four of the fields in Marion
county had at least 40 acres planted on black plastic mulch. Because of
differences in plant size and quality between mulched and unmulched sections
we treated these as separate fields.
In each field we checked 100 plants in each corner and 25 plants along each
side of the field. In some instances growers located virus-infected plants in
other areas of the field, but sampling in the borders has been reasonably
effective and allows us to make comparisons among fields.
We are measuring the distance from earliest-infected plants to the field edge
and to the tree line, and are collecting samples of weeds and shrubs to
analyze for presence of WMV-2, WMV-1 and ZYMV. Samples of infected watermelon
plants have been tested for these three viruses on a routine basis.
Results. Because our survey is not complete at this time (19 May), and
because we have not yet analyzed the weed and shrub samples, we are reporting
trends but few conclusions. A few possible practical control measures that we
plan to test further will be discussed.
WMV-2 has been the only virus found in watermelon in the areas surveyed. As
Dr. Warren Adlerz found, early infections have led to the most serious
epidemics. We first noted infected plants on 18 April in Oxford (Sumter
County). By the week of 25 April, fields in Okahumpka, Sumterville,
Weirsdale, and Dunnellon were infected. At least three of these fields will
sustain important losses to mosaic.
Very different rates of spread have been observed, however, even among fields
infected in mid to late April. This may be due to differences in aphid
populations or to differences in the number of plants initially infected.
Rate of spread seems to be unrelated to plant size at the time of infection.
This fall and next spring, in order to better understand differences in rates
-4-
of spread in different fields, we will be monitoring aphid landings with traps
(under construction) designed to mimic melon leaves. We are also currently
identifying weeds in field borders which support large populations of
potential vector aphids. Stylet oils being used by two growers may be slowing
spread in their fields.
Most of the fields surveyed became infected from the south side (or southeast
or southwest); a few became infected on the north side. At this time we have
detected mosaic in all but one field which is open to the south with a dead
orange grove to the north in Groveland. Two fields in which disease appeared
late (11-13 May) are surrounded by woods. Most other fields are bordered by
one or two rows of tall trees (oaks, pines) separating them from pastures.
Although our sample size is too small to draw conclusions, it may be that this
row of trees causes aphids to drop on the leeward side. If this is the case,
initial sources of virus may be at some distance from fields.
Future study. In addition to further monitoring of commercial fields
(including sampling aphids), we will be testing some control methods at the
Research Center. Dark reddish-brown mulches have been shown by others to
repel aphids to some extent. We would like to try this in conjunction with
sprays of stylet oils (currently being used by some growers) mixed with
pyrethroids to 1) delay first infection (with mulch) and 2) to slow the spread
of infection once it appears (with oils and pyrethroids). We are also
continuing to work on developing resistant varieties (Drs. Crall and Elmstrom)
and are selecting for mild strains of virus that may protect plants against
severe strains.
A final report, incorporating all the results of this spring's survey, will be
available this fall.
-5-
3. INSIGHT INTO STORAGE AMD MARKETING OF ICEBOX WATERMELONS (Risse)
Traditionally, watermelon production in Florida has centered around production
of large-size melons. Florida is the largest producer of watermelons,
representing 25 to 30% of the total U.S. production. Import of watermelons
from Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands has been increasing
in recent years. However, per-capita consumption has slipped from about 18
pounds per year in the 1950s to about 13 pounds in the 1970s, representing a
30% drop in per-capita consumption. Over half of the families in the U.S.
consist of two or less people. Many of these families do not want to buy a
large melon (20-30 pounds) because of wastage. Sliced watermelons are
available, but the price is higher because of added labor and many times the
quality of sliced watermelons is poorer because the melons deteriorate more
rapidly after slicing.
Small-sized watermelon cultivars, called icebox watermelons, have been around
for many years, but the quality has not been as good as that of the large-size
melons, or they posed production or shipping problems. Two recently released
cultivars, 'Mickylee' and 'Minilee', developed by Crall at IFAS, Leesburg,
seem to have solved these problems. These two cultivars are resistant to
anthracnose and fusarium wilt, are good producers, and have excellent quality.
Soluble solids (sugars) are between 10 to 12% for these two cultivars and,
additionally, these melons are very crisp.
Last year, the USDA in Orlando conducted storage studies with these two
cultivars and some other icebox cultivars. The USDA included Mickylee,
Minilee, and Baby Fun in their storage studies. Melons were harvested in
Bradenton and Leesburg and were stored at 1*, 70, 15* and 210C for 1, 2, 3,
and 4 weeks plus 1 additional week at 21*C. All three cultivars were
susceptible to chilling injury at 10 and 70C after 2 weeks' storage, with Baby
Fun being the most susceptible and Minilee the least (Table 1). Many of the
melons that had serious chilling injury during cold storage developed decay
during additional storage at 210C for 1 week (Table 2). Decay was the highest
for melons stored at 1 due to chilling injury and the lowest for melons
stored at 21. Baby Fun had the highest incidence of decay. Firmness of the
melons decreased with increased storage temperatures and length of storage.
