Fall 2006 Commercial Vegetable Variety Trials September 2007 Regional Bulletin 18 Auburn University Mississippi State University The University of Georgia Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station Richard Guthrie, Director Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama Printed in cooperation with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) Contents page Authors .......................................................................................................................................................................4 . Tips for Interpreting Vegetable Varieties Performance Results ..................................................................................5 Alabama Trials Experimental Roma Tomato Entries Resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus ...........................................................7 New Looseleaf Lettuce Varieties Top Standards ........................................................................................................9 Results of the 2006 Southern Pea Cooperative Trial ................................................................................................ 11 Results of the 2006 National Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial ...............................................................................12 . Mississippi Trials The Melons of Uzbekistan ........................................................................................................................................13 Georgia Trials Huge Differences Among Broccoli Cultivars in Georgia Trials ...............................................................................15 Cabbage Variety Trials Reveal Marked Differences in Georgia ...............................................................................17 Some Cauliflower Varieties Better Suited for Georgia Than Others ........................................................................19 Squash Variety Trial, 2006 ........................................................................................................................................21 Seed Sources for Alabama Trials ...........................................................................................................................23 Information contained herein is available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. Authors Randy Akridge Superintendent Brewton Agriculture Research Unit P.O. Box 217 Brewton, AL 36427 (251) 867-3139 George Boyhan Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Georgia Cooperative Extension Sevice Statesboro, Georgia (912) 386-3442 Denne Bertrand Research Associate Horticulture Building Tifton, GA Arnold Caylor Superintendent North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (256) 734-5820 Randell Hill Research Station Superintendent Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center Lyons, GA 30436 Chris Hopkins Former Extension Agent Tombs County Georgia Cooperative Extension System William Terry Kelley Extension Horticulturist 4604 Research Way P.O. Box 748 Tifton, GA 31793 (229) 386-7495 Joe Kemble Associate Professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist Department of Horticulture Auburn University, AL (334) 844-3050 kemblejm@auburn.edu David Nagel Professor and Vegetable Specialist Plant and Soil Sciences Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS 39762 (662) 325-2311 DavidN@ext.msstate.edu Richard G. Snyder Professor and Vegetable Specialist Truck Crops Experiment Station Mississippi State University Crystal Springs, MS (601) 892-3731 RickS@ra.msstate.edu Edgar Vinson Research Associate III Department of Horticulture Auburn University, AL (334) 844-8494 vinsoed@auburn.edu Introduction: Tips for Interpreting Vegetable Varieties Performance Results Edgar Vinson and Joe Kemble The fall 2006 variety trial bulletin includes results from Auburn University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Georgia. The information provided by this report must be studied carefully in order to make the best selections possible. Although yield is a good indicator of varietal performance, other information must be studied. The following provides a few tips to help adequately interpret results in this report. Open pollinated or hybrid varieties. In general, hybrids (also referred to as F1) are earlier and produce a more uniform crop. They have improved disease, pest, or virus tolerance/resistance. F1 varieties are often more expensive than open pollinated varieties (OP), and seeds cannot be collected from one crop in order to plant the next crop. Selecting a hybrid variety is the first step toward earliness and quality. Yield potential. Yields reported in variety trial results are extrapolated from small plots. Depending on the vegetable crop, plot sizes range between 100 to 500 square feet. Yields per acre are estimated by multiplying plot yields by corrective factors ranging from 100 to 1,000. Small errors are thus amplified, and estimated yields per acre may not be realistic. Therefore, locations cannot be compared by just looking at the range of yields actually reported. However, the relative differences in performance among varieties are realistic, and can be used to identify best-performing varieties. Statistical interpretation. The coefficient of determination (R2), coefficient of variation (CV) and least significant difference (LSD, 5%) are reported for each test. These numbers are helpful in separating the differences due to small plots (sampling error) and true (but unknown) differences among entries. R2 values range between 0 and 1. Values close to 1 suggest that the test was conducted under good conditions and most of the variability observed was mainly due to the effect of variety and replication. Random, uncontrolled errors were of lesser importance. CV is an expression of yield variability relative to yield mean. Low CVs (less than 0.20) are desirable but are not always achieved. There must be a minimum yield difference between two varieties before one can statistically conclude that one variety actually performs better than another. This is known as the least significant difference (LSD). When the difference in yield is less than the LSD value, one cannot conclude that there is any real difference between two varieties. For example, in the Roma tomato trial presented in this issue conducted at the Brewton