Regional Bulletin 08
April 2002
Auburn University
North Carolina State University
Mississippi State University
Fall 2001
Commercial
Vegetable
Variety
Trials
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
John Jenson, Interim Director
Auburn University
Auburn,Alabama
Printed in cooperation with the Alabama
Cooperative Extension System (Alabama
A&M University and Auburn University)
Find this publication online at http:llwww.ag.auburn.edulresinfolvegetables/fall200 I.pdf

Contents
Authors 2
Introduction: Tips for Interpreting Vegetable Variety Trial Results 3
Cabbage Experimentals Are Top Performers at Sand Mountain 5
Fall Carrot Variety Trial in North Carolina 7
Spring Carrot Variety Trial in North Carolina 8
Hot Pepper Trial Continued in Central Alabama 9
Pumpkin Trials in North and South Alabama 11
Leafy Greens Return to Trials 13
Variety Evaluation of Greenhouse Tomatoes, Spring 2001 15
Thrips Populations in Summer Tomatoes Affected by Plastic Mulch 19
Triploid Watermelon Cultivar Evaluations, Summer 2001 21
Results of the 2001 Sweetpotato Collaborators' Trial 23
Results of the 2001 Southernpea Cooperative Trials 24
Seed Sources for Alabama Trials 26
Names of chemicals are mentioned only for describing the production practices used.
This represents neither a recommendation nor an endorsement of these products.
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 Coopera-
tive 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 Experiment Field
Brewton, AL
(334) 867-3139
Jason Burkett
Superintendent
E.V. Smith Research Center
Shorter, AL
(334) 727-6159
Arnold Caylor
Superintendent
North Alabama Horticulture
Research Center
Cullman, AL
(256) 734-5820
Kent Cushman
Associate Research Professor
Mississippi State University
North Mississippi Research and
Extension Center
Verona, MS
Tony Dawkins
Superintendent
Sand Mountain Research and
Extension Center
Crossville, AL
(256) 528-7133
Brian Gamble
Associate Superintendent
Wiregrass Research and Extension
Center
Headland, AL
(334) 693-2363
Randy Herring
Research Technician
Cunningham Research Station
Kinston, NC
Thomas E. Horgan
Research Associate
Mississippi State University
North Mississippi Research and
Extension Center
Verona, MS 38879
Peter Hudson
Research Assistant
Truck Crops Research and Extension
Center
Mississippi State University
Crystal Springs, MS
Joe Kemble
Associate Professor and Extension
Horticulturist
Department of Horticulture
Auburn University, AL
(334) 844-3050
Kirk Kreel
Research Technician
North Carolina State University
Department of Horticultural
Sciences
Raleigh, NC
Ronald McDaniel
Superintendent
Gulf Coast Research and Extension
Center
Fairhope, AL
(334) 928-2740
Malcolm Pegues
Assistant Superintendent
Gulf Coast Research and Extension
Center
Fairhope, AL
(334) 928-2740
Jack Reed
Entomologist
Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
Doug Sanders
Extension Specialist
North Carolina State University
Department of Horticultural
Sciences
Raleigh, NC
Richard G. Snyder
Vegetable Specialist
Mississippi State University
Truck Crops Research and Extension
Center
Crystal Springs, MS
Edgar Vinson
Research Assistant
Department of Horticulture
Auburn University, AL
(334) 844-3041
Larry Wells
Superintendent
Wiregrass Research and Extension
Center
Headland, AL
(334) 693-2363
Introduction: Tips for Interpreting
Vegetable Variety Trial Results
Joe Kemble and Edgar Vinson
The fall 2001 variety trial regional bulletin includes
results from Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina.
Trials conducted at various locations offer a wealth of
information to growers, extension specialists, research-
ers, and seed companies. In addition, these trials provide
information as to how well a particular variety is perform-
ing in several areas throughout the southern United
States.
The main purpose of vegetable variety evaluation,
however, is to provide growers and seed retailers practi-
cal information on varieties and to assist growers in se-
lecting an appropriate variety. Here are a few tips for in-
terpreting vegetable variety trial resuslts.
Open Pollinated vs. Hybrid Varieties
In general, hybrids (also referred to as Fl) mature
earlier and produce a more uniform crop. Often, they have
improved disease, pest, or virus tolerances and/or resis-
tances. Generally, hybrid seed is more expensive than that
of open-pollinated (OP) cultivars, and seeds cannot be
collected and saved for planting next year's crop. Despite
the advantages hybrids offer, OP varieties are still planted
in Alabama. Selecting a hybrid variety, however, is the
first step toward earliness and improved crop quality.
Yield Potential
Yields reported in variety trial results are extrapolated
from small plots. Depending on the vegetable crop, plot
sizes ranged from 100 to 500 square feet. Yields per acre
are estimated by multiplying plot yields by corrective fac-
tors ranging from 100 to 1,000. Small errors can be ampli-
fied, and estimated yields per acre may not be realistic.
Therefore, locations cannot be compared to one another
by just looking at the range of yields actually reported.
The relative differences, however, in performance among
varieties within a location are realistic and can be used to
identify the best-performing varieties.
Statistical Interpretation
The coefficient of determination (R
2
), coefficient of
variation (CV), and least significant difference (lsd, 5%)
are reported for each test. These numbers are helpful in
separating differences due to small plots (sampling error)
and true (but unknown) differences among entries.
R
2 
values range between zero and one. Values close
to one suggest that the test was conducted under good
conditions and most of the variability observed was mainly
due to the effect of cultivars 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 cultivars before one can statistically conclude that
one cultivar 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
cultivars.
For example, in the 2001 pumpkin trial conducted at
the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center, 'Gold
Bullion' yielded 32,135 pounds per acre, while 'Gold
Medal' and 'Connecticut Field' yielded 28,853 and 24,548
pounds per acre, respectively. Since there was less than
a 5,648 difference between 'Gold Medal' and 'Connecti-
cut Field', there is no statistical difference between these
two varieties. However, the yield difference between 'Gold
Bullion' and 'Connecticut Field' was 7,587, indicating that
there is a real difference between these two varieties.
From a practical point of view, producers should place
the greatest importance on lsd values when interpreting
results.
Ratings of Trials
At each location, variety trials were rated on a 1 to 5
scale, based on weather conditions, fertilization, irriga-
tion, pest pressure, and overall performance (Table 1).
Results from trials with ratings of 2 and under are not
reported. These numbers may be used to interpret differ-
ences 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.
4 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
Testing Conditions
AU vegetable variety trials are conducted under stan-
dard, 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 2), planting dates, fertil-
izer rates, and detailed spray schedules are provided to
help producers compare their own practices to the stan-
dard one used in the trials and make relevant adjustments.
Where to Get Seeds
Because seeds are alive, their performance and ger-
mination rate depend on how old they are, where and
how they were collected, and how they have been handled
and stored. It is always preferable to purchase certified
seeds from a reputable source, such as the ones listed in
Seed Sources for Alabama Trials at the end of this publi-
cation
Several factors other than yield have to be consid-
ered 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 planting a large
number of a single variety.
