Fall 2005 Commercial Vegetable Variety Trials

July 2006 Regional Bulletin 16 Auburn University Mississippi State University North Carolina State University 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 to Interpret Results on Vegetable Variety Performance ......................................................................................5 Alabama Trials First Roma Tomato Variety Resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt ...................................................................................7 Greenhouse Tomatoes Produce Fewer Culls This Season ........................................................................................9 ‘Appalachian’ Stands Tall Despite Low Pumpkin Numbers..................................................................................... 11 Results of the 2005 National Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial................................................................................13 Mississippi Trials Palm Melon Trial in North and Central Mississippi .................................................................................................14 North Carolina Trials In-Depth Report: 2005 North Carolina Muskmelon and Honeydew Melon Evaluations ........................................16 Seed Sources for Alabama Trials ...........................................................................................................................20

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 Jason Burkett Superintendent E.V. Smith Research Center (334) 727-6159 Arnold Caylor Superintendent North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (256) 734-5820 Jane Hoehaver Superintendent Plant Science Research Center 475 Woodﬁeld Dr. Auburn, AL 36849 Thomas Horgan Research Associate II Mississippi State University North Mississippi Research & Extension Center P.O. Box 1690 Verona, MS 38879 Peter Hudson Research Associate II Mississippi Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station P.O. Box 231 2024 Experiment Station Rd. Crystal Springs, MS 39059 (601) 892-3731 Wilfred Jester Extension Associate Horticulturist, Vegetables Department of Horticultural Science N.C. State University Kinston, NC 28501 Joe Kemble Associate Professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist Department of Horticulture Auburn University, AL (334) 844-3050 kemblejm@auburn.edu Jonathan R. Scultheis Professor and Extension Leader Department of Horticultural Science N.C. State University Kinston, NC 28501 Richard G. Snyder Vegetable Specialist Truck Crops Experiment Station Mississippi State University Crystal Springs, MS C. Bradley Taylor Agricultural Research Technician Department of Horticultural Science N.C. State University Kinston, NC 28501 W. Bradfred Thompson Agricultural Research Assistant III Department of Horticultural Science N.C. State University Kinston, NC 28501 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 2005 variety trial bulletin includes results from Auburn University, Mississippi State University, and North Carolina State University. 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 producers 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 to plant the next. Despite the advantages hybrids offer, OP are still often planted in Alabama. 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 (under 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, ‘Muriel’ yielded 18,192 pounds per acre, while ‘Hybrid 882’ and ‘Marianna’ yielded 9,442 and 7,728 pounds per acre, respectively. Since there was less than a 9,587 difference between ‘Hybrid 882’ and ‘Marianna’, there is no statistical difference between these two varieties. However, the yield difference between ‘Muriel’ and ‘Marianna’ was 10,464, indicating that there is a real difference between these two varieties. From a practical point of view, producers should place the most importance on LSD values when 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 producers compare their own practices to the standard one used in the trials and 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.

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Where to get seeds. Because seeds are alive, 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 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, availabil-

ity 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. Vegetable trials on the Web. For more vegetable variety information be sure to visit our Web page at www.aces.edu/ dept/com_veg/veg_trial/cropveg.htm. Our Web site provides a description of variety types, a ratings system, and information about participating seed companies.

Table 1. Soil Types at the Location of the Trial Location
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) 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

Table 2. Description of Ratings
Rating 5 4 3 2 1 Weather Very Good Favorable Acceptable Adverse Destructive Fertilizer Very Good Good Acceptable Low Very Low Irrigation Very Good Good Acceptable Low Insufﬁcient Pests None Light Tolerable Adverse Destructive Overall Excellent Good Acceptable Questionable Useless

FALL 2005 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

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First Roma Tomato Variety Resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge A Roma tomato variety trial was conducted at the Brewton Agriculture Research Unit (BARU) in Brewton (Tables 1 and 2). Six-week-old Roma tomato transplants were set on May 4. Transplants were set into 20-foot long plots, at a within row spacing of 1.5 feet. Gray plastic mulch and drip irrigation were used. Tomatoes were then staked and tied as their growth required. See ANR-1156, “Guide to Commercial Staked Tomato Production in Alabama.” Soils were fertilized according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. For current recommendations for pest and weed control in vegetable production in Alabama, consult your county extension agent (see http://www.aces.edu/counties/). Preplant fertilization consisted of 70 pounds per acre of N as ammonium nitrate. Fertilization consisted of weekly injections of nitrogen alternating between calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate forms at a rate of 5 pounds of N per acre from May 19 through July 18. Tomatoes were harvested three times, graded as marketable and non-marketable, and weighed (Table 3). Yields were lower due to an increase in the incidence of
Table 1. Ratings of the 2005 Roma Tomato Variety Trial1
Location BARU Weather 5 Fertility 5 Irrigation 4 Pests 3 Overall 5 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales

tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)—a disease caused by a virus spread by thrips. It is becoming increasingly important to plant varieties with resistance to TSWV. ‘Muriel’ a TSWV-resistant variety produced yields that were statistically similar to yields of the market standard ‘Plum Dandy’. The only signiﬁcant differences was between ‘Muriel’ and ‘Mariana’. Cull fruit was mainly due to TSWV. ‘Puebla’ had the highest incidence of cull fruit similar to ‘Mariana’, ‘Plum Dandy’ and ‘Muriel’. ‘BHN 410’ and ‘Hybrid 882’ produced cull fruit signiﬁcantly lower than ‘Puebla’.