Agricultural Research Unit, ‘Sunoma’ yielded 14,310 pounds per acre, while ‘Plum Crimson’ and ‘Hybrid 882’ yielded 11,428 and 10,845 pounds per acre, respectively. Since there was less than a 3,328 difference between ‘Sunoma’ and ‘Plum Crimson’, there is no statistical difference between these two varieties. However, the yield difference between ‘Sunoma’ and ‘Hybrid 882’ was 3,465, indicating that there is a real difference between these two varieties. From a practical point of view, LSD values are the most important for interpreting results. Testing conditions. AU vegetable variety trials are conducted under standard, recommended commercial production practices. If the cropping system to be used is different from that used in the trials, the results of the trials may not apply. Information on soil type (Table 1), planting dates, and production methods is provided to help compare specific practices to the standard in order to make relevant adjustments. Ratings of trials. At each location, variety trials were rated on a 1 to 5 scale, based on weather conditions, fertilization, irrigation, pest pressure, and overall performance (Table 2). Results from trials with ratings of 2 and under are not reported. These numbers may be used to interpret differences in performance from location to location. The overall rating may be used to give more importance to the results of variety performance under good growing conditions. Where to get seeds. Because seeds are living, their performance and germination rate depends on how old they are, where and how they were collected, and how they have been handled and stored. It is always preferable to  ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION get certified seeds from a reputable source, such as the ones listed in Seed Sources for Alabama Trials. Several factors other than yield have to be considered when choosing a vegetable variety from a variety trial report. The main factors are type, resistance and tolerance to diseases, earliness, and of course, availability and cost of seeds. It is always better to try two to three varieties on a small scale before making a large planting of a single variety. Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center (Fairhope) Brewton Agricultural Research Unit (Brewton) Wiregrass Research and Extension Center (Headland) Lower Coastal Plain Research and Extension (Camden) EV Smith Research Center, Horticultural Unit (Shorter) Chilton Area Horticultural Substation (Clanton) Upper Coastal Plain Research and Extension Center (Winfield) North Alabama Horticultural Research Center (Cullman) Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (Crossville) Location Table 1. Soil Types at the Location of the Trial Water holding capacity (in/in) 0.09-0.19 0.12-0.14 0.14-0.15 0.13-0.15 0.15-0.17 0.13-0.15 0.13-0.20 0.16-0.20 0.16-0.18 Soil type Malbis fine sandy loam Benndale fine sandy loam Dothan sandy loam Forkland fine sandy loam Norfolk-orangeburg loamy sand Luvernue sandy loam Savannah loam Hartsells-Albertville fine sandy loam Wynnville fine sandy loam Rating 5 4 3 2 1 Weather Very Good Favorable Acceptable Adverse Destructive Fertilizer Very Good Good Acceptable Low Very Low Table 2. Description of Ratings Irrigation Very Good Good Acceptable Low Insufficient Pests None Light Tolerable Adverse Destructive Overall Excellent Good Acceptable Questionable Useless FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 7 Experimental Roma Tomato Entries Resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge A Roma tomato variety trial was conducted at the Brewton Agriculture Research Unit (BARU) in Brewton, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2). Six-week-old Roma tomato transplants were set on June 1. Transplants were set into 20-foot long plots on 6-foot centers, at a within row spacing of 1.5 feet. White plastic mulch and drip irrigation were used. Tomato plants were staked and tied for support. Soils were fertilized according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. Standard cultural practices for Roma tomatoes were used based on the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook (www.aces.edu/dept/com_veg/2007_SEVG5.pdf) Ammonium nitrate was applied pre-plant at a rate of 70 pounds per acre of N. Fertilization continued with weekly injections of N alternating between calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate at a rate of 7 pounds of N per acre from June 19 through August 18. Tomatoes were harvested three times, graded as marketable or non-marketable, and weighed (Table 3). Yields were low again this year but unlike last year did Table 1. Ratings of the 2006 Roma Tomato Variety Trial1 Location BARU Weather 5 Fertility 5 Irrigation 4 Pests 3 Overall 4 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales not seem to be due to tomato spotted wilt (TSWV)—a disease caused by a virus which is spread by thrips. ‘Muriel’, a variety that is resistant/tolerant to TSWV, produced yields that were significantly lower than ‘Plum Crimson’ but similar to the market standard ‘Plum Dandy’. ‘Sunoma’ produced yields similar to ‘Plum Crimson’. In marketable fruit number, ‘Sunoma’ was similar to ‘Plum Crimson’ and significantly higher than all other varieties. ‘Puebla’ had the lowest incidence of cull fruit but these numbers were similar to ‘NC 01599’, ‘Plum Dandy’, and ‘Hybrid 882’. Variety Type Seed Plant Fruit Days Disease source habit color to harvest claims Hybrid 882 F1 Seminis Det Red 72 ASC, BSP, *FW, NE, St, VW Mariana F1 Seedway Det Red 74 ASC, *FW, NE, VW Muriel F1 Sakata Det Red — ASC, FW, NE, St, TSWV, VW NC 0199 F1 NC State Det Red — TSWV NC 05255 F1 NC State Det Red — TSWV Plum Crimson F1 Harris Moran Det Red 80 EB, *FW Plum Dandy F1 Harris Moran Det Red — EB, FW Puebla F1 Seminis Det Red 75 BSP, VW, *FW Sunoma F1 Seedway Det Red 70 BSP, FW, NE, St, VW Type: F1 = Hybrid Plant habit: Det = Determinate Disease claims: ASC = Alternaria Stem Canker; BSP = Bacterial speck; EB = Early blight; FW = Fusarium Wilt; NE = Root Knot Nematode; St = Stemphylium (grey leaf spot); VW = Verticillium Wilt; TSWV = Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus *Races 1 and 2 — = not available from seed catalogues Table 2. Seed Source, Fruit Characteristics, and Relative Earliness of Selected Tomato Varieties 8 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Variety Sunoma Plum Crimson Hybrid 882 NC 