TABLE 1. DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
Rating Weather Fertilizer Irrigation Pests Overall
5 Very Good Very Good Very Good None Excellent
4 Favorable Good Good Light Good
3 Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Tolerable Acceptable
2 Adverse Low Low Adverse Questionable
1 Destructive Very Low Insufficient Destructive Useless
TABLE 2. SOIL TYPES AT THE LOCATIONS OF THE ALABAMATRIALS
Location Water-holding Soil type
capacity (in/in)
Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center (Fairhope) 0.09- 0.19 Malbis fine sandy loam
Brewton Research Field (Brewton) 0.12 - 0.14 Benndale fine sandy loam
Wiregrass Research and Extension Center (Headland) 0.14- 0.15 Dothan sandy loam
Lower Coastal Plain Research Center (Camden) 0.13- 0.15 Forkland fine sandy loam
EV Smith Research Center, Horticultural Unit (Shorter) 0.15-0.17 Norfolk-orangeburg loamy sand
Chilton Area Horticultural Station (Clanton) 0.13 - 0.15 Luvernue sandy loam
Upper Coastal Plain Research Center (Winfield) 0.13- 0.20 Savannah loam
North Alabama Horticultural Research Center (Cullman) 0.16 - 0.20 Hartsells-Albertville fine sandy loam
Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (Crossville) 0.16- 0.18 Wynnville fine sandy loam
4 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 
5
Cabbage Experimentals
Are Top Performers
at Sand Mountain
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Tony Dawkins
Cabbage variety trials were conducted at the Sand
Mountain Research and Extension Center in Crossville,
Alabama (Tables 1 and 2). Six-week-old transplants were
planted onto 15-foot long single row plots on September
26. Within row spacing was 1 foot, which created a stand
of 8,700 plants per acre.
Fertilizer was applied according to the recommenda-
tions of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory.
Names of chemicals are mentioned only for describing
the production practices used. This represents neither a
recommendation nor an endorsement of these products.
Current recommendations for pest and weed control in
vegetable production in Alabama may be found in IPM
Commercial Vegetables: Insect, Disease, Nematode and
Weed Control Recommendations (Publication 2002IPM-
2 from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System).
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE, EARLINESS, AND DISEASE F
OF SELECTED HEAD CABBAGE VARI
Variety Type
1  
Head Seed Da
color source ha
Blue Dynasty F1 Green Seminis
Cheers F1 Green Takii
Headstart F1 Green Seminis
PSR54-1043-7 F1 Green Seminis
Red Dynasty F1 Red Seminis
RS3189 F1 Green Novartis
RS914020 F1 Green Novartis
' Type: F1=hybrid.
2 Disease resistance/tolerance: FY=Fusarium Yellows; BR=b
- = not available from seed catalogues.
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2001
CABBAGE VARIETY TRIALS
Location SMREC
Weather 4
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 4
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
Preplant fertilizers 13-13-13 were applied at a rate of
1000 pounds per acre on September 25. No other fertiliz-
ers were applied. Plants were treated with insecticide on
November 11. No other pesticides were applied.
Cabbage heads were
harvested on December
ZESISTANCEITOLERANCE 
24 when they reached
ETIES marketable size. They
ys to Disease 
were graded according 
to
irvest resistance/tolerance
2  
United States Standards
for Grades of Cabbage
75 BR, FY (U.S. Department of Ag-
84 R, 
FY, Thrips 
riculture 46 FR 
63203).
65 -
- _ Overall cabbage
70 BR yields were low due to a
- - lower quality of trans-
- - plants. There were little
differences among variet-
lack rot.
FAL 00 COMMERCIA 
VEEAL 
VAIT 
TRIAL
6 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
ies (Table 3). The experimental varieties RS3 189 and
PSR54-1043-7 performed as well as 'Blue Dynasty'- an
older more established variety. 'Red Dynasty' produced
yields significantly lower than other cabbage varieties.
Variety
RS3189
PSR54-1 043-7
Blue Dynasty
Cheers
RS914020 9,290 186
Headstart 6,591 132
Red Dynasty 6,028 121
r2 0.70
CV 28
Isd 5,510
TABLE 3. YIELD OF SELECTED CABBAGE
VARIETIES
Marketable
yield
lbs/ac
16,872
15,654
12,391
12,033
Marketable
50-lb, cart
no/ac
337
313
248
241
_
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 7
3j
Fall Carrot
Variety Trial
in North Carolina
Doug Sanders, Kirk Kreel, and Randy Herring
A carrot variety trial was conducted in 2002 at the
Cunningham Research Station in Kinston, North Caro-
lina. Carrots were planted on 20- x 5-foot quadruple row
plots at a 1-inch spacing on August 23, 2001. The plots
were planted with an Accord Vacuum Seeder with two
double row seeding attachments. Irrigation was supplied
by overhead irrigation. Fertilization consisted of five ap-
plications of 10-20-20. Carrots were harvested on Decem-
ber 6, 2001
Out of this trial, the best performers were 'Cheyenne',
'Five Star', 'Navarino', 'Neal', and 'Nevis' (see table).
This trial indicates their yield potential. Previous trials
have shown that they have good skin color and core
appearance.
YIELD AND SEED SOURCE OF CARROT VARIETIES
Variety Source Total Marketable
yield yield Cull Cull
lbs/ac lb/sac lbs/ac %
Cheyenne SunSeed 2,552 1,659 893 35
Choctaw SunSeed 2,585 1,695 889 34
Five Star Seminis 2,530 1,746 784 32
HM 02 Harris Moran 2,073 1,158 915 45
Napoleon Bejo 3,064 1,884 1,180 39
Narbonne Bejo 2,468 1,735 733 29
Navarino Bejo 3,332 2,472 860 26
Neal Bejo 3,209 2,145 1,064 34
Nevis Bejo 3,296 2,229 1,067 
33
Topnotch Seminis 2,276 1,336 940 42
Isd 726 698 367 12
8 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
; Spring Carrot
Variety Trial
in North Carolina
Doug Sanders, Kirk Kreel, and Randy Herring
(i
A carrot variety trial was conducted in spring of 2001
at the Cunningham Research Station in Kinston, North
Carolina.
Carrots were planted on March 19, 2001 on 20- x 5-
foot quadruple row plots at a 1-inch spacing. The plots
were planted with an Accord Vacuum Seeder with two
double row seeding attachments. Irrigation was supplied
by overhead irrigation.
Fertilization consisted of one preplant application of
10-20-20 at a rate of 500 pounds on March 14 and two
applications of 15.5-0-0 on April 30 and June 5 at rates of
125 and 160 pounds per acre, respectively. Weeds were
controlled with two applications of herbicide on March
14 and April 30. Carrots were harvested by June 29,
2001.
Out of this trial, the best performers for fresh market
production were 'Cheyenne', 'Five Star', 'Navarino',
'Neal', 'Nevis', and 'Top Notch' (see table). These vari-
eties were chosen based on skin color, core appearance,
and marketable yield.