Table 2. Seed Source, Fruit Characteristics, and Relative Earliness of Selected Tomato Varieties
Variety Type Seed source BHN Seminis Seedway Sakata Harris Moran Seminis Plant habit Det Det Det Det. Det. Det. Fruit color Red Red Red Red Red Red Days to harvest 73 72 74 — — 75 Disease claims BSP,*FW, St,VW ASC,BSP*FW,NE,St,VW ASC,*FW,NE,VW ASC,FW,NE,St,TSWV,VW EB,FW BSP,VW,*FW

BHN 410 F1 Hybrid 882 F1 Mariana F1 Muriel F1 Plum Dandy F1 Puebla F1 Type: F1 = Hybrid Plant habit: Det = Determinate Disease claims: ASC = Alternaria Stem Canker; BSP = Bacterial speck; EB = Early blight; FCR = Fusarium Crown Rot; 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

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Table 3. Marketable Yield of Selected Roma Tomato Varieties, Brewton Agricultural Research Unit
Variety Muriel Puebla BHN 410 Plum Dandy Hybrid 882 Mariana r2 CV LSD Marketable yield lbs/a 18,192 18,187 15,818 15,712 9,442 7,728 0.40 46 9,587 Culls lbs/a 1,535 2,178 1,395 1,790 1,045 1,871 0.40 32 780

FALL 2005 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

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Greenhouse Tomatoes Produce Fewer Culls This Season
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Jane Hoehaver A greenhouse tomato variety trial was repeated during the fall of 2005 at the Plant Science Research Center (PSRC) on the campus of Auburn University (Table 1). Six-week-old tomato transplants were set into 2 cubic feet polyethylene bags ﬁlled with pine bark on October 20, 2005. There were two plants per bag and six plants per plot. Each variety was replicated four times. Tomato plants were irrigated using drip emitters. Two emitters were placed in each bag. Irrigation was controlled by a timer. At each watering, fertilizer stock solution was injected into the irrigation system using a fertilizer injector. Fertilizer stock was prepared, made, and applied according to the Greenhouse Tomato Guide published through Mississippi State Extension Service (publication 1828). For more information concerning the greenhouse tomato guide and other useful information concerning greenhouse tomato production, go to www.msucares.com/ crops/comhort/greenhouse.html. Tomatoes were harvested, weighed, and graded 11 times between December 29, 2005 and March 28, 2006. Size distribution and cull grades of fresh market tomato were adapted from the USDA Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes. Sizes were extra-large (greater than 0.9 pound), large (0.6-0.9 pound), and medium (0.2 - 0.6 pound). Marketable yield was the sum of extra-large, large, and medium grades (Table 3).Extra large is not a category of greenhouse tomatos recognized by the USDA. It was created in this case to reduce variation of large fruit. The number of harvests were reduced this season due to reduced daylight hours (Tables 2 and 3). Consequently, overall yields were reduced. For the second season ‘Trust’, a market standard, topped the list in total marketable fruit number: 154 and 119 fruit per plot for 2005 and 2006, respectively. In this category, ‘Trust’ was signiﬁcantly higher than all other varieties. ‘Trust’ also produced one of the lowest yields of extra large fruit along with ‘Match’. This same trend was observed during last season with 19 and 16 pounds per plot, respectively. ‘Match’ produced the highest yield of large fruit signiﬁcantly higher than ‘Trust’. Though not statistically signiﬁcant, ‘Geronimo’ and ‘DWR 7106’ produced the highest total marketable yields. Overall, cull fruit yield was lower this season. This may be due to a lower number of harvests. Small fruit yields were not signiﬁcantly different (Table 4). As observed last season, ‘Match’ produced the highest yield of small fruit: 1.35 pounds per plot (Table 5). The incidence of blossom end rot was reduced this season. During last season, there were a number of cloudy days, which can cause blossom end rot. This season had more sunny days.

Table 1. Seed Source, Fruit Characteristics, and Relative Earliness of Selected Greenhouse Tomato Varieties
Seed Variety Type source DWR 7106 F1/Beefsteak Paramount Geronimo F1/Beefsteak Paramount Match F1/Beefsteak Paramount Matrix F1/Beefsteak Paramount Trust F1/Beefsteak Paramount Type: F1 = Hybrid Plant habit: Indet = Indeterminate — = not available from seed catalogues Plant habit Indet. Indet. Indet. Indet. Indet. Fruit color Red Red Red Red Red Days to harvest — — — — — Disease claims — — — — — Years evaluated 05 05 05 05 05

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Table 2. Yield of Greenhouse Tomato Varieties from a Fall 2005 Variety Trial, Plant Science Research Center1
Variety Trust Matrix DWR 7106 Geronimo Match r2 CV LSD
1

Marketable no/plot 119 94 92 83 67 0.12 58 13

Marketable yield lbs/plot 26 30 33 34 27 0.30 20 8.8

Extra large yield lbs/plot 15.3 22.0 24.4 23.4 15.2 0.40 31 9.4

Large yield lbs/plot 5.9 4.0 3.8 5.8 7.2 0.40 35 3.0

Medium yield lbs/plot 5.0 5.0 5.8 5.2 4.3 0.12 30 2.4

Individual fruit weight lb 0.31 0.36 0.36 0.42 0.40 0.20 26 0.8

Yields are based on six-plant plots and are averaged over the entire fall season.