05199 Mariana Muriel Puebla Plum Dandy NC 05255 R 2 CV LSD Table 3. Marketable Yield of Selected Roma Tomato Varieties, Brewton Agriculture Research Unit, 2006 Marketable yield lbs/a 14,310 11,428 10,845 10,488 9,04 9,402 8,29 7,820 7,443 0.52 0.22 3,328 Marketable fruit no/a 7,95 7,427 7,034 44,48 52,544 41,745 49,277 55,721 32,852 0.55 0.26 20,819 Unmarketable wieght lbs/a 5,48 4,222 3,0 3,75 5,00 4,99 2,845 3,13 4,194 0.55 0.21 1,314 Individual weight oz 2.99 2.71 2.0 3.7 2.95 3.4 2.78 2.24 3.2 0.90 0.07 0.02 FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 9 New Looseleaf Lettuce Varieties Top Standards Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge A lettuce variety trial was conducted at the Brewton Agriculture Research Unit in Brewton (Tables 1 and 2). On October 18, five-week-old butterhead, looseleaf, and romaine lettuce transplants were set in staggered double rows with a 12-inch spacing between plants within a row. Plots were covered in white plastic mulch and drip irrigation was installed. Plots were 20 feet long on 6-foot centers. This created a stand of approximately 7,200 plants per acre. Experimental plots were arrange in a randomized complete block. Fertilizers were applied according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. Lettuce received weekly injections of a calcium nitrate or potassium nitrate mixture totaling 100 pounds per acre between October 24 and November 21. Insecticides were applied on November 3 and 14. A fungicide was applied on November 14. Standard cultural practices for lettuce were used based on the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook (www.aces.edu/dept/com_veg/2007_SEVG5.pdf) Lettuce was harvested and graded according to the Standards for Grades of Lettuce (U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture Publication 60-6130) (Table 3) on January 3, 2007. Table 1. Ratings of the 2006 Letteuce Variety Trial1 Location BARU Weather 5 Fertility 5 Irrigation 5 Pests 5 Overall 5 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales Among the butterhead lettuce types, ‘Optima’ had a marketable yield that was significantly higher than all other butterhead types. ‘Red Butter’, a new entry to the lettuce trials, produced a marketable yield similar to established varieties ‘Harmony’, ‘Nancy’, ‘Esmeralda’, and ‘Tania’. ‘Optima’ also produced a significantly higher number of marketable heads per acre while ‘Tania’ produced the lowest number. Three new looseleaf entries—‘Tehema’, ‘Bergam’s Green’, and ‘New Red Wave’—were included in the looseleaf lettuce category. ‘Tehema’ and ‘Bergam’s Green’ ranked one and two respectively with yields significantly higher than the standard, ‘Slobolt’. ‘Tehema’ Seed Days Leaf Disease Years Variety Head type source to harvest color claims evaluated Optima Butterhead Vilmorin\Sieger’s 55 G DM,LMV 95-97,02-04, 0 Nancy Butterhead Johnny’s  R — 9,97,02-04, 0 Esmeralda Butterhead Siegers 5 G DM,LMV 02-04, 0 Tania Butterhead Harris 5 G DM 02-04, 0 Harmony Butterhead Shamrock 8 G B,DM,TB 02-04, 0 Red Butter Butterhead Siegers 1 G-R 0 — Bergam’s Green Looseleaf Siegers 57 G CRR, TB 0 Red Wave Looseleaf Evergreen — R — 0 Slobolt Looseleaf Siegers 57 G TB 9,97,02-04,0 Tehema Looseleaf Siegers 53 G B, CRR, TB 0 Athena Romaine Enza Zaden/Siegers 3 G CRR,DM,LMV,TB 02-04, 0 Green Towers Romaine Harris 74 G — 02-04,0 Paramount Romaine Siegers 0 G CRR Red Eye Cos Romaine Stokes — R — 02-04,0 Red Hot Cos Romaine Stokes 70 R — 0 Rubicon Romaine Siegers 7 G CRR, LMV 0 Disease claims: B=Bolt tolerant/resistant; CRR=Cork Root Rot; DM=Downy Mildew; LMV=Lettuce Mosaic Virus; TB = Tip Burn — = not available from seed catalogues Table 2. Seed Source, Earliness, and Disease Claims of Selected Lettuce Varieties 10 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION produced the largest number of marketable heads per acre of all other looseleaf varieties. There were no significant differences found in marketable head number. Three new romaine entries—‘Paramount’, ‘Red Hot Cos’, and ‘Rubicon’—had marketable yields similar to ‘Green Towers’. Higher marketable yields corresponded to higher marketable head number as ‘Paramount’, ‘Red Hot Cos’, and ‘Rubicon’ were the top three lettuce varieties in the marketable head number category. Variety Optima Harmony Red Butter Nancy Esmeralda Tania Tehema Bergam’s Green Slobolt New Red Wave Paramount Red Hot Cos Rubicon Green Towers Athena Red Eye Cos R 2 CV LSD • = none, no data Table 3. Performance of Selected Romaine, Butterhead, and Looseleaf Lettuce Types Type Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Looseleaf Looseleaf Looseleaf Looseleaf Romaine Romaine Romaine Romaine Romaine Romaine Marketable weight lbs/a 8,38 ,30 ,154 ,121 5,391 5,313 9,535 9,339 ,058 5,01 8,93 8,237 8,070 7,822 ,975 5,481 0.50 0.24 1,028 Marketable heads no/a 13,93 13,283 13,05 12,412 11,323 12,30 13,718 12,412 13,283 13,501 13,718 13,93 13,718 13,501 13,05 12,194 0.40 0.09 597 Cull heads no/a • 131  345 2,207 135 17 187 105 240 392 • 52 183 135 49 0.84 0.92 253 FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 11 Results of the 200 Southernpea Cooperative Trial Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge Replicated and observational southernpea cooperative trials were conducted at the Brewton Agricultural Research Unit (BARU) in Brewton, Alabama (see table). The purpose of these trials is to evaluate the performance of southernpea cultigens that have not been released for use by growers, comparing these unreleased cultigens to their performance against current standard varieties. Southernpeas were planted into bareground plots that were 20 feet long and 3 feet wide on August 1. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Plots had a within-row spacing of 1 foot. Overhead irrigation was used. Standard cultural practices for southernpeas were used based on the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook (www.aces.edu/dept/com_ veg/2007_SEVG5.pdf) 2007 Southernpea Southern Cooperators’ Trial, Brewton Agricultural Research Unit Hand shellout % 71 7 4 7 73 77 75 7 73 0.75 0.12 2 Shelled yield lbs/a 4,002 3,224 2,889 2,82 2,555 2,529 2,47 2,343 2,155 0.80 0. 