SOURCE, TOTAL YIELD, CULL PRODUCTION, AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED CARROT VARIETIES
Variety Source Total yield Marketable Culls Culls Avg. Avg.
per acre yield per acre per acre % color' core
2
XPH 18015 Seminis 2,236 937 1,300 58 4.63 3.88
XPH 18355 Seminis 2,167 1,405 762 36 3.38 4.00
Apache SunSeed 2,120 1,401 719 34 3.63 3.75
Big Shot Seminis 1,949 795 1,154 57 4.50 4.00
Cheyenne SunSeed 1,833 1,067 766 42 4.50 4.50
Choctaw SunSeed 2,026 1,539 486 24 3.25 3.75
Five Star Seminis 2,574 1,786 788 33 4.00 4.50
Gold Pride Harris Moran 1,848 984 864 47 3.63 3.13
HM 02 Harris Moran 2,349 1,604 744 32 3.25 3.50
Mokum Bejo 1,946 795 1,151 66 3.25 3.63
Napoleon Bejo 3,285 2,214 1,071 32 3.00 3.38
Narbonne Bejo 2,784 2,360 425 16 2.50 2.38
Navarino Bejo 3,180 2,327 853 30 3.50 3.63
Neal Bejo 2,577 1,866 711 28 3.13 3.38
Nevis Bejo 2,505 1,819 686 26 3.38 3.25
Sugar Snax SunSeed 1,452 272 1,180 82 3.38 3.63
Temptation Petoseed 2,258 1,191 1,067 50 3.88 4.00
Top Notch Petoseed 2,174 1,594 581 27 4.38 4.25
Triumph Petoseed 1,706 893 813 53 2.75 3.63
Isd 378 751 497 21 1.05 0.96
1 Average color is determined by the overall skin color of 10 root samples where a scale of 1 (light color) to 5 (dark color)
is used.
2 Average core uniformity is determined by the cortex uniformity of 10 root samples where a scale of 1 (cortex rings highly
visible) to 5 (no cortex rings visible) is used.
8 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
9
SHot Pepper
Variety Trials Continued
in Central Alabama
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Jason Burkett
J )'
I-f
Hot pepper varieties trials were conducted at the E.V.
Smith Research Center (EVSRC) in Shorter, Alabama
(Tables 1 and 2).
Hot peppers were planted in 5- x 4-foot row plots
with a within-row spacing of 12 inches. Plants were grown
on plastic mulch with drip irrigation. Peppers were trans-
planted on June 8 at EVSRC.
Preplant fertilizer was 15.5-0-0 calcium nitrate applied
at a rate of 387 pounds per acre on March 24. Fertilization
consisted of weekly alternate injections of 9-0-0-11 and
20-20-20 at a rate of 3.5 pounds per acre. Insects were
controlled by weekly applications of insecticide between
June 11 and July 23.
Fertilizer was applied according to the recommenda-
tions of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory.
Names of chemicals are mentioned only for describing
the production practices used. This represents neither a
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF 2001 HOT PEPPER
VARIETY TRIAL
1
Location EVSRC
Weather 5
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
recommendation nor an endorsement of these products.
Current recommendations for pest and weed control in
vegetable production in Alabama may be found in IPM
Commercial Vegetables: Insect, Disease, Nematode and
Weed Control Recommendations (Publication 2002IPM-
2 from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System).
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE, FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS, RELATIVE EARLINESS, AND DISEASE CLAIMS
OF SELECTED HOT PEPPER VARIETIES
Variety Type' Classification Seed Days to Pod Color
2  
RSR
3  
Disease
source harvest shape claims
4
Magic Red F1 Chili Johnny's Select 60 Tapered end G-R - TMV
Mitla F1 Jalapeno Seminis 72 Blunt point G-R 4,000-5,000 -
Ortega F1 Chili Johnny's Select 70 Blunt point G-R - -
Super Chili F1 Chili Johnny's Select 50 Tapered end Y-R 30,000-40,000 -
Summer Heat 5000 F1 Jalapeno A&C 75 Blunt point G-R - PVY,TMV
XR3 Hot Spot F1 Banana Seminis 70 Tapered end G-R 2,500-4,500 BLS12,
3
SType: Fl=hybrid.
2 Color: Gr = Green; R = Red; Y = Yellow.
3 RSR = Relative Scoville Rating; the higher the rating, the hotter the variety.
4 Disease claims: TMV = Tobacco Mosaic Virus; PVY = Potato Virus Y; BLS = Bacterial Leaf Spot (races 1,2, and 3).
- = not available from seed catalogues.
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 9
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Peppers were harvested July 23, July 30, 
August 6,
August 20, August 27, and September 4. The weight 
of
25 pods was also determined (Table 3).
TABLE 3.YIELD OF SELECTED HOT PEPPER
VARIETIES
Variety Type Total 
market- 25-pod
able weight -weight
lbs/ac Ibs
XR3 HotSpot Banana 
13,677 2.02
Magic Red Chili 
10,405 0.96
Ortega Chili 
9,696 2.36
Super Chili Chili 
8,690 0.26
Summer Heat 5000 Jalapeno 
10,036 1.61
Mitla Jalapeno 
5,648 1.52
r
2  
0.60 0.93
CV 
24 15
Isd 2,548 
0.003
10
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
11
j-
( :\/
KJ
Pumpkin Trials
in North and
South Alabama
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, Tony Dawkins, Ron McDaniel, and 
Malcolm Pegues
Pumpkin variety trials were conducted at the Horti-
culture units of the Gulf Coast Research and Extension
Center (GCREC) in Fairhope, Alabama, and the Sand
Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) in
Crossville, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2).
Soils were fertilized according to the recommenda-
tions of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory.
Names of chemicals are mentioned only for describing
the production practices used. This represents neither a
recommendation nor an endorsement of these products.
Current recommendations for pest and weed control in
vegetable production in Alabama may be found in IPM
Commercial Vegetables. Insect, Disease, Nematode and
Weed Control Recommendations (Publication 2002IPM-
2 from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System).
Planting dates were July 10 at GCREC and July 13 at
SMREC. At both locations, pumpkins were direct seeded
in hills on rows that were 60 feet long. There was a 5 foot
spacing between hills.
At GCREC, pumpkin beds were made and 10-10-10
was applied preplant (at a rate of 500 pounds per acre) on
July 7. Plots received no other fertilization. Pesticides
were applied weekly from August 1 through August 30.
At SMREC, the ground was roto tilled on July 12.
Preplant fertilization consisted of one application of am-
monium nitrate (at a rate of 150 pounds per acre) on Au-
gust 16. Insect, fungi, and weeds were controlled with
weekly applications of pesticide between July 13 and
September 24.
Harvest dates were September 15 at GCREC and Oc-
tober 3, October 6, and October 16 at SMREC. Because
color development stops after harvest, pumpkins were
harvested at the full-color stage and graded as market-
able or non marketable (Table 3). Due to intense pressure
from silver leafwhiteflies, data from GCREC are not shown.