Table 3. Yield of Beefsteak Greenhouse Tomato Varieties from a Winter 2005 Variety Trial, Plant Science Research Center1
Variety Trust Geronimo Match DWR 7106 Matrix r2 CV LSD
1

Marketable no/plot 154 137 130 117 103 0.11 49 89

Marketable yield lbs/plot 39 39 35 42 38 0.22 14 8.1

Extra large yield lbs/plot 19 28 16 23 25 0.50 23 7.8

Large yield lbs/plot 13 8 12 14 8 0.70 18 3.0

Medium yield lbs/plot 7 3 7 5 5 0.60 25 2.0

Individual fruit weight lb 0.30 0.31 0.31 0.36 0.37 0.13 26 0.13

Yields are based on six-plant plots and are averaged over the entire fall season.

Table 4. Cull Production of Selected Greenhouse Tomato Varieties from a Fall 2005 Variety Trial1
Variety Match Matrix Trust Geronimo DWR7106 r2 CV LSD
1

Small lbs/plot 1.04 0.95 0.88 0.62 0.59 0.10 73 3.6

Russeting lbs/plot 0.34 0.21 0.11 0.24 0.30

Zipper scar lbs/plot 0.06 0.09 0.11 0.07 0.24

Concentric cracking lbs/plot 0.15 • • • •

Radial cracking lbs/plot 2.38 0.34 1.55 • •

Cat-facing lbs/plot 0.75 0.03 0.09 0.25 0.21

Blossom end rot lbs/plot 0.15 0.68 0.13 0.55 0.39

Yields are based on six-plant plots and are averaged over the entire fall season.

Table 5. Cull Production of Selected Beefsteak Greenhouse Tomato Varieties from a Winter 2005 Variety Trial1
Variety Match Geronimo Trust DWR 7106 Matrix r2 CV LSD
1

Small lbs/plot 1.35 1.61 0.91 1.19 1.52 0.15 51 1.01

Russeting lbs/plot 2.90 2.03 1.40 2.30 2.70 0.17 60 2.04

Zipper scar lbs/plot 0.34 0.61 0.34 • 0.60 0.96 10 0.25

Concentric cracking lbs/plot 2.19 1.23 2.19 1.38 1.29

Radial cracking lbs/plot 3.97 0.47 6.83 1.31 0.97 0.45 92 6.01

Cat-facing lbs/plot 0.87 0.22 0.31 0.01 0.18 0.80 52 0.59

Blossom end rot lbs/plot 0.78 1.61 0.29 0.63 1.29 0.30 94 1.5

Yields are based on six-plant plots and are averaged over the entire spring season.

FALL 2005 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

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‘Appalachian’ Stands Tall Despite Low Pumpkin Numbers
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Arnold Caylor A pumpkin variety trial was conducted at the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (NAHRC) in Cullman (Tables 1 and 2). Pumpkins were direct seeded into rows that were 60 feet long on June 28. There was a 10-foot spacing between rows and a 5-foot spacing between plants within a row. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Soil was fertilized according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. Beds were made and weekly applications of 5 pounds per acre of N as ammonium nitrate were injected through the drip irrigation from July 5 through September 17. Plots received no other fertilization. Pesticides were applied weekly from July 7 through September 8. Consult your county Extension agent for current recommendations for pest and weed control for pumpkin production in Alabama. Also see ANR-1041 Guide to Commercial Pumpkin and Winter Squash Production. Pumpkins were harvested on September 27. Because color development stops after harvest, pumpkins
Table 1. Ratings of the 2005 Pumpkin Variety Trial1
Location NAHRC Weather 4 Fertility 5 Irrigation 5 Pests 5 Overall 5 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales

were harvested at the full-color stage and graded as marketable or non-marketable (Tables 3). Lower yields this year than in 2004 were attributed to rain at less than ideal times. The market standard ‘Appalachian’ produced signiﬁcantly higher yields than all other varieties. ‘Appalachian’ continues to produce even during times of drought stress and excess rain. Though not statistically signiﬁcant ‘Dependable’ produced higher yields than ‘Sorcerer’ due to a higher individual fruit weight. With the exceptions of ‘Golden Osprey’ and ‘Reliable’, all varieties produced individual fruit weights below their described average fruit weight (Table 3).

Table 2. Seed Source, Relative Earliness, and Fruit Size of Selected Pumpkin Varieties
Variety Seed Maturity source (days) Appalachian F1 Seminis 90 Autumn King F1 Siegers Seeds 105 Dependable F1 Abbott & Cobb — Gold Bullion F1 Rupp Seeds 110 Gold Medal OP Rupp Seeds 108 Golden Osprey F1 Meyers Seeds 115 Howdy Doody — Rupp Seeds 90 King Midas F1 Siegers Seeds 115 Oktoberfest F1 Siegers Seeds 115 Reliable F1 Abbott and Cobb — Scarecrow — Meyers Seeds — Sorcerer F1 Harris Moran 105 Trojan OP Siegers Seeds 110 Type: OP=open pollinated; F1=hybrid. — = not found, from seed catalogues. Type Avg. weight (pounds) 20-25 > 25 25-28 15-25 >25 12-16 15-25 25-28 15-25 12-20 15-25 15-25 20-30