Mickylee and Minilee were firmer and crisper and their firmness did not
decrease as rapidly as did Baby Fun's during storage. Weight loss was
significantly lower for Minilee as compared to the other two cultivars. Total
soluble solids decreased with increased storage temperature with Minilee
retaining the most and Baby Fun the least.
It is suggested that all icebox melons be packed in fiberboard boxes
containing 4 to 8 melons, depending on size with a total weight of about 40
lb. Also, the boxes should be palletized to eliminate as much handling as
possible. Current methods for boxing melons in Florida are to harvest melons
in bulk and pack them into boxes at a packing station or packinghouse. A new
harvesting and packing method needs to be developed so that icebox melons can
be packed into boxes in the field to eliminate handling and bruising of melons
handled in bulk. This seems to be a bigger problem with icebox melons in
bulk, because they tend to be round and do not pack as easily as larger,
oblong-shaped melons.
-6-
During the early 1970s, USDA in cooperation with several growers/shippers
initiated commercial shipments of large-size melons to Europe. The melons
were packed in fiberboard boxes, 3 to 5 melons per box, or in fiberboard bins
with about 50 to 55 melons per bin, with a total weight of about 1000 lb.
Watermelon exports, mostly from Florida, peaked at about 400 metric tons in
1974. From that point, except for an occasional shipment, exports to Europe
diminished to about zero in 1977. The main reason for this decline was that
U.S. producers shipped only large-size melons, which required slicing at the
retail level. This increased the per-unit price, thus proving too costly for
most consumers. Other reasons for the decline in U.S. exports included the
production of both small- and large-size melons in Europe and other exporting
countries around the Mediterranean Sea, plus the relatively high-valued
dollar. Currently, European production of watermelons is about 95,000 metric
tons of mainly icebox melons produced mostly in Spain. Communications with
potential receivers in Europe have indicated that they would be interested in
importing icebox watermelons starting in the fall and continuing through June.
During the summer months, local production of melons and plentiful supplies of
competing fruits would make U.S. supplies too costly.
This past June and July, two sample shipments of Mickylee and Minilee melons
of four boxes each were made from Florida to Europe. The melons were grown at
the IFAS, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Bradenton, and Central
Florida Research and Education Center, Leesburg, and were packed in fiberboard
boxes with six to eight melons per box. The boxes were placed in a
nonrefrigerated dry-freight van container in Jacksonville for shipment to
Europe. The first shipment to Rotterdam, The Netherlands, was in transit for
14 days and the second shipment to London, England, was in transit about 30
days before clearing customs. Temperatures during transit inside the van
container reached as high as 350C. None of the melons were decayed on
arrival; however, a few of the melons in the second shipment were overmature
on arrival. In the Netherlands, sample melons were shown to about 10
potential importers who preferred the quality of the Mickylee and Minilee
because they were crisper and sweeter than existing supplies from Spain.
Several of the importers were willing to order full van container loads
immediately, if supplies were available. In London, sample melons were shown
to about six potential importers whose comments were about the same as those
in Rotterdam, even though some of the melons were overmature.
During the past two winters, several grower/shippers from Florida have been
producing both Mickylee and Minilee melons in the Caribbean Basin with
success. Most of the melons are exported into the U.S. and are sold by chain
stores. In fact, two of these grower/shippers have reexported some to Europe.
Hopefully, these two cultivars of icebox melons will be able to reduce the
decline of melon per capital consumption, or actually increase per capital
consumption by providing a melon of the size that the consumers want. The
quality and storability of these two cultivars are excellent. Besides
supplying the domestic market, there is an excellent opportunity to develop an
export market in Europe for icebox melons.
-7-
Table 1. Chilling injury ratings for icebox
watermelons stored for 4 weeks at 1* or 7"C plus 1
additional week at 21'C, 3 tests, 1987.
Storage week plus 1 week at 21*C
Variety 1 2 3 4 Average
A + 1'C
Baby Fun 1.3 1.8 4.0 4.0 2.8 bx
Minilee 1.0 1.4 2.3 2.5 1.8 a
Mickylee 1.5 2.3 3.8 3.7 2.6
2.4 B
A + 7*C
Baby Fun 1.0 1.1 1.8 2.3 1.6 a
Minilee 1.0 1.2 1.5 2.0 1.4 a
Mickylee 1.0 1.3 1.8 2.0 1.5 a
1.5 A
Average 1.1 a 1.5 b 2.4 c 2.8 d
ZChilling injury ratings 1 = none, 2 = <10% of
surface area, 3 = 11-25%, 4 26-50%, and 5 = >50%.