13 738 Fertilization consisted of a preplant application of 5-10-15 at a rate of 500 pounds per acre. Southernpeas were harvested five times between September 26 and October 10. Dry and imbibed yields were determined. To estimate yield and to compensate for different percentages of dry and mature green pods, all peas shelled from each plot were placed into containers with water to allow the dry peas to soak up water (imbibe) overnight. Comparisons are then more realistic since all peas are at the same moisture level. Imbibed weights are estimates of mature green, shelled weight yield (see table). Bushels of fresh, in-pod yield per acre may be estimated by multiplying the imbibed weight by two (assuming an average shellout of 50 percent) and dividing it by 25 (the average weight of a bushel of fresh, unshelled southernpeas). Variety ARK01-874 ARK01-1704 ARK01-1781 ARK01-174 ARK1 ARK00-178 ARK01-1293 ARK01-821 Early Acre R 2 CV LSD Imbibed shelled yield lbs/a ,452 4,495 3,98 4,024 4,123 4,792 4,331 3,730 3,17 0.81 0.11 424 12 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Results of the 200 National Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Arnold Caylor National Sweetpotato Collaborators’ trials were conducted at the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (NAHRC) in Cullman, Alabama (Table 1). Sweetpotato roots from selected commercial varieties and breeding lines were planted in a heated bed at NAHRC on April 1 for slip production. Slips were planted on July 24. Varieties were replicated four times. Plots contained two rows that were 25 feet long and 3.5 feet wide with a 1-foot row spacing. Soils were fertilized according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory and consisted of (per acre) 80 pounds of N, 184 pounds of P2O5, and 156 pounds of K2O total. Standard cultural practices for sweet potatoes were used based on the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook (www.aces.edu/dept/ com_veg/2007_SEVG5.pdf) Sweetpotatoes were harvested on October 28. Roots were graded as US No. 1 (roots 2 to 3.5 inches in diameter, 3 to 9 inches in length, well shaped and free of Table 1. Ratings of the 2006 Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial1 Location NAHRC Weather 5 Fertility 5 Irrigation 5 Pests 5 Overall 5 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales defects), canner (roots 1 to 2 inches in diameter, 2 to 7 inches in length), jumbo (roots that exceed the diameter, length, and weight requirements of the US No. 1 grade, but that are of marketable quality), or cull (roots at least 1 inch in diameter but so misshapen or unattractive that they could not be classified as marketable roots). Marketable yield was calculated by adding the yields of the US No. 1, canner, and jumbo grades. Percent US No. 1 was calculated by dividing the yield of the US No. 1 grade by the marketable yield (Table 2). Variety Total Percent marketable US No.1 Canner Jumbo US No.1 Cull 50-lb bu/a 50-lb bu/a 50-lb bu/a 50-lb bu/a 50-lb bu/a 50-lb bu/a bu/acL99-35 382 277 28 7 73 32 NC99-573 371 249 17 105 8 41 Beauregard (B94-14-G2) 25 223 18 24 83 10 Beauregard (B3-G1-LSU) 345 192 23 97 7 30 Covington 248 180 29 39 74 94 R 2 0.60 0.60 0.19 0.53 0.60 0.61 CV 0.24 0.28 0.47 0.55 0.12 0.61 LSD 266 162 17 67 16 67 Averages yields are given on a per acre basis. US No. 1: Roots 2 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter, 3 to 9 in length; must be well shaped and free of defects. Canner: Roots 1 to 2 inches in diameter, 2 to 7 inches in length. Jumbo: Roots that exceed the diameter, length, and weight requirements of the above two grades, but are of marketable quality. Percent US No.1: Calculated by dividing the weight of US No.1’s by the total marketable weight (Culls not included). Cull: Roots must be 1 inch or larger in diameter and so misshapen or unattractive that they could not fit as marketable roots in any of the above three grades. Table 2. Yield and Grade Distribution of Selected Sweetpotato Breeding Lines and Cultivars FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 13 The Melons of Uzbekistan Richard Snyder and David Nagel Eight varieties of melons from Uzbekistan were evaluated to determine growth and yield in Mississippi as well as market potential (Tables 1 and 2). Uzbek melons were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Seeds were started on May 19, 2006 and transplanted on June 5, 2006 at the Truck Crops Experiment Station in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Spacing was 3 feet between plants, 6 feet between rows, with eight plants per plot. Black plastic mulch (4 feet wide) and drip irrigation were used. Nitrogen, at the rate of 44 pounds per acre, was provided with ammonium nitrate, and potassium, at the rate of 92 pounds per acre, was provided with 0-0-60, preplant. The crop was sidedressed with ammonium nitrate at 44 pounds per acre. No limestone was required. Standard production practices for melons were used, based on the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook (Sanders, et al., 2006). Harvests were on July 31, August 8, and August 14. The melon varieties from Uzbekistan exhibited a broad degree of variability, both among and within varieties. This is most likely due to these being open pollinated types, saved over many generations of production. ‘Khandalak’ was much earlier than the other varieties, with 68 percent being harvested on the first of three harvest dates (data not shown). There were no differences in yield (weight) per acre. However, ‘Khandalak’ had more fruit (number) per acre than all others. This is likely due to its diminutive size (3.6 pounds), which is significantly smaller than six other varieties. ‘Kukcha’ was the largest variety (9.1 pounds). While yield was good, quality was generally low. There were wide variations in size, shape, and sugars within varieties. Susceptibility to downy mildew and other diseases was very high (a second trial in North Mississippi was destroyed by high disease pressure). Harvest windows were extremely short, with fruit rot very rapid if harvested a day or two late. Sugars were poor to mediocre in all varieties except ‘Kukcha’ and ‘Berddor’ which averaged a Brix of 11. However, due to high variability, this high sugar level was not significantly different from half the remaining varieties. These varieties do not appear to be well suited to the climate of Mississippi. Market conditions demand better uniformity. Name Description Mirzachul Elongated melons, white inside and out, mid-season, very popular Obinavot-Large (Honey Water) Larger variety, round, yellow outside, white