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Table 3. Performance of Selected Pumpkin Varieties
Variety Marketable yield lbs/a 24,545 17,541 15,080 14,772 13,271 11,930 11,354 10,215 10,169 9,005 8,820 6,050 4,999 0.50 49 4,257 Marketable fuits no/a 1,631 1,196 1,378 1,124 870 834 870 653 628 653 616 508 508 0.52 42 269 Individual fruit weight lb 15.36 15.01 11.18 12.88 14.13 15.35 12.91 15.58 16.29 13.40 14.30 12.05 10.89 0.30 25 4.7

Appalachian Dependable Sorcerer Scarecrow Gold Bullion Trojan Howdy Doody Autumn King Gold Medal Golden Osprey King Midas Reliable Oktoberfest r2 CV LSD

FALL 2005 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

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Results of the 2005 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 (Table 1.). Sweetpotato roots from selected commercial varieties and breeding lines were planted in a heated bed at NAHRC on April 12 for slip production. Slips of two sweetpotato lines were planted on July 6. Varieties were replicated four times. Plots contained two rows that were 20 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. Within-row spacing was 1 foot. Soils were fertilized according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory and consisted of (per acre) 85 pounds N, 184 pounds P2O5, and 156 pounds K2O total. Consult your local county Extension agent for current recommendations for pest and weed control in vegetable production in Alabama. See also ANR-982 Guide to Commercial Sweetpotato Production in Alabama. Sweetpotatoes were harvested on October 28. Roots were graded as US #1 (roots: 2 to 3.5 inches in diameter,
Table 1. Ratings of the 2005 Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial1
Location NAHRC Weather 5 Fertility 5 Irrigation 5 Pests 5 Overall 5 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales

3 to 9 inches in length, well shaped and free of defects), canners (roots: 1 to 2 inches in diameter, 2 to 7 inches in length), jumbos (roots: that exceed the diameter, length, and weight requirements of the US #1 grade, but that are of marketable quality), or culls (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 #1, canner, and jumbo grades. Percent US #1 was calculated by dividing the yield of the US #1 grade by the marketable yield (Table 2).

Table 2. Yield and Grade Distribution of Selected Sweetpotato Breeding Lines and Cultivars
Variety Total 1 marketable 50 lb bu/ac 418 355 US#1 50 lb bu/ac 315 248 Canner 50 lb bu/ac 62 62 Jumbo 50 lb bu/ac 42 45 Percent US#1 50 lb bu/ac 75 70 Cull 50 lb bu/ac 57 48

Covington Beauregard (B94-14-G2) r2 0.40 0.40 • • 0.12 0.10 CV 12 17 • • 11 34 LSD 80 84 • • 67 31 Averages yields are given on a per acre basis. US #1’s: Roots 2 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter, 3 to 9 in length; must be well shaped and free of defects. Canners: Roots 1 to 2 inches in diameter, 2 to 7 inches in length. Jumbos: Roots that exceed the diameter, length, and weight requirements of the above two grades, but are of marketable quality. Percent US #1’s: Calculated by dividing the weight of US #1’s by the total marketable weight (Culls not included). Culls: 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.

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Palm Melon Trial in North and Central Mississippi
Thomas Horgan, Rick Snyder, and Peter Hudson Ten cultivars of the “mini” or personal size seedless watermelons were evaluated in 2005 at two locations: North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona, Mississippi, and Truck Crops Experiment Station, Crystal Springs, Mississippi (Tables 1 and 2). This study was also conducted at E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center in Shorter, Alabama, and those results were published in the Spring 2005 Commercial Vegetable Variety Trial (regional bulletin 15) and a synopsis is included in the discussion below. Seedlings were started in a greenhouse four weeks prior to planting. Soils were fertilized according to soil testing lab recommendations. All plots used drip irrigation and black plastic mulch. A personal size diploid (seeded) variety, ‘Jenny’, was used as the pollinator. One pollinator was planted for every three triploid plants. In all locations, seedlings were transplanted to the ﬁeld in early June and harvested starting in late July to early August. Four harvests were made at each location on 7- to 10-day intervals. Yields reported are based on a population of 2074 triploid plants per acre. Plant spacing was 14 square feet per plant. Determining melon ripeness posed a challenge. The criteria used to judge melon ripeness in the ﬁeld included all of the following: dried tendrils, a ground spot, and the thumping tone.