YAlI storage rooms maintained at +.5"C and 80-90%
relative humidity.
xValues followed by different letters within a
column or row are significantly different according
to Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Table 2. Percentage of marketable watermelons storedz for 4 weeks
at 1', 7', 15" and 21'C plus 1 additional week at 21'C, 3 tests, 1987.
Marketable fruit(%)
Storage Immediately after storage After 1 week at 21'C
Mini- Micky- Baby Mini- Micky- Baby
Days 'C lee lee Fun lee lee Fun Avg.
7 1 100 100 100 100 100 100
14 1 100 100 100 75 67 50
21 1 100 100 100 58 58 60
28 1 100 100 100 17 25 38 61c
7 7 100 100 100 100 100 100
14 7 100 100 100 92 83 100
21 7 92 100 92 50 83 50
28 7 92 100 92 25 25 30 71 b
7 15 100 100 100 92 100 100
14 15 92 92 92 83 92 40
21 15 100 100 92 92 75 60
29 15 92 75 83 67 58 0 71 b
7 21 100 100 100 100 100 100
14 21 100 100 100 100 100 100
21 21 100 100 100 92 92 90
28 21 92 100 92 83 92 60 93 a
Avg. 98 a 98 a 96 a 76 b 78 b 67 c
ZAll storage rooms maintained at + .5"C and 80-90% relative
humidity.
Values followed by different letters within a column or row are
significantly different according to Duncan's multiple range test, 5%
level.
8 -
4. WATERMELON BREEDING (Crall)
Three new cultivars, Charlee, Minilee, and Mickylee, were released in 1986
from this Center. All of them were granted Plant Variety Protection (PVP)
certification so seed production and primary distribution is limited to
licensed seed companies (Peto Seed Company for Charlee and Peto and Pennington
Seed Companies for Minilee and Mickylee).
Charlee is a Charleston Gray-type cultivar with resistance to anthracnose
(race 1) and high level resistance to Fusarium wilt. It produces good yields
of high quality fruits similar in size, shape, and weight to those of
Charleston Gray. Sales of seed have been good and Charlee should be appearing
on domestic markets this season.
Minilee and Mickylee are icebox-type cultivars with excellent fruit quality
and resistance to anthracnose (race 1) and Fusarium wilt. These two new
cultivars have been produced in Central America for the past 3 winter seasons
and have been on domestic markets in limited amounts during that period. In
1988 melons from domestic production should be appearing in good numbers on
our markets. Seed producers report good seed sales and have increased seed
production to meet anticipated increased demand in 1989 and following.
As a result largely of the release of Minilee and Mickylee, and particularly
because of their excellent fruit qualities and the uniqueness of their fruits
with regard to size, flesh and rind characteristics, keeping qualities, and
other characteristics, there has been a significant buildup of interest by
both growers and consumers in small-fruited watermelons. We view these
happenings as favorable towards reversing the decline in per capital
consumption of watermelon (over 30%) in the United States that has occurred
over the past 20 years. Another important factor that may increase watermelon
production in the U.S. is the interest in Minilee and Mickylee for export to
Europe and other overseas markets.
Two other breeding lines from this program have been recommended for release
as cultivars in 1988. The release circular for Jubilee II (S84NW[E]) is
currently being reviewed by the Cultivar Release Technical Advisory Committee.
It is a line from our Jubilee backcross program that has performed well in
both replicated field trials and grower tests. It is resistant to both
anthracnose (race 1) and Fusarium wilt and produces good yields of high
quality, shipping-type melons. Performance of Jubilee II was particularly
outstanding in the 1987 SCWT trials, conducted at 10 locations in the southern
United States. It had the highest marketable total yield and the highest
overall rating score (26) of 15 entries in the observational trial. Scores of
other entries ranged from -1 to 18, with a mean rating of 11. A second line
from our Charleston Gray backcrossing program (S84GS[N]), also known as our
SW4 line, has done well in both replicated and grower tests. It is resistant
to both anthracnose (race 1) and Fusarium wilt. It also produces good yields
of high quality, shipping-type melons that are somewhat larger than those of
Charlee. Fruit size approaches that of Jubilee. It performed well for
several years in the SCWT replicated trial. In 1987 it was second in highest
marketable yield and had the second highest overall rating score of 11 entries
in the test.