inside, sweet and soft, early season Obinavot-Small (Honey Water) Smaller variety, round, yellow outside, white inside, sweet and soft, early season Kukcha (green) Late season, green outside, white inside, very sweet, medium size, oblong Red melon Yellow outside, orange/red inside, late season Khandalak Very early season, small round, strong aroma, yellow outside, white inside Berddor Late season Unknown name Average size, early season, strong aroma 1 Names and descriptors are based on local Uzbek nomenclature and conditions; one name was unknown but the melon was included in the trial anyway. Table 1. Uzbek Melon Descriptions1 14 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Variety Yield Size Sugar content Soluble solids lbs/a no/a lbs/melon brix Mirzachul 2,234 3,37 BC1 7.7 BC 7.8 AB Obinavot - Large 22,749 4,83 B 4.8 EF 7.1 BC Obinavot - Small 21,791 3,27 BC .7 CD 9.2 AB Kukcha 28,41 3,158 C 9.1 A 11.0 A Red melon 22,172 2,940 C 7.5 BC 8.2 AB Khandalak 2,99 ,425 A 4.2 F 3. C Berddor 21,0 3,812 BC 5.7 DE 11.1 A Unknown name 33,323 4,247 BC 7.9 B 7.1 B 1 Means within a column followed by different letters are significantly different. Table 2. Yield and Sugar Content of Uzbek Melons, Crystal Springs, MS, 2006 FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 15 Huge Differences Among Broccoli Cultivars in Georgia Trials William Terry Kelley and Denne Bertrand The 2006 broccoli variety trial in Georgia showed some significant differences among commercially available varieties. The growing season was very favorable throughout the spring season (Table 1). The overall yields were low, however, likely due to the planting arrangement, which was based on current University of Georgia recommendations. Companion tests were conducted last season as well, to refine the recommended planting arrangements. The plant populations that worked best in the spacing studies conducted at the same time as this variety trial revealed that plant densities as much as three times what was used here will produce higher yields. Comparisons between varieties are still valid, however, since these were all planted at the same population. Twenty commercially available broccoli varieties were compared at the Tifton Vegetable Park at the Coastal Location Coastal Plain Experiment Station Weather 4 Fertility 5 Irrigation 3 Pests 4 Overall 3 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales Table 1. Ratings of the 2006 Broccoli Variety Trial1 Plain Experiment Station (elevation 382 feet) in Tifton, Georgia. Containerized broccoli transplants were produced in greenhouses on the research station. Broccoli was transplanted to the field on March 2, 2006 into a Tifton sandy loam soil (fine, loamy, siliceous, thermic Plinthic Kandiudult). Plots consisted of single rows which contained ten plants each spaced 12 inches apart. Rows were spaced 36 inches Table 2. Yield of Fancy and No. 1, Total Marketable Yield, and Marketability apart. The planting was of Selected Broccoli Varieties, Tifton, Georgia, 2006 arranged in a randomized Fancy No. 1 Total market- Market- complete block design Variety Sponsor yield 1 yield 1 able yield 1 able with four replications. — —————24-lb box/a————— % Normal cultural Arcadia Sakata 321.4 18.9 340.3 98.5 practices were used for Captain Seminis 103.4 28.4 131.8 74.5 Decathlon Rupp 213.0 59.2 272.3 85.5 bare ground broccoli culEmperor Clifton 10.1 73.1 83.2 55.3 ture in Georgia. Base ferEverest Syngenta 139.9 35.3 175.2 88.9 tilizer consisted of 1000 General Seminis 97.1 9.3 1.4 91.0 pounds per acre of 10-10Greenbelt Sakata 240.1 52.3 292.4 7.1 10 incorporated prior to Green Magic Sakata 235.1 0.0 235.1 94.7 Gypsy Siegers 218.7 31.5 250.2 95.1 planting. Trifluralin (0.5 Laguna Syngenta 127.3 40.4 17. 8.5 pound ai per acre) was apMajor Seminis 218.1 9.5 227.5 89.3 plied pre-plant and incorMarathon Rupp 59.3 22.7 82.0 25. porated for weed control. Monaco Syngenta 29. 40.3 70.0 28.0 Packman Seminis 110.3 34.7 145.0 81.5 An additional 80 pounds Patriot Sakata 253.3 4.0 299.3 100.0 per acre of N were applied Patron Sakata 27.9 12.0 279.8 97.2 through drip irrigation, Premium Crop Rupp 90.8 27.1 117.9 57.0 and one granular side dress TLALOC Seminis 247.7 58. 30.3 94. with 250 pounds per acre Triathlon Sakata 142.4 0.0 142.4 3.1 Windsor Syngenta 112.8 43.5 15.3 80.4 of 34-0-0 was applied. Mean of Test 161.9 35.1 197.0 75.4 Fungicide and insecticide LSD (0.05) 90.6 56.4 94.5 33.0 applications were made CV (%) 39.5 113.4 33.9 30.9 according to current UniOne-row plot, 10 feet long x 3 feet wide 1 Marketable yield 1 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION versity of Georgia recommendations. Drip irrigation was applied as needed. Broccoli was harvested at maturity on April 21, April 24, April 28, May 2, May 5, May 9, May 12, May 16, May 19, May 23, and May 25, 2006. Data were collected on yield by grade, marketability, average head weight, and average head and stem diameter (Tables 2 and 3). Overall yields were low. Total marketable yield seemed to be superior in ‘Arcadia’, ‘TLALOC’, ‘Decathlon’, ‘Greenbelt’, ‘Gypsy’, ‘Patriot’, and ‘Patron’ com- pared to the other varieties as these all averaged more than 250 boxes per acre. ‘Marathon’, ‘Monaco’ and ‘Emperor’ were the only green entries that averaged less than 100 boxes per acre. Marketability was extremely variable with ‘Patriot’ showing the highest and ‘Marathon’ the lowest. Loose heads were the primary reason for lack of marketability. Average head and stem diameter were reasonably similar among all varieties tested. There were differences among varieties for average head weight. ‘Triathlon’, ‘TLALOC’, and ‘Arcadia’ produced the heaviest heads while ‘Monaco’, ‘Emperor’, and ‘Captain’ had the lightest. Average head Variety Sponsor diameter in Arcadia Sakata 5.31 Captain Seminis 4.51 Decathlon Rupp 4.9 Emperor Clifton 4.35 Everest Syngenta 4. General Seminis 4.7 Greenbelt Sakata 4.98 Green Magic Sakata 4.1 Gypsy Siegers 4.89 Laguna Syngenta 4.89 Major Seminis 4.8 Marathon Rupp 4.91 Monaco Syngenta 4.9 Packman Seminis 4. Patriot Sakata 4.98 Patron Sakata 5.08 Premium Crop Rupp 5.24 TLALOC Seminis 5.2 Triathlon Sakata 4.85 Windsor Syngenta 4.58 Mean of Test 4.86 LSD (0.05) 0.36 CV (%) 5.25 One-row plot, 10 feet long x 3 feet wide Table 3. Average Stem Diameter, Head Diameter, and Head Weight of Selected Broccoli Varieties, Tifton, GA, 2006 Average stem diameter in 1.20 1.20 1.19 1.11 1.18 1.22 1.31 1.24 1.20 1.20 1.23 1.30 1.32 1.21 1.21 1.25 1.13 1.30 1.3 1.1 1.23 0.10 5.78 Average head weight oz 10.5 .3 9.9 .3 . 