Table 1. Ratings of the 2005 Personal Size Watermelon Variety Trial1
Location Truck Crops North Miss. Research Experiment Station Extension Center Weather 4 4 Fertility 5 5 Irrigation 5 5 Pests 4 4 Overall 4 4 1 See introduction for description of ratings scales EVSRC 5 5 5 5 5

‘Valdoria’ and ‘Demi-Sweet’ were among the top producers at Verona, MS, and Shorter, AL. ‘Mini Yellow’ was a top producer at all locations. At Verona ‘betsy’ has similar fruit numbers to all other varieties with the exception of ‘Petite Treat,’ which had signiﬁcantly lower fruit numbers than ‘Betsy.’ At E.V. Smith, ‘Valdoria’ had fruit numbers similar to ‘Demi-Sweet’, ‘Mini Yellow’, and ‘Vanessa’. Fruit numbers per acre for ‘Valdoria’ were signiﬁcantly higher than all other varieties. At Crystal Springs, MS, there were no signiﬁcant differences in fruit numbers per acre. ‘Betsy’, ‘Wonder’, and ‘Vanessa’ had the overall lowest individual fruit weights (pounds per fruit). ‘DemiSweet’ had the highest individual fruit weight in central Alabama and north Mississippi. One problem observed was

Table 2. Seed Source, Fruit Characteristics, and Relative Earliness of Selected Seedless Watermelon Varieties
Variety Seed Rind Fruit source aspect shape Betsy Nunhems DGS-LB Round Bobbie Nunhems DGS-LB Round Demi-Sweet Del Sol DG Round Extasy Seminis DG Round Mini Yellow Palmer Seeds DG Round Petite Treat Del Sol DGS-LB Round Solitaire Seminis DGS-LB Round Valdoria Nunhems DG Round Vanessa Nunhems DG Round Wonder Seminis DG Round Rind aspect: DGS=Dark green stripe, DG-=Dark green, LB=Light background. Flesh color Red Red Red Red Yellow Red Red Red Red Red Years evaluated3 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005

FALL 2005 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

15

that a number of melons among cultivars were above or below size class. The soluble solids concentration (sweetness) of all melons was acceptable. ‘Demi-Sweet’ had the highest incidence of hollow heart. ‘Wonder’ and ‘Extazy’ had no in-

cidences of hollow heart at any location. Rind thickness had no signiﬁcant differences; however, in both locations ‘Mini Yellow’ had the thinnest rind. Rind necrosis was not encountered.

Table 3. Total Yield, Soluble Solids, Hollow Heart Ratings, and Rind Thickness
Marketable Individual Soluble Hollow Hollow Rind fruits 1 fruit weight 1 solids heart 2 heart thickness no/a lb (Brix) % in in North Mississipppi Extension Center, Verona, MS Demi Sweet 26,400 3,000 8.8 11.3 58 0.7 0.6 Betsy 22,980 3,380 6.8 13.1 17 0.5 0.7 Valdoria 22,340 3,280 6.6 11.3 0 0 0.6 Mini Yellow 22,130 3,000 7.4 12.3 28 1 0.4 Bobbie 20,640 2,960 7.0 12.5 0 0 0.6 Solitaire 20,080 2,920 6.9 11.4 0 0 0.6 Extazy 19,740 2,720 7.2 11.5 0 0 0.6 Wonder 17,750 2,800 6.3 12.0 0 0 0.5 Vanessa 17,690 1,920 6.1 11.3 17 0 0.5 Petite Treat 14,780 1,530 6.4 11.6 21 0.2 0.5 LSD 5,880 1,838 0.70 0.5 NS NS • Truck Crops Experiment Station, Crystal Spings, MS Petite Treat 27,210 3,470 7.9 10.9 8 0.3 • Mini Yellow 24,900 2,820 8.8 10.9 8 0.5 • Bobbie 24,480 3,470 7.0 11.5 17 0.7 • Wonder 22,580 2,620 8.6 11.2 0 0.0 • Betsy 22,440 3,270 6.9 11.2 8 0.6 • Valdoria 22,140 2,820 8.0 11.0 8 0.6 • Vanessa 21,560 2,520 8.9 10.7 8 0.5 • Demi-Sweet 20.,480 2,420 8.1 11.3 25 1.1 • Solitaire 19,740 2,420 8.2 11.1 25 0.4 • Extazy 18,550 2,370 7.7 11.3 0 0.00 • LSD avg @ 0.5 NS NS 1.7 NS NS NS • E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center, Shorter, AL Valdoria 38,559 4,901 7.86 11.52 • 0.53 0.67 Demi Sweet 36,278 3,630 9.99 10.91 • 2.81 0.83 Mini Yellow 30,619 3,812 8.03 11.41 • 1.49 0.36 Vanessa 28,004 4,114 6.81 11.69 • 2.83 0.54 Petite Treat 25,654 3,267 7.85 11.47 • 2.94 0.65 Extazy 24,917 3,207 7.76 11.50 • 0.00 0.75 Wonder 23,971 3,570 6.71 11.19 • 1.19 0.68 Solitaire 22,015 3,146 6.99 11.96 • 0.00 0.73 Bobbie 19,516 2,481 7.86 11.91 • 1.21 0.78 Betsy 17,270 2,420 7.14 11.25 • 1.00 0.81 LSD 12,145 1,838 0.71 1.16 • 0.59 0.60 1 Yields reported are based on 2074 triploids and 1037 pollinizer plants per acre. A pollinizer:triploid ratio of 1:2 was used. Plant spacing was 14 square feet per plant. Least square means reported. NS = Not signiﬁcantly different 2 Hollow heart and rind thickness reported as the relative number of melons sampled. Hollowheart is reported as maximum width of internal cracking measured in inches. Least squares means of three watermelons sampled from each of four replications. Variety Marketable yield 1 lbs/a