-9-
There are a number of other lines that are further in the future with regard
to eventual release as cultivars. With the increasing interest in icebox
sizes, we have several other lines grouped as Small-seeded Dixielee lines
(SSDL) that are in the replicated field test stage. Even further into the
future but also at the field test stage are lines from the Crimson Sweet
backcrossing program and some other large round stripe lines (LRS) that have
shown promise but are not in replicated tests this season because of lack of
field testing funds.
In addition to the 1986 and projected 1988 releases and lines in the field
testing stage, we have a number of lines in earlier stages of the breeding
program. Perhaps most important, in view of the threat to the watermelon and
other cucurbit industries from watermelon mosaic virus diseases, are lines
from the Nigerian line "Egun" being selected for resistance to WMV2. These
lines are in the F to F4 generations after 1 or 2 backcrosses to some of our
better advanced selections. With the appointment of Dr. Susan Webb to our
entomologist position, we are hoping that a more fundamentally sound program
for breeding for mosaic resistance can be initiated here. Second to breeding
for resistance to mosaic (WMV2), is our program for resistance to gummy stem
blight (GSB). GSB lines are mostly in the F3 generation after 4 backcrosses
with selected advanced lines to progenies developed from PI 189225. Limited
work is being done on tetraploid and triploid lines and on dwarf progenies,
with dwarfing genes from Kentucky watermelon lines. These dwarf
(short-internode) progenies are in early stages of evaluation, but have
interesting long-range potential.
- 10 -
5. BREEDING FIELD LOCATIONS OF SPECIFICALLY NAMED CULTIVARS AND BREEDING
LINES (Crall)
1. Charlee is not in our replicated tests, but can be seen in row NN45 and
Dr. Elmstrom's variety trials; Charlee F hybrids with several of our
lines can be found in a Replicated Trial In ranges NG-NJ, rows 37-40 and
ranges NK and NL, rows 1-40.
2. Minilee and Mickylee in Replicated Icebox Trial in ranges NE-NJ, rows
3-36 and rows NN50, 51.
3. Jubilee II (S84NW[E]) in Replicated Jubilee Trial in ranges NE-NJ, rows
5-34 and row NN43 (as F87 Gate).
4. Charleston Gray BC line projected for release in 1988 (S84GS[N]) not in
replicated trial, but can be seen in row NN46 and in Dr. Elmstrom's
variety trials. This line has also been known as our SW4 line.
5. Small-seeded Dixielee lines in Replicated SSDL Trial, ranges NG-NJ,
rows 39, 40 and ranges NK, NL, rows 1-40 and Replicated Icebox Trial,
ranges NE-NJ, rows 3-36.
6. Mosaic resistant lines: Range NM, rows 1-30.
7. Tetraploids and triploids: Range NM, rows 31-40.
8. Crimson Sweet backcross line, C18-3 self, NM41-44, and other Crimson
Sweet and LRS lines, NM45-75.
9. Information to support requests for PVP certification for Jubilee II and
Graylee (S84GS[N]) is being obtained from a number of advanced lines in
range NN, rows 41-49.
10. In 1987 a replicated test of Minilee, Mickylee, other icebox lines, and
F hybrid lines among them, demonstrated the potential for F hybrid
icebox lines. This small planting (range NN, rows 50-53) is for the
purpose of making additional F1 hybrid crosses.
11. Dwarf progenies: Range NN, rows 54-63.
12. Gummy stem blight resistance: Range NN, rows 64-74.
- 11 -
6. CUCURBIT VARIETY EVALUATION (Elmstrom)
The following reports, which summarize the cucurbit variety evaluation work at
CFREC Leesburg, are currently available:
A. Cucurbit Variety Evaluation, 1986. Leesburg AREC Research Report (LBG
86-13).
B. Cucurbit Variety Evaluation, 1987. Leesburg CFREC Research Report (LBG
87-4).
C. Cantaloupe Variety Evaluation, 1978-1987. Leesburg CFREC Research Report
(LBG 88-2).
D. Fresh-Market Cucumber Variety Evaluation, 1977-1985. Leesburg AREC
Research Report (LBG 86-3).
E. Pickling Cucumber Variety Evaluation, 1977-1985. Leesburg AREC Research
Report (LBG 86-4).
F. Summer Squash Variety Evaluation, 1977-1985. Leesburg AREC Research
Report (LBG 86-8).
G. Winter Squash Variety Evaluation, 1977-1985. Leesburg AREC Research
Report (LBG 86-7).
H. Publication List Cucurbits, 1970-1987. Leesburg CFREC Research Report
(LBG 88-3).