9.5 10.3 8.3 8.8 7.1 7.7 8.8 5.8 .4 9.8 10.5 .8 11.1 11.5 .8 8.4 3.6 30.8 FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 17 Cabbage Variety Trials Reveal Marked Differences in Georgia William Terry Kelley and Denne Bertrand The 2006 cabbage variety trial in Georgia showed some distinct differences among commercially available varieties. The growing season was very favorable throughout the spring season (Table 1) and resulted in some very good yields (Table 2). However, growers should keep in mind that yields in these small plot trials are greater than would be expected in large field production. Comparisons between varieties, however, remains valid. The test included two experimental lines and three red types. Sixteen commercially available cabbage varieties and two experimental lines were compared at the Tifton Vegetable Park at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station (elevation 382 feet) in Tifton, Georgia. Containerized cabbage transplants were produced in greenhouses on the research station. Cabbage were transplanted to the field on March 2, 2006 into a Tifton sandy loam soil (fine, loamy, siliceous, thermic Plinthic Kandiudult). Plots consisted of single rows which contained ten plants each spaced 12 inches apart. Table 1. Ratings of the 2006 Cabbage Variety Trial1 Location Coastal Plain Experiment Station Weather 4 Fertility 5 Irrigation 5 Pests 4 Overall 4 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales Rows were spaced 36 inches apart. The planting was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Normal cultural practices were used for bare ground cabbage culture in Georgia. Base fertilizer consisted of 1000 pounds per acre of 10-10-10 incorporated prior to planting. Trifluralin (0.5 pound ai per acre) was applied pre-plant and incorporated for weed control. An additional 80 pounds per acre of N Table 2. Yield, Marketability, Head Circumference, and Average Head Weight were applied through drip of Selected Cabbage Varieties, Tifton, Georgia, 2006 irrigation, and one granu Average head Average head lar side dress with 250 Variety Sponsor Yield 1 Marketable weight circum. pounds per acre of 34-0 50-lb box/a % lb in 0 was applied. Fungicide Blue Dynasty Seminis 911 100.0 3.14 19.5 and insecticide applicaBlue Thunder Harris Moran 93 100.0 3.50 19.9 Blue Vantage Sakata 729 100.0 3.18 19.2 tions were made accordBravo Harris Moran 1,188 100.0 4.09 20.7 ing to current University Early Thunder Harris Moran 984 92.5 3.87 20. of Georgia recommendaEmblem Sakata 1,034 100.0 3.5 20.3 tions. Drip irrigation was Green Cup Clifton 1,034 100.0 3.4 20.4 Golden Dynasty Seminis 1,220 100.0 4.40 22. applied as needed. HMX 3240 Harris Moran 887 100.0 3.40 19.8 Cabbage were harHMX 3241 Harris Moran 1,108 100.0 3.75 21.1 vested at maturity on May Platinum Dynasty Seminis 972 97.7 3.7 20.3 22, May 26, June 1, June Silver Dynasty Seminis 978 100.0 3.43 19. 5, June 12, June 19 and Solid Blue #780 Abbott&Cobb 841 100.0 2.87 18.4 Red Dynasty Seminis 50 100.0 2.18 17.2 June 28, 2006. Data were Red Jewel Sakata 518 97.5 2.02 1. collected on yield, marRio Verde Clifton 1,019 100.0 3.9 20.1 ketability, average head Ruby Dynasty Seminis 544 87.5 2.25 17.3 weight and average head Royal Vantage Sakata 1,017 100.0 3.50 19.9 Mean of Test 917 98.6 3.35 19.6 circumference. Results LSD (0.05) 241.8 7.59 0.64 1.42 are summarized in Table CV (%) 18.57 5.42 13.58 5.10 2. 1 1 One-row plot, 10 feet long x 3 feet wide Marketable yield 18 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Overall yields were exceptional. ‘Bravo’, ‘Emblem’, ‘Green Cup’, ‘Golden Dynasty’, ‘Rio Verde’, and ‘Royal Vantage’ all averaged more than 1,000 boxes per acre. ‘Blue Vantage’, ‘HMX 3240’, and ‘Solid Blue #780’ were the only green entries that averaged less than 900 boxes per acre. Marketability was high on all vari- eties except ‘Ruby Dynasty’ and ‘Early Thunder’. Average head weights ranged from 3.14 pounds for ‘Blue Dynasty’ to 4.40 pounds for ‘Golden Dynasty’. Head circumference was very similar among all green varieties and also among red varieties. All three red cabbages were similar in yield and head weight. FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 19 Some Cauliflower Varieties Better Suited for Georgia Than Others William Terry Kelley and Denne Bertrand The 2006 cauliflower variety trial in Georgia showed some wide differences among commercially available varieties. The growing season was very favorable throughout the spring and yields were fairly good (Table 1). Cauliflower has never been grown to any great extent commercially in Georgia, but due to transportation costs more growers are becoming interested in the crop, and variety trial data is needed to identify varieties that will perform well under Southeastern conditions. This test showed that there are certainly some varieties more well adapted than others. Fourteen commercially available cauliflower varieties were compared at the Tifton Vegetable Park at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station (elevation 382 feet) in Tifton, Georgia. Containerized cauliflower transplants were produced in greenhouses on the research station. Cauliflower was transplanted to the field on March 2, 2006 into a Tifton sandy loam soil (fine, loamy, siliceous, thermic Plinthic Kandiudult). Plots consisted of single rows which contained ten plants each spaced 15 inches apart. Rows were spaced Table 1. Ratings of the 2006 Cauliflower Variety Trial1 Location Coastal Plain Experiment Station Weather 4 Fertility 5 Irrigation 5 Pests 4 Overall 4 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales 36 inches apart. The planting was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Normal cultural practices were used for bare ground cauliflower culture in Georgia since very little previous work has been done on the crop. Base fertilizer consisted of 1000 pounds per acre of 10-10-10 incorporated prior to planting. Trifluralin (0.5 pound ai per acre) was applied pre-plant and incorporated for weed control. An additional 80 pounds per acre of N were applied through drip irrigation, and one granular side dress with 250 pounds per acre of 34-00 was applied. Fungicide Table 2. Yield, Marketability, Head Diameter, and Average Head Weight and insecticide applicaof Selected Cauliflower Varieties, Tifton, Georgia, 2006 Average head Average head tions were made according to current University Marketable weight diameter Variety Sponsor No. 1 yield 1 25-lb box/a % oz in of Georgia recommendaWhite Magic Sakata 378.1 95.5 14. 