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

In-Depth Report: 2005 N.C. Muskmelon and Honeydew Melon Evaluations
Wilfred Jester, Johnathan R. Schlultheis, C. Bradley Taylor, and W. Bradfred Thompson Commercial production of muskmelon, honeydew, and specialty melons has increased in eastern North Carolina in the last eight years. During this period eastern muskmelons have represented the primary increase, increasing by more than ﬁve times to about 4,100 acres in 2005 versus 1997, with ‘Athena’ being the primary cultivar grown. The muskmelon acreage in 2005 continued to contract slightly with increasing competition. The total gross income from North Carolina muskmelons in 2005 was estimated to be more than $25 million. Production of specialty melons such as sprite, honeydew, and various others is increasing as growers discover new markets and adapted cultivars. An objective of the North Carolina Specialty Crops Program and the melon trials is to identify adapted cultivars that North Carolina growers can grow proﬁtably. Because of these efforts and a vigorous Extension educational program, the acreage of specialty melons for shipping and local sales has also increased. Grower and market interest in eastern grown honeydew melons is increasing. Several honeydew cultivars were identiﬁed as superior in these trials and were test marketed by several chain stores in 2005 with very positive results. An estimated 65 acres was grown in North Carolina in 2005. Total North Carolina specialty melon acreage in 2005 was estimated to be 515 acres with a total value of $5 million. The muskmelon trials were sown on April 5, 2005.Seed were acid treated for bacterial fruit blotch. Transplants were grown in LE 1803 transplant trays containing Carolina Choice Soil Mix. Field plots were established in a Norfolk ﬁne sandy loam using a full-bed black polyethylene mulch system with drip irrigation. Preplant fertilizer, 10-2020, was broadcast and incorporated on April 5, 2005 at a rate of 500 pounds per acre. On April 12, 2005, beds were formed on 5-foot centers and fumigated with 98% methyl bromide- 2% chloropicrin at a rate of 165 pounds per acre and immediately covered with 1.25 mil-thick 60-inch wide, black polyethylene mulch. An 8-mil drip tube with a 12-inch emitter spacing was placed beneath the soil surface at this time. The remaining N and K was fertigated weekly for a season total of 137 pounds per acre N and 270 pounds per acre K2O. Plots in the muskmelon and honeydew trials were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four replicates. Plants were transplanted 2 feet apart into 20-foot plots (10 plants per plot). Planting in the ﬁeld occurred on May 5, 2005. Transplant water contained 20-20-20 at a rate of 1 pound per 150 gallons of water and Diazinon AG500 at 1 ounce per 35 gallons of water. Irrigation was provided throughout the growing season on a daily basis. Watering was reduced two weeks prior to harvest to increase fruit quality. Melon fruit were harvested from plots three times a week. The eastern and western muskmelon trials were harvested 14 times from July 5 to August 1. The honeydew trial was harvested 13 times from July 5 to August 8. Preventative insecticide, miticide, fungicide, and herbicide applications were made during the entire growing season. Insecticides were applied as a preventative measure as follows: May 20, May 27, June 10, and June 24 (Permethrin 3.2EC); and May 13, June 3, June 17, July 1, July 8, July 23, and July 29 (Asana XL 0.66 EC). Miticides were applied as follows: July 12 (Kelthane 50W) and July 16 (Agrimek 0.15EC). Similarly, the following fungicide products were used on July 23 (Bravo Weatherstik 6F and Previcur Flex). The weeds in the row middles were controlled with a shielded sprayer using pre-emergence herbicide applied on April 21 (Curbit 3EC) followed on June 3 (Gramoxone Max) as a burn down. The 2005 planting season was hotter than normal and with below-average rainfall. This resulted in betterthan-average quality melons. Daily temperatures from May through August averaged 0.4 oF above normal. Precipitation during the same period was 2 inches below the 30-year normal. All harvested fruits were graded and the weights recorded. Total soluble solids were taken on ﬁve fruit per plot using a portable refractometer throughout the season and as dictated by the ripening of the melon. External and internal descriptions were recorded for all the melons. Muskmelon

FALL 2005 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

17

descriptions were made by rating the different character- sides of the top half of the melon. Three melons were istics and are presented in Tables 1 and 3. Canopy ratings tested per plot. Performance of selected eastern, western, hon(fruit vine cover) and disease ratings were taken on the eydew melons are presented in Tables 2, 4, and 5. muskmelons and the honeydew melons. Penetrometer readings were taken on the honeydew melons. Melons were cut in half and probed on three
Table 1. Seed Source, Fruit Characteristics, and Disease Severity of Selected Eastern Muskmelon Varieties
Seed Stem Flesh Variety source shape color Cavity Athena Syngenta Oval 2.5 Medium-Large HMX 4587 Harris Moran Oval 2.5 Medium-Large HMX 4589 Harris Moran Round-Oval 3.5 Medium HMX 5590 Harris Moran Round-Oval 2.8 Medium HMX 8593 Harris Moran Round-Oval 3.0 Small HSR 4272 Hollar Seeds Oval 2.5 Small Minerva Syngenta Oblong-Asymetrical 2.0 Medium-Large MPX 6411 Harris Moran Oval 2.5 Small-Medium MPX 6884 Harris Moran Round-Oval 2.5 Medium MPX 7167 Harris Moran Oval 3.5 Medium SVR 3171 Seminis Oval-Round 3.6 Small-Medium SVR 3179 Seminis Oval 4.0 Medium XME 1456 Sakata Oblong-Asymetrical 2.0 Medium-Large XME 1568 Sakata Oblong-Asymetrical 2.0 Small Aphrodite Syngenta Oblong-Asymetrical 2.5 Medium Average 2.8 LSD (P=.05) Flesh color: 1 = light orange, 5 = deep orange. Canopy: 1 = sparse fruit cover, 5 = full fruit cover (rated July 15). Severity of powdery mildew was assessed on July 28 and represents percent leaf area affected. Canopy 2.1 2.0 4.3 2.5 2.1 3.5 2.8 1.9 1.9 1.1 1.9 2.8 2.0 3.4 3.5 2.5 0.6 Powdery mildew severity 22.9 22.8 32.8 57.6 12.9 45.3 45.1 57.5 60.0 52.6 50.0 50.1 45.3 10.6 30.1 39.7 18.8