- 12 -
CANTALOUPE VARIETY TRIAL 1988
REPLICATED
Edisto 47
Planters Jumbo
FL 87-2MXL
AC 70-154
WC-11
WC-13
Nova
Challenger
Hollar
Burrell
Leesburg'CFREC
AL AES
TX AES
TX AES
Northrup King
Northrup King
R-9
R-10
R-1
R-12
R-13
R-14
R-15
R-16
Hiline
Producer
Performer
Magnum .45
PMR Burpee Hybrid
Eastern Star
Sunshine
Duro
Asgrow
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
PetoSeed
Burpee
Musser
Ferry-Morse
Shamrock
R-17
R-18
R-19
R-20
R-21
R-22
Voyageur
Mission
Aragon
XPH 5361
Easy Rider
Explorer
Shamrock
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
Harris Moran
Northrup King
OBSERVATIONAL
PMR-6
PMR-45
FL 87-1M
MD 8518
AC 75-16
AC 75-59-H
AC 75-71
AC 82-43
AC 82-45-A
AC 86-55
AHD 82-28-1
AHDO 82-43
WC-12
NUN 7005
NUN 7006
XPH 5362
NIZ CMX-50
SC USDA
Burrell
Leesburg CFREC
MD AES
AL AES
AL AES
AL AES
AL AES
AL AES
AL AES
AL AES
AL AES
TX AES
Canners
Canners
Asgrow
NAPB
0-18
0-19
0-20
0-21
0-22
0-23
0-24
0-25
0-26
0-27
0-28
0-29
0-30
0-31
0-32
0-33
0-34
NIZ CMX-51
NIZ CMX-53
NIZ CMX-54
NIZ CMX-60
NIZ 8446
NIZ 4336
Gold Star
Super Market
Exp. Hyb. 86M166
Summet
FMX 47
ACX 889896
ACX 889863
Exp. 1747
All Star
Flyer
HMX 3593
NAPB
NAPB
NAPB
NAPB
NAPB
NAPB
Harris Moran
PetoSeed
Musser
Asgrow
Ferry-Morse
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Shamrock
Harris Moran
Johnny's
Harris Moran
0-35
0-36
0-37
0-38
0-39
0-40
0-41
0-42
0-43
0-44
0-45
0-46
0-47
0-48
0-49
HMX 5602
Exp. 1743
Exp. 1744
Exp. 1745
Exp. 1746
Takamatsu
Takama t su
Savor
Earligold
Tenkei
Theresa
Creugar
Toho G
Prim
No. 302
3Ax7
1x7
Harris Moran
Shamrock
Shamrock
Shamrock
Shamrock
Leesburg CFREC
Leesburg CFREC
Johnny's
Johnny's
Kyowa
Kyowa
Kyowa
Kyowa
Kyowa
Kyowa
GREEN FLESHED REPLICATED
R-1 Rocky Sweet
R-2 Sweet Dream
Hollar
Burpee
R-3 Israel
R-4 Galia
Willhite
Israel
R-5 Qalya
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
R-5
R-6
R-7
R-8
0-1
0-2
0-3
0-4
0-5
0-6
0-7
0-8
0-9
0-10
0-11
0-12
0-13
0-14
0-15
0-16
0-17
Israel
CANTALOUPE VARIETY TRIAL 198~
*_I Ob-srV.-.v.o.A l .I
Oooo0000 000 o 0
31 3. 33 3. 3135 7 37 3'1 /O / Y7L -(3
0
3 Y6 I
oc? 13 3
__________________ :
S
2. If5 5" 1 Y/0 / /8 AF
S00 o oo o 0000 00 0
c Io II J /,la 6 1 1 IF 1 l 2,0 z -1 (y721y 2 i 2s 7 I/ 19 Z'77 l.7 12 3 l21 .( I 17 12.j
_ _ I I
2.3 Li 5 ( 7 {
S00oo0000
I 23 2 s L 7 s
000
? 10 /I
S000
/1-1 IV 157
10 II 12- 13 1H 15' I/
1 17 5 .i -2 10o? II
I z. 4 S 7
0
S zo203 7 17 6
32 3 y 3f 3S34737Y ?
GREEN FLESHED REPLICATED
AF 3 E I'1 -I
ME 2 I 3 "I
Ao 'I 2 3 ly 5
MO I
Mb
'----- ----
17 lr 13 9 o 21 2" 2.' 22.2 ZG I Z 2.Z7-3o 031
I'.? i IIs11 20 2 (
HONEYDEW VARIETY TRIAL 1988
REPLICATED
Green Ice
Mayan Sweet
NIZ 3937
FADO
Earli-dew
SC USDA
Global
NAPB
NAPB
PetoSeed
R-6
R-7
R-8
R-9
R-10
Tam-Dew Imp.