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF 2001
PUMPKIN VARIETY TRIALS
1
Location GCREC SMREC
Weather 5 5
Fertility 5 5
Irrigation 5 5
Pests 3 5
Overall 4 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE, RELATIVE EARLINESS,
AND FRUIT SIZE OF SELECTED PUMPKIN VARIETIES
Variety Type' Seed Maturity Fruit weight
source days lbs/ac
Appalachian F1 Seminis 90 20-25
Autumn King F1 Novartis 95 2-3
Connecticut Field OP Rupp/Seminis 115 15-25
Ghost Rider OP Stokes 115 15-25
Gold Bullion F1 Rupp Seeds 110 15-25
Gold Gem F1 Rupp Seeds 105 15-25
Gold Metal OP Rupp Seeds 108 >25
Gold Rush OP Rupp Seeds 120 30-40
Gold Standard F1 RuppSeeds 90 10-15
Gold Strike F1 Rupp Seeds 110 25-40
Howden OP Harris Moran 100 15-20
Howdy Doody - Rupp Seeds - -
Jack-Be-Quick OP Rupp Seeds 95 0.25
Jumpin' Jack OP Rupp Seeds 120 25-40
Old Zebs - Rupp Seeds - -
Orange Dawn - Rupp Seeds - -
Pic-A-Pie F1 Rupp Seeds 85 4-5
Touch of Autumn F1 Novartis 95 2-3
I Type: Fl=hybrid; OP=open pollinated.
- = not available from seed catalogues.
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 11
At
12 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
At both locations, most pumpkin varieties produced
fruit below their weight class. In the medium size cat-
egory (15 to 25 pounds), 'Gold Medal' was the only pump-
kin variety that produced fruit within its weight class.
The yield of 'Gold Bullion' was similar to the yield of
'Gold Medal' though it produced fruit below its weight
class. This was due to a higher number of fruit per acre.
Both performed as well as the market standard 'Howden'.
TABLE 3. YIELD OF SELECTED PUMPKIN VARIETIES, SAND MOUNTAIN RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER
Weight Total marketable Total marketable Individual
class weight number fruit wt.
lbs lbs/ac no/ac lbs
Prize Winnner >40 43,920 1,069 30
Gold Rush 30-40 22,354 1,030 16
Gold Strike 25-40 26,385 1,742 11
Gold Bullion 15-25 32,135 2,495 10
Gold Metal 15-25 28,853 1,307 16
Howden 15-25 27,653 1,663 12
Connecticut Field 15-25 24,548 1,703 11
Gold Gem 15-25 19,448 1,148 12
Ghost Rider 15-25 15,555 1,742 7
Gold Standard 10-15 19,721 1,822 8
Pic-A-Pie <10 14,022 2,930 4
Touch of Autumn <10 12,819 5,465 2
Jack-B-Quick <1 15,880 0.3
r
2  
0.61
CV 38
Isd 5,648
* = data not collected.
12 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 
13
Leafy Greens
Return to Trials
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge
fM\
Leafy green variety trials were conducted at the
Brewton Experiment Field (BEF) in Brewton, Alabama
(Tables 1 and 2). Collard, mustard, and turnip greens were
direct seeded on October 19 onto 20- x 5-foot plots. Plant
population was approximately 500,000 plants per acre.
Fertilization consisted of preplant applications of
dolomitic limestone (at a rate of 1 ton per acre) and 13-13-
13 (at a rate of 450 pounds per acre) on September 21.
After planting, leafy greens received 60 pounds of nitro-
gen per acre as ammonium nitrate (NH
4
NO3) on October
15 and November 27. Plants received one application of
insecticide on November 27.
Fertilizer was applied according to the recommenda-
tions of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory.
Names of chemicals are mentioned only for describing
the production practices used. This represents neither a
recommendation nor an endorsement of these products.
Current recommendations for pest and weed control in
vegetable production in Alabama may be found in IPM
Commercial Vegetables.: Insect, Disease, Nematode and
Weed Control Recommendations (Publication 2002IPM-
2 from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System).
Leafy greens were harvested when they reached
marketable size (Table 3). Harvest dates were December
21 for turnip and mustard greens and January 8, 2002 for
collards. Yields were expressed in 30-pound bushels.
The varieties 'Top Bunch' and 'Flash' were signifi-
cantly higher than the standard variety 'Vates'. Yields of
'Vates' were similar to 'Heavicrop' and 'Champion'. Three
varieties ofmustard greens were compared. 'Florida Broad
Leaf' had yields significantly higher than 'Green Wave'
and 'Red Giant'. Yields of 'Green Wave' were significantly
higher than 'Red Giant'. Yet, 'Flash Hybrid' and 'Vates'
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF 2001
LEAFY GREENS VARIETY TRIALS
1
Location BEF
Weather 5
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE AND EARLINESSOF
SELECTED LEAFY GREEN VARIETIES
Variety Type' Crop Seed Days to
source harvest
Purple Top OP Turnip Seminis,Stokes 60
White Globe
Heavicrop F1 Collard Takii 70
Seven Top OP Turnip Seminis,Stokes 45
Florida Broad OP Mustard Seminis,Stokes 50
Leaf
Green Wave OP Mustard Stokes 45
Red Giant OP Mustard Harris Seed 40
Champion OP Collard Harris Seed 75
Flash F1 Collard A&C,Stokes 73
Oasis F1 Turnip Takii 55
Top Bunch F1 Collard Sakata 70
Top Star F1 Turnip Sakata 36
Tyfon F1 Turnip Sieger -
Vates OP Collard Stokes 56
' Type: Fl=hybrid; OP=open pollinated.
- = not available from seed catalogues.
I I
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 13
14 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
were the highest yielding varieties. Among mustard vari-
eties, yields of 'Red Giant' were significantly lower than
those of the other varieties. Of the five turnip varieties
tested, 'Top Star', 'Seven Top', and 'Purple Top White
Globe' showed no significant differences; however; all
three varieties were significantly higher than 'Oasis' and
'Tyfon'.
TABLE 3. YIELD OF SELECTED COLLARD,
MUSTARD, AND TURNIP VARIETIES
Variety Leaf yield
bu/ac
Collard
Top Bunch
Flash
Hevicrop
Vates
Champion
r2
CV
Isd
437
405
345
332
329
0.29
21
96
Mustard
Florida Broad Leaf
Green Wave
Red Giant
r2
CV
Isd
618
445
382
0.90
9
57
Turnip
Top Star
Seven Top
Purple Top White Globe
Oasis
Tyfon
r
2
cv
IsCVd
Isd
601
582
531
513
450
0.63
9
57
nt~vl~l(/S1~.C
Florid;
I\vu ~
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
14
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 
15
Variety Evaluation of
Greenhouse Tomatoes,
Spring 2001
Richard G. Snyder, Jim Curtis, and Lary Hawkins
'
.1 
\ 
'
__ N
A trial of 20 hybrid indeterminate greenhouse to-
mato varieties was performed in greenhouses #4, #5, and
#6 at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crys-
tal Springs, Mississippi, during late fall of 2000 and spring
of 2001. The purpose of this trial was to compare many of
the popular European varieties-which for the most part
have little presence in the United States-to 'Trust', the
standard beefsteak variety used in North America.
'Trust' is grown on approximately 90% of the green-
house tomato acreage in North America. DRW 57-19 is a
Tomato Spotted Wilt resistant breeding line for the green-
house. 'Azizia' is a cluster cocktail type, meaning it is
about the size of a grape tomato, smaller than the other
varieties in this trial.