Table 2. Performance of Selected Eastern Muskmelon Varieties
Marketable Marketable Individual Soluble yield fuits fruit weight solids no/a cwt/a lbs brix Athena 12,415 c 758 bcd 6.1 de 10.3 HMX 4587 10,999 cde 943 a 8.6 ab 9.9 HMX 4589 15,028 b 707 cd 4.7 f 9.7 HMX 5590 10,672 cde 657 d 6.2 cde 10.8 HMX 8593 15,246 ab 742 cd 4.9 f 9.2 HSR 4272 12,741 c 841 bc 6.6 cde 10.2 Minerva 10,019 de 902 a 9.0 a 10.0 MPX 6411 10,999 cde 690 d 6.3 cde 9.9 MPX 6884 17,097 a 609 de 3.6 g 10.5 MPX 7167 7,841 f 485 e 6.2 de 12.7 SVR 3171 11,652 cd 745 cd 6.4 cde 11.8 SVR 3179 12,306 c 728 cd 5.9 e 9.3 XME 1456 10,999 cde 750 cd 6.9 cd 9.5 XME 1568 8,930 ef 633 d 7.1 c 11.3 Aphrodite 11,108 cde 893 ab 8.1 b 11.0 Average 1,1870 739 6.4 10.4 LSD (P=.05) 1,366 129 0.8 1.1 Melons harvested three times per week, 10 plants per plot at 20 feet. Means followed by the same letter within a column do not signiﬁcantly differ (P=0.05, Duncan’s New MRT). Total soluble solids reﬂects the sugar content of 20 fruit samples. Variety

18

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Table 3. Seed Source, Fruit Characteristics, and Disease Severity of Selected Western Muskmelon Varieties
Seed Stem Flesh Variety source shape color Cavity Desert King Nunhems Oval-Asymetrical 2.5 Small-Medium Desert Prince Nunhems Oval 3.0 Small Desert Princess Nunhems Oval 2.5 Small-Medium Desert Queen Nunhems Oval-Asymetrical 2.5 Medium Durango Seminis Elliptical 3.0 Small Expedition Harris Moran Oval 2.0 Medium Hy-Mark Seminis Oval 2.5 Small-Medium Impac Seminis Oval-Asymetrical 1.5 Medium-Large Magellan Seminis Oval 3.5 Small Navigator Harris Moran Oval-Asymetrical 2.5 Medium Super 45 Willhite Oval 1.0 Small SXM 7208 Nunhems Elliptical-Oval 2.5 Medium UGX-303 United Genetics Oval 3.5 Medium-Small UGX-1302 United Genetics Oval-Round 2.0 Small-Medium Voyager Nunhems Elliptical-Round 2.0 Medium XME 0059 Sakata Oval-Round 3.5 Small Primo Syngenta Oval-Oblong 2.5 Medium Motagua Syngenta Oval-Oblong 2.0 Small Riorico Syngenta Oval-Asymetrical 3.0 Medium-Large Average 2.5 LSD (P=.05) Flesh color: 1 = light orange, 5 = deep orange. Severity of powdery mildew was assessed on 28 July and represents percent leaf area affected. Powdery mildew severity 50.1 b-e 42.5 def 57.6 a-e 67.6 abc 25.5 f 65.0 a-d 40.1 ef 72.8 ab 40.0 ef 50.0 b-e 80.1 a 66.3 abc 62.5 a-e 67.5 abc 47.8 cde 62.8 a-e 55.1 b-e 80.1 a 60.1 a-e 57.6 0.9

Table 4. Performance of Selected Western Muskmelon Varieties
Marketable Marketable Individual Soluble yield fuits fruit weight solids no/a cwt/a lbs brix Desert King 23,305 a 815 3.5 h 10.5 a-d Desert Prince 19,602 a-d 735 3.8 gh 9.6 def Desert Princess 18,186 b-e 761 4.2 fg 10.5 a-d Desert Queen 20,691 abc 811 3.9 fgh 10.4 a-d Durango 17,533 c-f 769 4.4 ef 9.9 b-f Expedition 16,335 d-g 911 5.6 bc 10.0 b-e Hy-Mark 17,642 c-f 640 3.7 gh 11.0 ab Impac 12,306 g 851 6.3 a 8.9 f Magellan 19,602 a-d 861 4.4 ef 10.2 bcd Navigator 13,928 fg 676 5.0 de 10.4 a-d Super 45 21,998 ab 752 3.5 h 10.9 abc SXM 7208 21,127 824 3.9 fgh 11.0 ab UGX-303 17,424 c-f 886 5.1 cd 10.7 abc UGX-1302 18,949 b-e 847 4.5 ef 9.9 b-f Voyager 5 19,166 a-e 732 3.9 fgh 11.3 a XME 0059 20,909 abc 819 3.9 fgh 9.9 b-f Primo 15,682 d-g 767 4.9 de 9.8 c-f Motagua 15,246 efg 798 5.3 bcd 10.5 a-d Riorico 15,682 d-g 905 5.8 b 9.1 ef Average 18,174 798 4.5 10.2 LSD (P=.05) 3,568 NS 0.5 0.9 Means followed by the same letter within a column do not signiﬁcantly differ (P=0.05, Duncan’s New MRT). NS = there were no signiﬁcant treatment differences winin a column. Total soluble solids reﬂects the sugar content of 20 fruit samples. Variety