Honeyloupe
TAM-Dew
Honeydew-Green Fleshed
Honeymoon
Harris Moran
Stokes
Willhite
Ferry-Morse
Abbott & Cobb
R- 11
R-12
R-13
R-14
Verde
Honey Brew
Morning Dew
PMR Honeydew
Shamrock
Twilley
Harris Moran
CA USDA
OBSERVATIONAL
0-1 PSR 4986
0-2 PSR 5086
0-3 HMX 5609
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
Harris Moran
0-4 HMX 6594
0-5 MD 2042
0-6 XPH 5482
Harris
MD AES
Asgrow
Moran 0-7
W05crvr'*1'*a I
_ _ _ I I I
\ --3
0000000
& 7/ ?7 1 j 213 lY IV P 2 3 Y.s 7
1 9 If I1 l o I ~ 3 13 2 (I 21 5- L(to J z.L 2 I
I I
S(7 y l )7 21 1 3 ;I I J 21 25\ z f4 27i2,?2 31 J.11 U3 IS 3713 3
SI tAMG-
sF /
3 7 Me
12. 't4
Its
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
R-5
XPH 5483
Asgrow
-
"T
ICEBOX WATERMELON VARIETY TRIAL 1988
REPLICATED
R-1 Southern Belle
R-2 Baby Fun
R-3 Sugar Baby
Ferry-Morse
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
R-4 Sugar Doll
R-5 Grand Baby
R-6 Minilee
PetoSeed
Asgrow
Hollar
R-7 Bush Jubilee
R-8 Mickylee
OBSERVATIONAL
0-1 Olympics
Known-You
0-2 NVH 4278
Northrup King
MT
/ A H
MAA
Musser
Hollar
WATERMELON VARIETY TRIAL 1988
SEEDED REPLICATED
Charleston Gray
Jubilee
Fla F84NW
S84GS(N)
AU #24
Jubilation
Fla S84NW(E)
Asgrow
Asgrow
Leesburg CFREC
Leesburg CFREC
AL AES
Northrup King
Leesburg CFREC
R-8
R-9
R-10
R-1
R-12
R-13
R-14
AU #26
Crimson Sweet
Sangria
Sunsweet
Cardinal
Charlee
Sweet Charlie
AL AES
Asgrow
Northrup King
Northrup King
Asgrow
PetoSeed
Northrup King
R-15
R-16
R-17
R-18
R-19
R-20
Mirage LS
Paradise
Royal Jubilee
Royal Sweet
Prince Charles
Royal Windsor
Asgrow
Harris Moran
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
SEEDED OBSERVATIONAL
Sugar Baby
Fla S85NE
AU #29
AU #30
Fla S84NW(S)
Fla S87Gate
AW83-1001-CSY
AW82-12-CS
SC-1
NV 4308
NV 4310
NV 4311
MS AES
Leesburg CFREC
AL AES
AL AES
Leesburg CFREC
Leesburg CFREC
AL AES
AL AES
SC'AES
Northrup King
Northrup King
Northrup King
0-13
0-14
0-15
0-16
0-17
0-18
0-19
0-20
0-21
0-22
0-23
0-24
Crimson Tide
Exp. F 86W83
Charleston Elite
HSR 169
HSR 170
Exp. F 87W155
ACX 889869
ACX 889870
XPH 5084
XPH 5365
XPH 5366
Sunshade
Northrup King
Musser
Northrup King
Hollar
Hollar
Musser
Abbott & Cobb
Abbott & Cobb
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
0-25
0-26
0-27
0-28
0-29
0-30
0-31
0-32
0-33
0-34
0-35
0-36
Allsweet
HMX 4910
HMX 5911
Oasis
NVH 4286
NV 4302
Expt. 4604
Expt. 4605
Expt. 4606
Expt. 4607
Expt. 4608
Expt. 4609
Willhite
Harris Moran
Harris Moran
Harris Moran
Northrup King
Northrup King
Shamrock
Shamrock
Shamrock
Shamrock
Shamrock
Shamrock
:~ /
~ w
R- 1
R-2
R-3
R-4
R-5
R-6
R-7
0-1
0-2
0-3
0-4
0-5
0-6
0-7
0-8
0-9
0-10
0-11
0-12
WATERMELON VARIETY TRIAL 1988
SEEDLESS -
Tri X-313
Tri X-313
Seedless 106
Seedless 113
PSX 40185
REPLICATED
Eigsti
Amer. Seedless
Neuman
Neuman
PetoSeed
SEEDLESS OBSERVATIONAL
AC x 87M103
AC x 874505
HMX 6920
NS 100
NS 101
XPH 9040
Exp. 87x4689
Exp. 87xA1RF
Exp. 87xS1RC
Abbott
Abbott
Harris
Neuman
Neuman
& Cobb
& Cobb
Moran
Asgrow
Amer. Seedless
Amer. Seedless
Amer. Seedless
0-19
0-20
0-21
0-22
0-23
0-24
0-25
0-26
Exp. 87xM1RC
PSR 41685
PSR 42886
PSX 48786
PSR 49087
PSR 49887
Jubilee Seedless
AC x 877885
Amer. Seedless
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
PetoSeed
Leesburg CFREC
Abbott & Cobb