Seeds were planted on October 17, 2000, and seed-
lings were transplanted on November 14, 2000 into 2 cu-
TABLE 1. YIELD, QUALITY, AND SIZE OF FRUIT
FROM A FALL 2000-SPRING 2001 GREENHOUSE TOMATO VARIETY TRIAL
Variety Marketable Marketable Total Total Fruit
number weight 1 number weight (Ibs) size (oz)
Trust 124 cdef 83 ab 516 c 209 bc 10.3 a
Blitz (3558) 116 cdef 54 abcd 604 c 218 abc 7.4 b
Match 157 cd 70 abcd 650 c 222 abc 7.1 bcd
Quest 168 cd 77 abc 568 c 202 bc 7.3 bc
DRW5719 159 cd 71 abcd 674 c 225 abc 7.2 bcd
Mississippi 96 cdef 46 cdef 480 c 193 bc 7.8 b
Baronie 133 cdef 62 abcd 548 c 215 abc 7.7 b
Mariachi (RZ 74-56) 170 cd 78 abc 516 c 191 bc 7.4 bc
Azizia (RZ 72-93) 470 a 35 def 2622 a 124 d 1.2 f
Electra 164 cd 70 abcd 618 c 194 bc 6.8 bcd
Colette 121 cdef 52 bcd 670 c 206 bc 6.8 bcd
Francesca 176 bcd 79 abc 605 c 219 abc 7.2 bc
Belladona 182 bcd 89 a 500 c 196 bc 7.8 b
Gabriela 136 cde 50 bcde 731 c 198 bc 5.8 bcde
E2031151 187 bc 86 ab 633 c 258 abc 7.3 bc
Dakota (8805270) 45 ef 14 ef 1201 b 264 a 5.0 de
Acoma (879219) 34 f 11 f 1087 b 219 abc 5.1 cde
Romana (851022) 272 b 64 abcd 1127 b 184 c 3.7 e
851000 52 ef 15 ef 1187 b 241 ab 4.5 e
8700816 85 def 39 def 512 c 176 cd 7.4 
bc
signif.
2  
** ** 
** ** 
**
Isd 100 37 226 37 
2
1 Marketable weight is based on pounds per 12-plant plots. 2 Mean separation 
is by
Duncan's New Multiple Range Test; ** indicates significant at p < 0.01; 
NS indicates not
significant at p=0.05.
bic foot pine-bark-filled
white-on-black laminated
polyethylene bags. There
were three plants per bag,
and 12 plants per plot.
Replications, or blocks,
were by entire green-
house. The experimental
design was a randomized
complete block. Although
the experiment was de-
signed with three replica-
tions, in December 2000,
the heating unit in green-
house #6 failed, causing
total crop loss in that
greenhouse due to freeze
damage. Therefore, there
were only two replica-
tions available for analy-
sis.
Data collected in-
cluded marketable num-
bers and weights of fruit,
and cull numbers and
weights of fruit. Culls
were graded severely and
separated into a large
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 15
16 
ALABAMAAGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
number of physiological disorder categories to determine
possible quality problems with some of the new varieties
and breeding lines. Total numbers and weights and fruit
size were calculated from the recorded data. Fruit size
was based on marketable fruit only. Data were analyzed
by analysis of variance, with mean separation by Least
Significant Difference.
There were significant differences among varieties
in marketable number and weight, total number and
weight, and fruit size. 'Azizia' had higher marketable num-
ber than any other variety, but this would be expected
since this is a grape type tomato. Next in marketable num-
ber were 'Romana', E2031151, 'Belladona', and
'Francesca'. As for marketable weights, 'Belladona' had
the most yield, but was not significantly different from
E2031151, 'Trust', 'Quest', 'Match', 'Mariachi', DRW
5719, 'Francesca', 'Electra', 'Romana', 'Baronie', or 'Blitz'.
'Acoma' was lowest in both marketable numbers and
weights. 'Dakota', 851000, 8700816, and 'Mississippi'
were also low yielding varieties, by both marketable
weight and number. The grape tomato variety 'Azizia',
while high in marketable number, was among the lowest
in marketable weights. The variety with the highest total
number was also 'Azizia', due to its diminutive size.
Full-sized varieties with high total number include
'Dakota', 851000, 'Romana', and 'Acoma'. For total
weights, 'Dakota' was highest, but not significantly dif-
ferent fromE2031151, 851000, 'Match', 'Blitz', 'Acoma',
'Francesca', 'Baronie', or DRW 5719. The largest variety
was 'Trust', averaging 10.3 ounces; this was significantly
larger than all other varieties. The grape variety, 'Azizia'
was smallest (1.2 ounces), as would be expected. How-
ever, several other varieties were very small, perhaps too
small for the American beefsteak market. These include
'Gabriella'(5.8 ounces), 'Dakota' (5.0 ounces), 'Acoma'
(5.1 ounces), 851000 (4.5 ounces), and 'Romana' (3.7
ounces).
There were many differences in physiological disor-
ders among the 20 varieties tested. No significant differ-
ences were found in poor skin quality, zipper scar, skin
splitting, or green fruit remaining at the end of the crop.
Also, there was not enough occurrence in striping, so it
was not analyzed.
The variety with the greatest number of small fruit
was 'Azizia', the grape variety. These were undersized
even for a grape type. For the beefsteaks, 'Dakota',
'Acoma', and 851000 had significantly more small fruit
than the other varieties.
TABLE 2A. PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDERS OF FRUIT FROM A FALL 2000-SPRING 2001
GREENHOUSE TOMATO VARIETY TRIAL
Rough Poor Radial Concentric Russetted Zipper Split
Variety Small shape skin cracks cracks skin 
scar skin
no no no no no no no no
Trust 232 def 78 def 40 67ab 1 bc 28 ghijk 8 12
Blitz (3558) 282 def 118 bcd 44 80 a 1 bc 75 bcd 
6 22
Match 323 def 92 bcde 48 65 ab 4 bc 45 efgh 
4 23
Quest 262 def 100 bcde 60 70 ab 0 c 13 ijk 
4 2
DRW5719 328 def 84 cdef 60 82 a 1 bc 28 ghijk 2 
2
Mississippi 168 f 124 abc 60 82 a 0 c 
37 fghij 4 6
Baronie 215 ef 100 bcde 42 40 abc 1 bc 46 defgh 
6 2
Mariachi (RZ 74-56) 201 ef 98 bcde 37 36 abc 0 c 37 fghij 
4 4
Azizia 1964 a 44 fg 54 0 c 0 c 1 k 2 
6
Electra 354 de 164 a 42 70 a 0 bc 18 
hijk 2 4
Colette 343 def 118 bcd 60 30 abc 3 bc 60 cdef 0 
3
Francesca 270 def 130 ab 44 66 ab 0 bc 36 fghij 
8 2
Belladona 187 ef 136 ab 28 80 a 2 bc 12 jk 
4 8
Gabriela 536 c 58 efg 68 32 abc 2 bc 
41 efghi 2 2
E2031151 275 def 104 bcd 80 80 a 3 bc 26 
ghijk 4 1
Dakota (8805270) 1092 b 78 def 102 12 bc 4 bc 78 
bc 8 4
Acoma (879219) 974 b 58 efg 96 2 c 5 b 70 cde 
1 2
Romana (851022) 408 cd 15 g 56 0 c 4 bc 296 
a 0 6
851000 1064 b 45 fg 63 3 c 4 bc 
54 cdefg 5 1
8700816 226 ef 98 bcde 60 74 a 11 a 
101 b 0 16
signif. ** ** NS * * 
** NS NS
Isd 180 45 47 57 5 
30 7 14
1 Yields are based on 12-plant plots. 2 Mean separation is by least significant difference; 
** indicates significant at p <
0.01; * indicates p < 0.05; NS indicates not significant at p=0.05.