5.18 tions. Drip irrigation was Symphony Syngenta 39.4 97.2 13.5 4.89 applied as needed. Candid Charm Sakata 322.3 97.7 11.7 4.75 Cauliflower was Freedom Seminis 315.4 100.0 11.4 4.5 harvested at maturity on Incline Sakata 292.2 91.2 12.1 5.09 Fremont Seminis 282.3 94. 11.0 4.71 April 21, April 24, April Minuteman Seminis 273. 92.8 10.8 4.73 27, May 2, May 4, May Cortes Syngenta 272.4 79. 12.8 4.5 8, May 11, May 16, May Shasta Syngenta 24.3 84.8 10.2 4.59 19, May 23, May 26, June Amazing Twilley 243.9 97.9 8.9 4.1 Snow Crown Siegers 221.3 77. 9.9 4.79 1, and June 8, 2006. Data Majestic Twilley 11.5 4.9 8.4 4.4 were collected on yield, Cheddar Seminis 35.4 50.0 4.9 4.13 marketability, average Montana Twilley 25.0 15.0 .7 4.7 head weight, and average Mean of Test 245.6 81.3 10.5 4.72 head diameter (Table 2). LSD (0.05) 87.5 28.7 3.1 0.40 CV (%) 24.9 One-row plot, 10 feet long x 3 feet wide 1 Marketable yield 24.6 20.9 5.88 20 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION There were huge differences in the yield of marketable heads among varieties. ‘Symphony’, ‘White Magic’, ‘Candid Charm’, and ‘Freedom’ all produced yields of more than 300 cartons per acre. ‘Cheddar’ and ‘Montana’ produced very few marketable heads and had very little yield; both had fewer than 50 percent marketable heads. Average head weight fell closely in line with yield for the most part. All varieties had similar head weights except the two lowest yielding ones. Average head diameter was very similar among varieties and ranged from 4.13 to 5.18 inches; all but one variety was greater than 4.59 inches. FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 21 Squash Variety Trial, 200 George Boyhan, Chris Hopkins, and Randy Hill Summer squash are an important crop in Georgia with both yellow and zucchini squash produced in the state. Production begins as early as is practical in the spring with growers usually staggering plantings every two weeks to entend the season into late spring and early summer. Squash are highly susceptible to a variety of aphid transmitted viruses, which preclude production in the summer when aphid populations are at a maximum level. Growers will often switch to virus resistant varieties later in the season to ameliorate this problem, but these varieties are not resistant to all potential virus diseases. Yellow and winter squash production accounted for $33 million of production in 2005 and $11.5 million of production was zucchini squash. Combined, these represented almost 5 percent of vegetable farmgate value in 2005. This study was undertaken to evaluate squash varieties—both yellow and zucchini types—for yield and graded yield in southeast Georgia. Nine varieties of squash were direct seeded by hand with two to three seed per hill on May 26, 2006 in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Five of the entries were zucchini and four were yellow summer squash. After emergence, plants were thinned to one plant per hill. Each experimental unit or plot consisted of 10 hills with an in-row spacing of 3 feet and a between row spacing of 6 feet. Weed, disease, and fertilization followed University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service recommendations for summer squash. Harvest began on June 26, 2006 and continued until July 27, 2006. Fruit were harvested three times per week with a total of 13 harvests. Total weight per plot was recorded and fruit were graded into three classes according to the USDA grade standards for summer squash, which does not have a size requirement (USDA, 1997). They were graded into fancy grade (greater than or equal to 1.5 inches), No. 1 grade (greater than 1.5 inches and less than or equal to 2 inches), and No. 2 grade (greater than 2 inches). Data were analyzed with an analysis of variance with the coefficient of variation (CV) and Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Difference (LSD) was reported. Total yield ranged from 21,308 to 37,897 pounds per acre (see table). The highest yielding variety was ‘Independence II’, which is a zucchini squash. ‘Independence II’, however, was only significantly different from ’Gentry’ and ‘Lemondrop L’. Four of the five zucchini squash ranked as the top four for total yield. ‘Spineless Beauty’ had a lower yield, but not significantly lower, ranking seventh overall. Three of the entries were genetically modified organisms (GMO) and included ‘Independence II’, ‘Justice III’, and ‘Prelude II’. The Roman numeral in the name indicates the number of viruses the variety is resistant to. ‘Independence II’ is resistant to watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). ‘Justice III’ has resistance to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), WMV, and ZYMV. Finally ‘Prelude II’ has resistance to WMV and ZYMV. Fancy grade fruit are not generally offered for sale in our markets unless as a specialty item or for specific customers. They would also command a premium price, but the market is limited and under most circumstances growers would have trouble marketing them unless a specific market had been developed ahead of time. In our trial fancy fruit yield ranged from 3,013 pounds per acre for ‘Gentry’ to 1,089 pounds per acre for ‘Independence II’. Since timing is so critical to squash harvest (they continue to rapidly increase in size) these values are not really of much use in determining suitability for this market niche. Quality parameters such as free from blemishes and scratches as well as uniformity in size would be more important. In our trial particularly with the earlier harvests the workers were picking fruit that were too small. Many fruit were picked in the flower stage, which would not have any value even in the fancy market. No. 1 grade is the predominant size class marketed in Georgia. Yields ranged from 3,234 pounds per acre for ‘Independence II’ to 7,974 pounds per acre for ‘Prelude II’. These yields may not be indicative of the potential performance of these varieties because the fruit continue 22 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION to increase in size. Fruit that could have been harvested in