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
R-5
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
88-1
88-2
88-3
88-4
88-5
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
R-6
R-7
R-8
R-9
R-10
R-1
R-12
R-13
R-14
XPH 9029
XPH 9030
XPH 9035
XPH 9041
0-1
0-2
0-3
0-4
0-5
0-6
0-7
0-8
0-9
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
Asgrow
88-14
88-6
88-7
88-8
88-9
88-10
88-11
88-12
88-13
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
Leesburg
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
CFREC
0-10
0-11
0-12
0-13
0-14
0-15
0-16
0-17
0-18
WATERMELON VARIETY TRIAL:
.o ,> o W Wo t oo w o -w'o .' S t< WI/ k) r f' "' A rc .
S ( 3 ;- 7 30 7 7 7 3 3 3L Js L
,o 5 J 0o SXc w o I '( i o w Ocr o I~W IIl -<4 o o I1
EJ^ /o 3I /( 11. It- 1. 3 I3 A It/ -' /5 zb /b 17 /[ I 2o N
LO Swo W o 5w0 it :wo WP wo Lu StO W4/& Su( f Wo -oW Woo I.wo Co.O
JJ 1 13 I 2 ILr 15 /1 /7 I /I 7 /I .20 IJJ
L^K .5wo i'j'Swo w. t Swo wS SL o UWIV W/5i? SwWK fwt o g W04 Sto cw
S:>5 s2- 4 S 7 ( 17 9 Z/ t : n 4 (2- Jo1 NT
t -:. .. mD_._...._ _2_, .. __ zr
li- Swe. W 5t< U( 51 Wr 5swR Wi swO W^K sO Wit SuCwo wl s 4
PJH 15 II /Ly 1 / 3 3 I 7 2. IT2- 3 /.o (C' 2
T rr r3 r I _.T T7 Ir7M
Wr< St^/? u ( J Sw
*I I i' 1 / .2
N( 9f ( '7 ,"3 7 ,, 7 / o 6 5- /T T, 11 X TJ
W'R Si gr Sx i i[ f t :i t sux Airt SuW4 Q6
1p )o 8 /fr 1> 9I 3 3 ? IS- 2 7 I p 20o / 7 IJ
Lrp S oP t^ Swi w,( 5wit ( It wr; ( swh} wi S^wIR (^Iit WR f lo
Jb g 9 < 1/ /o 1 l- / /3 /3 I I / b3 N
t 1 V S F 5 P 0 J6 4
v/ '3 '15 7 '7 SI 53 S5 57 Sy ( ( 63 b5" & T 7 71 '3
- 19 -
7. MSKMELON BREEDING (Elmstrom)
Purpose: To evaluate the combining ability of some varieties and breeding
lines and to develop parental lines with genetic properties suitable for Fl
hybrid seed production.
Procedure: Almost without exception, the highest quality muskmelon fruits in
Florida are produced by hybrid varieties. However there is a reluctance on
the part of growers to plant hybrid seed since the cost is 10 to 15 times
greater than that of open-pollinated varieties. The high price of seed is the
result of the need for hand emasculation and hand pollination to produce
hybrid seed. At present, I am attempting to incorporate various characters
into parental lines which would make them more suitable for parental lines and
reduce the cost of hybrid seed. A new male-sterile gene was released to seed
companies in 1983 by the CFREC Leesburg. Studies are continuing on the
usefulness of either the monoecious or gynoecious flowering habit for
production of hybrid muskmelon seed.
Gynoecious. The goal is to incorporate the gynoecious flowering habit into an
inbred line adapted to Florida. WI 998 is essentially a 100% gynoecious line
in Florida and is being utilized in this program. Backcrosses are being made
to both eastern and western type melons.
Monoecious. As above, the goal is to incorporate the monoecious flowering
habit into inbred lines. Because of the number of genes which modify fruit
shape, it has been difficult to develop round monoecious lines. Selection of
only round fruit is extremely important. The F of the third backcross to an
eastern type melon is in the spring 1988 breeding field. Backcrosses will
also be made to western types.