16 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 
17
'Electra' had the most rough fruit, closely followed by
'Mississippi', 'Francesca', and 'Belladona'. 'Romana' had
the least rough fruit.
While not statistically significant, 'Dakota' had the
most fruit with poor quality skin.
Radial cracking was worse with DRW 5719, 'Missis-
sippi', 'Belladona', and 8700816. There was no radial
cracking at all in 'Azizia' and 'Romana', and very little in
'Acoma' and 851000.
Concentric cracking was higher in 8700816 than all
other varieties. No concentric cracking was found in
'Quest', 'Mississippi', 'Mariachi', 'Azizia', 'Electra', or
'Francesca'.
Russetting was higher in 'Romana' than all other
varieties. 8700816 was also quite high in russetted fruit.
'Azizia' had the least russetting.
While not statistically different, 'Trust',
'Francesca', and 'Dakota' had numerically more zip-
per scar than the other varieties. 'Colette' had no zip-
per scar.
Differences among varieties for skin splitting were
not statistically significant either. However, 'Match' and
'Blitz' had the most, followed by 'Trust'.
Green shoulder was more evident in 'Azizia' and
'Romana' than all other varieties. 'Belladona' had the least,
but 'Quest' was also very low in green shoulder.
Very few fruit of any variety exhibited catfacing prob-
lems. However, 'Francesca' had significantly more than
the other varieties.
'Dakota' had more irregular ripening than any of the
other varieties. 'Colette', 'Acoma', and 851000 also had
some irregular ripening problems.
There were significantly more puffy fruit in DRW
5719 than any other variety. Puffy fruit was also evident,
to a lesser degree, in 'Blitz', 'Match', 'Quest', 'Colette',
8700816. This was not a major problem for any variety.
There were significantly more fruit with blossom-end
rot in E2031151 and 'Dakota' than the other varieties.
However, this was not a serious problem in any variety.
'Blitz' and 'Match' had significantlymore soft fruit than
the other varieties. But this was not a serious defect in any
variety.
At the end of the experiment, any remaining green
fruit on the plants were removed and counted. This num-
ber can indicate whether there would have been much
more yield if the crop had been extended longer. There
TABLE 2B. PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDERS OF FRUIT FROM A FALL 2000-SPRING 2001
GREENHOUSE TOMATO VARIETY TRIAL
1
Green Cat Irregular Blossom
Variety shoulder face ripening Puffy 
end rot Soft Green
no no no no no no 
no
Trust 80 e 0 c 10 e 68 cdefg 
2 cd 20 bc 30
Blitz (3558) 138 bcd 0 c 42 e 90 bcd 1 
cd 23 ab 26
Match 98 cde 2 bc 14 e 96 bc 
0 d 24 a 55
Quest 62 ef 2 bc 34 e 
87 bcde 1 d 8 cde 36
DRW5719 107 cde 3 bc 26 e 146 a 
0 d 8 cde 32
Mississippi 106 cde 2 bc 74 de 60 defgh 
4 cd 8 cde 31
Baronie 136 bcd 2 bc 78 cde 60 defgh 8 bc 
16 bcd 48
Mariachi (RZ 74-56) 85 e 2 bc 44 de 60 defgh 1 
cd 6 cde 49
Azizia 334 a 0 c 12 e 30 hi 
4 cd 3 de 47
Electra 92 de 2 bc 52 de 36 fgh 
6 cd 2e 58
Colette 159 b 6b 162 bc 107 b 
1 cd 6 cde 58
Francesca 91de 10 a 24 e 40 fgh 2 cd 
3 de 55
Belladona 24 f 2 bc 18 e 
33 ghi 2 cd 1 e 44
Gabriela 145bc Ic 48 de 54 
efgh 2 cd 3 de 51
E2031151 95 de 2 bc 19 e 70 cdef 
20 a 4 de 38
Dakota (8805270) 103 cde 1c 290 a 67 cdefg 
14 ab 3 de 48
Acoma (879219) 97 cde 0 c 130 bcd 
62 cdefgh 1 cd 0 e 54
Romana (851022) 295 a 0 c 44 de 0 i 
4 cd 0 e 46
851000 98 cde 0 c 195 b 56 defgh 
6 cd 2 e 44
8700816 138 bcd 0 c 14 e 121 ab 
2 cd 6 cde 41
signif.
2  
** * ** ** ** ** 
NS
Isd 50 4 87 35 
8 14 37
SYields are based on 12-plant plots.
2 
Mean separation is by least significant difference; ** indicates 
significant at p <
0.01; * indicates p < 0.05; NS indicates not significant at p=0.05.
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 17
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
were no significant differences in numbers of green fruit
remaining.
In summary, any of the following varieties would be
considered relatively high yielding: 'Belladona', E2031151,
'Trust', 'Quest', 'Match', 'Mariachi', DRW 5719,
'Francesca', 'Electra', 'Romana', 'Baronie', or 'Blitz'.
Of these varieties, however, 'Belladona' had more fruit
that were rough and with radial cracking; E2031151 had
more fruit with blossom-end rot (though not a high num-
ber); DRW 5719 had more fruit with puffiness and radial
cracks; 'Francesca' had more fruit with catfacing (though
not a high number) and rough shape; 'Electra' had more
fruit with rough shape; and 'Romana' had more green
shouldered fruit as well as a severe russetting problem.
The quality of fruit from 'Trust', 'Quest', 'Match',
'Mariachi', 'Baronie', and 'Blitz' was quite good, judg-
ing by the absence of the various physiological disor-
ders recorded. Any of these would be good choices for
greenhouse tomato growers, especially in the climate of
the southeastern United States.
18
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 
19
Thrips Populations in
Summer Tomatoes
,
-'. 
3'
!'
_,1
. .. " Lf 
.,, f 
\
i
-_ :t
-- -, 
,l
L
Affected by Plastic Mulch
Kent Cushman, Jack Reed, and Thomas Horgan
Four cultivars of tomato and two types of plastic
mulch were compared during 2001 at the North Missis-
sippi Research and Extension Center (Table 1). This study
was conducted in part due to the high incidence of To-
mato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) in Mississippi during
1999 and 2000.
Plants of each cultivar were planted in raised beds
covered with either white-on-black or silverized plastic
mulch. The silverized mulch used in this study was not a
highly reflective mulch, but rather it appeared gray in
color. Thrips populations have been reported to be re-
duced on tomato plants grown on silverized mulches com-
pared to plants grown on black plastic mulch.
TABLE 2. THRIPS POPULATIONS BY CULTIVAR Al
V
Flower thrips 1 Tobacco thrips 
2  
flow
Thrips per plant (May 23 to June 18) Th
Cultivar
Mt Spring 0.18 2.41
BHN 444 0.43 1.25
Equinox 0.41 3.00
BHN 555 0.24 2.83
r
2
CV
Isd NS NS
Plastic mulch
White 0.16 4.24
Silver 0.48 0.37
r
2  
0.12 0.23
CV 215 215
Isd 0.37 1.27
1 Flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis and 
F tritici).