FALL 2005 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

19

Table 5. Performance of Selected Honeydew Melon Varieties
Marketable Marketable Individual Soluble yield fuits fruit weight solids no/a cwt/a lbs brix Crème de Menthe 14,266 bc 1,014 a 7.1 abc 12.1 d Destacado 12,306 cde 885 a 7.1abc 13.9 abc Double Dew 10,781 ef 717 abc 6.0 de 13.0 bcd HDM-03-09 12,524 cde 787 de 6.2 cde 13.5 abc PS 3911298 11,543 def 691 cde 6.0 de 14.2 ab Honey Star 9,692 f 706 e 7.3 ab 13.7 abc HMX 4593 11,435 def 841 b-e 7.4 ab 13.1 bcd Morning Dew 9,583 f 693 e 7.2 ab 13.4 a-d NUN 7223 15,682 ab 893 abc 5.3 ef 14.6 a NUN 7225 13,395 bcd 752 cde 5.6 ef 14.3 ab NUN 7227 12,850 cde 714 de 5.6 ef 14.0 abc RML 0126 13,613 bcd 985 ab 7.3 ab 13.1 bcd RML 0133 11,979 c-f 898 abc 7.6 ab 12.6 cd Rocio 11,217 def 864 a-d 7.8 a 12.8 bcd Santa Fe 10,346 ef 684 e 6.7 bcd 13.3 a-d Snow Mass 17,206 a 803 cde 4.7 f 14.1 ab Average 12,401 808 6.5 14 LSD (P=.05) 2,170 142 0.9 0.9 Means followed by the same letter within a column do not signiﬁcantly differ (P=0.05, Duncan’s New MRT). Total soluble solids reﬂects the sugar content of 20 fruit samples. Variety

20

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Seed Sources for Alabama Trials
Seeds Donated by
Nunhems/Sunseeds Richard Wojciak 12214 Lacewood Lane Wellington, Florida 33414-4983 Ph: (561) 791-9061 Fax: (561) 798-4915 Mobile: (561) 371-2023 richard.wojciak@sunseeds.com D. Palmer Seed Co. 8269 S. Highway 95 Yuma, AZ 85365 (928) 341-8494 Paramount Seeds P.O. Box 1866 Palm City, FL 34991 Ph: (772) 221-0653 Fax: (772) 221-0102 Sakata Tech Rep: Jay Jones P.O. Box 880 Morgan Hill, CA 95038-0880 Ph: (239) 289-2130 Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc Tech Rep: Rusty Autry 2221 North Park Ave. Tifton, GA 31796 Ph: (229) 386-0750 Tifton Seed Distribution Center Tech Rep: Van Lindsey Ph: (912) 382-1815

Other Seed Sources
Abbot and Cobb, Inc. Tech Rep: Russ Beckham 146 Old US Highway 84 West Boston, GA 31626 rbeckham@rose.net BHN 1310 McGee Avenue Berkeley, CA 94703 Phone: (510) 526-4704 Email: mail@berkeleyhort.com Harris Moran P.O. Box 4938 Modesto, CA 95352 Ph: (209) 579-7333 Fax: (209) 527-8684 Harris Seeds P.O. Box 22960 60 Saginow Dr. Rochester, NY 14692-2960 (800) 544-7938 Johnny’s Select Seeds Tech. Rep: Steve Woodward 955 Benton Ave Winslow, ME 04901 (207) 437-4395 Email: info@johnnyseeds.com Meyers Seeds 600 South Carolina St. Baltimore, MD 21231 (410) 342-4224 Rupp Seeds 17919 County Raoad B Waseon, OH 43567 (800) 700-1199 Sandoz Rogers/Novartis To order: (912) 560-1863 Seedway Tech Rep: James J. Pullins 1225 Zeager Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (800) 952-7333 E-mail: info@seedway.com Siegers Seed Company 13031 Reﬂections Drive Holland, MI 49424 Ph: (800) 962-4999

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 2006). When: September 22, 2006 Deadline for spring 2006 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

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2

3 5 6

1

4

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY 1. Truck Crops Experiment Station, Crystal Springs, MS 2. North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona, MS AUBURN UNIVERSITY 3. North Alabama Horticulture Research Center, Cullman, AL 4. Brewton Agricultural Research Unit, Brewton, AL 5. E.V. Smith Research Center, Shorter, AL 6. Plant Science Research Center, Auburn, AL NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY 7. Cunningham Research Station, Kinston, NC