Male Sterile. The current emphasis is on the incorporation of Fusarium wilt
resistance and non-sutured melon types into my male sterile lines.
Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus. I am attempting to incorporate the ZYMV
resistance/tolerance from PI 371795 and PI 414723 into my male-sterile
breeding lines and also into non-sutured types.
8. SQUASH BREEDING (Elmstrom)
Powdery mildew. Resistance to powdery mildew has been transferred from
Cucurbita martinezii to C. pepo. After several seasons of backcrossing and
selection, an inbred PM-resistant zucchini type will be released in 1988.
PM-resistant, inbred yellow summer CN and SN types with and without the
precocious gene will be released in 1989.
Zucchini yellow mosaic virus. Attempts to transfer ZYMV resistance from C.
ecuadorensis to C. pepo are continuing. Sterility factors and lack of male
blossoms on F1 plants are causing problems in completing this transfer.
Crosses with a ZYMV-resistant C. moschata from Nigeria were made in Fall 1987.
These are being selfed in spring 1988 for field evaluation this fall.
- 20 -
9. WATERMELON FERTILIZERS (Elmstrom)
The following is the watermelon fertilizer program currently followed at CFREC
Leesburg:
The best soil pH for watermelons is between 5.5 and 6.0. High calcium lime
and dolomite should be applied well in advance of the growing season if pH
adjustment is required. If the soil test is low in magnesium, we recommend
either dolomite to adjust the pH or the addition of several units of magnesium
in the bed fertilizer.
Bed Fertilizer. We use a 5-15-8 fertilizer with the following analysis:
Total N, not less than 5.00%
NO -N, not less than 1.88%
NH -N, not less than .62%
Water sol. org. N, not less than .38%
Water insol. N, not less than 2.12%
Available phosphoric acid, not less than 15.00%
Water sol. K20 8.00%
Derived from: Ammonium nitrate, triple superphosphate, calcium nitrate,
sulfate of potash, Chicago sludge, and hi-grade tankage. Also included in-,
this is 75 lb/ton of FTE 503 or TEM 300 micronutrientss). The bed fertilizer
is applied at the rate of 800 Ib/acre in a band 3-ft. wide centered in the
row. This is incorporated with a disk and then bedded. All the phosphate is
applied in this bed fertilizer.
Emergence Fertilizer. We use the natural nitrate of soda-potash, 15-0-14, if
available, or calcium nitrate. This should be a completely soluble fertilizer
and should not contain NH.-N. We apply this material by hand in a 12-inch
band about 10 inches from the seedlings at a rate of 100 lb/acre. This
application is made a week to ten days after emergence.
Sidedress Fertilizer. We use either the 15-0-14 mentioned above or synthetic
14-0-14 or 15-0-15 mixes. The one we favor is derived from ammonium nitrate
and sulfate of potash. It should contain some NH4-N which is more resistant
to leaching than NO -N. It is applied just as the seedlings are beginning to
run, at a rate of 250 lb/acre, along the outside edges of the bed. We pull
soil up to the bed in this operation to cover the fertilizer.
Lay-by Fertilizer. We use the same material as we used for the sidedress
above. It is applied when the plants are running and beginning to flower at a
rate of 300 lb/acre between the rows. Then the middles are thrown out.
General Comments. I have found that watermelon seedlings are very susceptible
to salt injury. That is the reason we have reduced the NO -N and K20 in the
bed fertilizer. The four applications are used rather than two or three as an
added protection against leaching. Some growers make an additional fertilizer
application when the fruit are set and about one-half grown. In order to
obtain research results to substantiate the above program/recommendation, a
trial was devised to evaluate the rate of application of nitrate of
soda-potash 15-0-14, at emergence and as a preharvest treatment on 'Charlee'
watermelon plant growth, early and total marketable yield, and fruit quality.
A 4 x 3 factorial experiment (0, 100, 200 & 400 lb 15-0-14/A at emergence; 0,
200 & 400 lb 15-0-14/A preharvest). Planting date was March 14, 1988.
Results at the present time are incomplete.
- 21 -
IFAS IS:
O The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.
o A statewide organization dedicated to teaching, research and extension.
o Faculty located in Gainesville and at 23 Research and Education Centers
and 67 County Extension officeS throughout the state.
o 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, foundations, government and indust-
ry.
O An organization whose mission is:
Educating students in the food, agricultural, and related sciences.
Strengthening Florida's diverse food and agricultural industry and its
environments through research.
Enhancing for all Floridians, the application of research and knowledge
to improve the quality of life statewide through IFAS Extension
Programs.
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