2 Tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca).
3 Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).
4 Eastern flower thrips (Frankliniella tritici).
5 Least Significant Difference (LSD) at P=O.05. Treatments n(
TABLE 1. CULTIVAR SOURCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
TSWV Heat
Cultivar Source tolerant tolerant
Mountain Spring Syngenta No No
BHN 444 BHNSeed Yes No
Equinox Agrisales No Yes
BHN 555 BHNSeed Yes Yes
The experimental design was a split plot with four
replications. The main plot was mulch and the subplot
was cultivar. Cultivars were transplanted to the field on
May 18. Normal fertilization and pest control practices
were followed for tomato
production in Missis-
ND PLASTIC MULCH 
sippi.
Vestern Eastern 
Each plot was three
Ser thrips
3  
flower thrips 4 rows wide and 
10 feet
rips per 10 blooms (July 18) long. Plants were spaced
2 feet apart within rows,
making a total of 15 plants
4.50 2.62 per plot. 
The two outside
4.57 5.29
6.38 
4.88 rows, 
a total of 10 plants,
9.00 9.57 
were harvested for 
yield
determinations, and the
middle row, of five plants,
NS NS was reserved for flower
and leaf removal and sub-
sequent determination of
9.7 9.3 thrips 
populations. Plant
1.9 1.1
0.78 
0.65 
beds were spaced 
6 feet
65.6 
108 apart, 
center to center.
7.4 7.3 Plants were 
sampled
by visual examination of
all leaves on the plants
and the numbers of adult
thrips were counted.
ot significantly different (NS). Thrips on foliage were not
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 19
20 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
collected, but were identified on the plants by color (dark
= tobacco thrips [Frankliniella fusca]; light = flower
thrips, a combination of western flower thrips [F
occidentalis] and flower thrips [F tritici]). Plants were
not damaged and leaves were not removed. After plants
began flowering uniformly, 10 blooms per plot were
strongly thumped with a finger over a white pan to dis-
lodge thrips, and thrips were vacuumed into a vial with a
battery-powered aspirator. Vials containing thrips were
taken to the laboratory for identification under magnifi-
cation (dissection microscope). Some of the thrips from
blooms were mounted on microscope slides to further
verify identifications made under the dissection micro-
scope.
Tomato fruits were harvested once a week begin-
ning July 19 and ending August 16 for a total of five
harvests. Tomatoes were separated into marketable or un-
marketable with marketable tomatoes further separated into
size categories ofjumbo, extra large, large, or medium.
Incidence of TSWV in this experiment was very low
(two plants out of a total of 480) and incidence of TSWV
throughout our region was generally reported to be very
low during 2001. The main plot factor of plastic mulch
significantly affected thrips populations (Table 2). On
young plants, there were few flower thrips present, but of
those present there was a significantly greater number of
flower thrips detected on plants grown on silver mulch
than on plants grown on white mulch. In contrast, there
was a greater number of tobacco thrips present than flower
thrips, and there was a significantly greater number of
tobacco thrips on plants grown on white mulch than on
plants grown on silver mulch. Later in the season, one
day prior to first harvest, flower thrips were more numer-
ous, and there appeared to be a significantly greater num-
ber on plants grown on white mulch than on plants grown
on silver mulch. These results were consistent for the
two species of flower thrips, Frankliniella tritici and F
occidentalis.
The subplot factor of cultivar did not affect thrips
populations. In addition, cultivar did not affect total yield
(Table 3). Percent marketable yield, however, was signifi-
cantly lower for BHN 555 than the three other cultivars.
BHN 555 also had significantly greater yield of tomatoes
in the jumbo category than 'Mountain Spring' or 'Equi-
nox' and it had significantly greater size (ounces per fruit)
than 'Equinox'.
TABLE 3. YIELD, PERCENT MARKETABLE, AND AVERAGE WEIGHT OF TOMATOES
1
Total marketable 
2  
-Jumbo -Extra large- - Large- -Medium-
lb s % lb s oz/fruit lb s oz/fruit lb s oz/fruit lbs oz/fruit
Cultivar
Mt Spring 154 82 15 15.3 111 9.6 20 6.0 9 4.3
BHN 444 175 79 20 15.7 132 9.7 16 6.2 7 4.6
Equinox 161 80 14 14.9 120 9.5 20 6.0 7 4.6
BHN 555 159 70 24 15.8 115 10.0 14 6.1 6 4.7
r
2  
0.73 0.64 0.52
CV 5 40 4.0
Isd NS 4 8 0.7 NS NS NS NS NS NS
Plastic mulch
White 168 78 20 15.3 124 9.7 17 6.1 7 4.2
Silver 157 78 16 15.5 115 9.7 18 6.1 7 4.9
r
2
CV
Isd NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
1 Values are means of four replications of 10 plants per replication.
2 Values are means of four replications of 10 plants per replication.
1 
Values are means of four replications of 10 plants
per replication Total marketable yield (Ib) is the sum of jumbo, extra large, large, and medium. Total marketable (%) is
the relative number of marketable tomatoes as a percentage of total number harvested (marketable plus unmarket-
able).
20 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
21
Triploid Watermelon
Cultivar Evaluation,
Summer 2001
Richard G. Snyder, Peter Hudson, Kent Cushman, and Thomas Horgan
Fourteen varieties of triploid (seedless) watermelon
were included in a variety trial at the Truck Crops Branch
Station in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, in the summer of
2001. A similar evaluation was conducted at the North
Mississippi Branch Station at Verona, Mississippi.
Seed of 20 varieties of triploid watermelon were
planted in the greenhouse on April 9, 2001. All test vari-
eties were red fleshed with a Crimson Sweet rind pattern,
and stated by the seed companies to be in the 12 to 20
pound size class. Seed sources are shown in Table 1. Of
these 20 varieties, five did not have high enough germi-
nation in the greenhouse, so were not included in the
field trial. Germination percentages were recorded.
To insure good pollination, 'Charleston Grey' was
selected as a pollinizer variety. This variety has a differ-
ent appearance than the triploids being tested, which
avoided confusion during harvest. 'Charleston Grey' was
seeded on April 3 to be sure it was established and flow-
ering before pollen would be needed by the other variet-
ies.
Pollinizer plants were transplanted to the field on
April23 and triploids were transplanted on April 30. Plants
were arranged in a randomized complete block design
with four replications. Plants were spaced 2.5 feet apart
within the row, and 6 feet apart between rows (15 square
feet per plant), with 10 plants per plot. This is equivalent
to a plant population of 2,904 plants per acre. 'Charleston
Grey' was planted 5 feet apart within the row (30 square
feet per plant), with five plants per plot, due to its vigor,
which is higher than the triploids.
The pollinizer variety was planted in every other plot
in each block using a checkerboard pattern to be certain
that pollen was well distributed among test varieties. Also,
two honey bee hives were placed adjacent to the field to
be sure that bee population was adequate.