this size class may have been missed because of the rapid fruit growth. No. 2 grade ranged in yield from 14,767 pounds per acre for ‘Lemondrop L’ to 29,500 pounds per acre for ‘Independence II’. This mirrors almost exactly the variety rankings for total yield. This may be indicative of a problem with the trial. Our labor force does not work on the weekend; therefore, no fruit were harvested on Saturday or Sunday and even for this short period (Friday to Monday) the fruit grew so rapidly many fruit that might have been harvested in the No. 1 size class enlarged to the No. 2 size. The figure illustrates this problem with a spike in No. 2 yields every Monday. Although there is a No. 2 size class, it is not unlimited in size above 2 inches. Many of the fruit harvested in the No. 2 size class would be considered too large to market. Very large squash will have hard seed, which will render the fruit unedible. ‘Lemondrop L’ had significantly lower yields than any of the other varieties. When first sown, this variety was very slow to emerge. At first we thought the seed was no longer viable, but they finally germinated perhaps two weeks later than the other varieties. This is main reason this variety did so poorly in this trial. In conclusion, zucchini squash yielded better than yellow summer squash, but generally not significantly so. It is unclear if this would be consistent in future trials. Fancy fruit has a very limited market; therefore, these yield data are not very useful. The No. 1 grade, which is the primary size for market may be lower than the potential for these varieties because no fruit was harvested on the weekends. No. 2 grade would also include a lot of fruit that would be too large to market. Squash Variety Trial, Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, 2006 Variety Independence II Radiant Justice III Cash Flow Dixie Prelude II Spineless Beauty Gentry Lemondrop L CV (%) LSD (p=0.05) Type Zucchini, GMO Zucchini Zucchini, GMO Zucchini Yellow Semi-crookneck Yellow Crookneck, GMO Zucchini Yellow Semi-crookneck Yellow Straightneck Seed source Seminis Seminis Seminis Rogers Seminis Seminis Rogers Rogers Seminis Harvest — —————Grade—————— weight Fancy No. 1 No. 2 ———————————lbs/a——————————— 37,897 1,089 3,234 29,500 3,034 1,742 ,951 27,298 35,005 2,589 7,23 25,132 33,08 1,791 7,744 23,928 32,337 2,287 ,389 22,712 31,944 2,807 7,974 20,31 31,932 1,500 4,477 25,543 31,351 3,013 7,187 19,723 21,308 2,353 4,943 14,77 13 31 20 15 6,193 977 1,832 5,234 Graded Yield by Date Yield by grade size over time 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 6/26 7/3 7/10 Date Fancy #1's #2's Yield (lbs) 7/17 7/24 FALL 200 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 23 Seed Sources for Alabama Trials Seeds Donated by Nunhems/Sunseeds Richard Wojciak 12214 Lacewood Lane Wellington, Florida 33414-4983 Phone: (561) 791-9061 Fax: (561) 798-4915 Mobile: (561) 371-2023 richard.wojciak@sunseeds.com Sakata Tech Rep: Jay Jones P.O. Box 880 Morgan Hill, CA 95038-0880 Phone: (239) 289-2130 Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc Tech Rep: Rusty Autry 2221 North Park Ave. Tifton, GA 31796 Phone: (229) 386-0750 Tifton Seed Distribution Center Tech Rep: Van Lindsey Phone: (912) 382-1815 Other Seed Sources BHN 1310 McGee Avenue Berkeley, CA 94703 Phone: (510) 526-4704 Email: mail@berkeleyhort.com Evergreen Y.H. Enterprises P.O. Box 17538 Anaheim, CA 92817 Phone: (714) 637-5769 eeseedsyh@aol.com Harris Moran P.O. Box 4938 Modesto, CA 95352 Phone: (209) 579-7333 Fax: (209) 527-8684 Harris Seeds To order: (800) 544-7938 P.O. Box 22960 60 Saginow Dr. Rochester, NY 14692-2960 Johnny’s Select Seeds To order: (207) 437-4395 Tech. Rep: Steve Woodward 955 Benton Ave Winslow, ME 04901 Email: info@johnnyseeds.com Sandoz Rogers/Novartis To order: (912) 560-1863 Seedway To order: (800) 952-7333 Tech Rep: James J. Pullins 1225 Zeager Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Phone: (717) 367-1075 fax: (717) 367-0387 E-mail: info@seedway.com Shamrock Seed Co., Inc. To order: (408) 351-4443 3 Harris Place Salinas, CA 93901-4586 Phone: (800) 351-4443 Fax: (831) 771-1517 Siegers Seed Company 13031 Reflections Drive Holland, MI 49424 Phone: (800) 962-4999 Fax: (616) 994-0333 Stokes Seeds Inc. To order: (800) 396-9238 P.O. Box 548 Buffalo, NY 14240-0548 Fax: (888) 834-3334 24 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Guidelines for Contributions to the Vegetable Variety Regional Bulletin Vegetable variety evaluation and selection is an essential part of production horticulture. The vegetable variety regional bulletin is intended to report results of variety trials conducted by research institutions in the Southeast in a timely manner. Its intended audience includes growers, research/extension personnel, and members of the seed industry. Timeliness and rapid turnaround are essential to better serve our audience. Hence, two bulletins are printed each year: one in November with results from spring crops, and another one in April or May with results from summer and fall crops. It is essential that trial results are available before variety decisions for the next growing season are made. Here are a few useful guidelines to speed up the publications process for the next regional bulletin (spring 2007). When: September 21, 2007 Deadline for spring 2007 variety trial report submissions. What: Results pertaining to variety evaluation in a broad sense. This includes field performance, quality evaluation, and disease resistance. Here are a few tips: • Follow the format used in the other regional bulletins. • Include each author’s complete mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number. • Follow your own unit’s internal review process. Contributions will be edited, but not formally reviewed. How: Send a disk and hard copy to Edgar Vinson or Joe Kemble Department of Horticulture 101 Funchess Hall Auburn University, AL 36849-5408 Or send e-mail to vinsoed@auburn.edu kembljm@auburn.edu 2 5 1 3 4 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY 1. Truck Crops Experiment Station, Crystal Springs, MS AUBURN UNIVERSITY 2. North Alabama Horticulture Research Center, Cullman, AL 3. Brewton Agricultural Research Unit, Brewton, AL THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA 4. Coast Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA 5. Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, Lyons, GA