The soil at the Truck Crops Station is a fine-silty,
mixed, thermic Typic Fragiudalf. The rows were estab-
lished on raised beds and were covered with black plastic
TABLE 1. PERCENTAGE GERMINATION OF VARIETIES
Entry Seed source Percentage
germination'
Constitution Sunseeds 95.8
Cooperstown Seminis 
69.4
Crimson Trio Rogers 79.2
Diamond Hollar 76.4
Gem Dandy Willhite 83.3
Millionaire Harris Moran 91.7
Seedway 4502 Seedway 69.4
Summer Sweet 5244 Abbott & Cobb 70.8
Summer Sweet 5544 Abbott & Cobb 66.7
SWT8705 Sakata 70.8
Tri-X Brand 313 American Sunmelon 78.1
Diamond
Tri-X-Carousel American Sunmelon 72.2
Willhite 4830 Willhite 77.8
Wrigley Seminis 59.7
Percentage germination is a ratio of seeds germinated
to seeds planted; these data are not replicated.
mulch with trickle irrigation tubing beneath (rated at 0.5
gallons per 100 feet at 10 psi). Plants were hand planted
through holes cut in the mulch. Preplant and sidedressing
fertilizer were applied according to the results of a soil
test performed at the Mississippi State University Soil
Testing Lab, with sidedressings applied via drip tape.
Harvest began on July 6 and concluded on August
3. Each melon was weighed individually. Data collected
included total and marketable numbers and weights of
fruit. Fruit smaller than 5 pounds were considered unmar-
ketable. Percentage early was calculated from marketable
weights of fruit harvested on the first of six harvest dates.
In addition, fruit Brix (soluble solids) was recorded
on two dates. On each date, one mature fruit per plot was
cut and three samples were drawn from near the center.
The three readings from each fruit were averaged. Brix
was read with a hand held refractometer.
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 21
C-7 
7
22 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
Data were analyzed by general linear means, with
mean separation by Least Significant Difference.
Germination ranged from 11 to 96%. Varieties that
germinated less than 60% were not included in this trial;
therefore, five varieties were eliminated from the original
20. Seed from another variety was not received in time to
include it. Germination percentages are shown in Table 1.
'Constitution' and 'Millionaire' had the best germination,
with 96% and 92%, respectively. These data were not
replicated.
There were no significant differences in marketable
numbers or weights, total numbers or weights, or per-
centage early yield. However, there were clear trends,
though not statistically significant (Table 2). 'Gem Dandy'
was highest in marketable and total weights and numbers
(47,891 pounds per acre total and 47,266 pounds per acre
marketable weights). Other varieties very close in yield to
'Gem Dandy' were 'Millionaire' (45,288 pounds per acre
marketable weight), 'Summer Sweet 5244' (42,783 pounds
per acre marketable weight), and 'Crimson Trio' (42,751
pounds per acre marketable weight). 'Constitution' also
had quite high marketable numbers (4,066 melons per
acre). This shows some agreements with the 2000 trial, in
which 'Constitution', 'Millionaire', and 'Gem Dandy' were
among the best yielding varieties. There were significant
differences in percentage early harvest, with 'Seedway
4502' the earliest (48%), followed by 'Diamond' (47%)
and 'Tri-X Carousel' (43%).' Diamond' was also early
last year.
All varieties averaged 12 to 14.5 pounds in size, when
fruit smaller than 10 pounds was not included in the size
calculation. 'Seedway 4502' was the largest, at 14.5
pounds, followed by 'Tri-X 313' at 14.3 pounds, and 'Gem
Dandy' at 13.8 pounds. 'Cooperstown' was the smallest,
averaging 12.0 pounds.
Soluble solids, an indication of sweetness, was not sig-
nificantly different among varieties. However, 'Crimson Trio'
and 'Tri-X Carousel' were the sweetest, with Brix measure-
ments of 13.2 and 13.1, respectively. All of the watermelon
varieties tested would be considered sweet, with the full
range from 11.9 to 13.2. There was a very low incidence of
hollow heart and rind necrosis in some fruit, though these
traits did not appear to be consistent in any variety.
TABLE 2. YIELD, FRUIT SIZE, EARLINESS, AND QUALITY OF TRIPLOID WATERMELON VARIEITES
Early Soluble
Variety -Total yield- Marketable yield harvest
2  
Size solids content 3
Ib s/ac no/ac lbs/ac no/ac % lbs %
Constitution 41,756 4,211 41,171 4,066 33.4 12.6 12.8
Cooperstown 35,661 3,703 34,819 3,485 27.8 12.0 12.3
Crimson Trio 44,025 4,138 42,783 3,703 25.1 12.9 13.2
Diamond 42,711 4,066 41,858 3,848 47.1 13.1 12.2
Gem Dandy 47,891 4,429 47,266 4,283 38.9 13.8 12.9
Millionaire 45,723 4,356 45,288 4,211 16.8 12.8 12.4
Seedway 4502 38,304 3,194 37,425 2,977 48.0 14.5 11.9
Summer Sweet 5244 44,079 4,429 42,751 4,066 30.3 12.6 12.3
Summer Sweet 5544 42,072 3,848 40,961 3,557 33.1 13.3 12.6
SWT8705 39,429 3,775 37,788 3,340 25.3 13.4 12.4
Tri-X Brand 313 38,340 3,122 36,903 2,759 35.8 14.3 12.6
Diamond
Tri-X-Carousel 39,349 3,557 38,892 3,412 43.4 12.8 13.1
Willhite 4830 34,521 3,775 32,655 3,194 29.7 12.6 12.5
Wrigley 37,857 3,703 37,237 3,557 28.1 12.7 12.7
Isd (P=0.05) 
4  
NS NS NS NS NS * NS
1 Yield and size of melons based on melons greater than five pounds. Yield based on plant population of 2904 plants
per acre (15 square feet per plant). Rows spaced six feet apart with plants 2.5 feet apart in the row. Least squares
means are reported for fruit size.
2 Percentage early by weight. Approximately 40% of the total marketable yield was considered "early" by selecting
harvest dates.
3 Average of three samples from each of four replications. Least squares means reported.
4 Least Significant Difference (Isd) at P=0.05. Treatments not 
significantly different (ns).
22 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 
23
Results of the 2001
Sweetpotato
Collaborators' Trial
J''
L_..1
r-I
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Arnold Caylor
The national sweetpotato collaborator's trial was con-
ducted at the North Alabama Horticulture Research Cen-
ter in Cullman, Alabama (Table 1). The standard cultivar
'Beauregard' was used as a check.
Sweetpotatoes were planted on June 14. Fertilization
consisted of a preplant application of ammonium nitrate
at a rate of 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre on May 8.
Sweetpotato slips were transplanted onto single row plots
25 feet long and 3.5 feet wide with a within row spacing of
1 foot.
Fertilizer was applied according to the recommenda-
tions of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory.
Names of chemicals are mentioned only for describing
the production practices used. This represents neither a
recommendation nor an endorsement of these products.
Current recommendations for pest and weed control in
vegetable production in Alabama may be found in IPM
TABLE 2. TOTAL PRODUCTION AND GRADE DISTRI
SWEETPOTATO VARIETIES
1
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2001
SWEETPOTATO VARIETY TRIALS
1
Location NAHRC
Weather 5
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 5
1
See introduction for a descr
Commercial Vegetables: Ins
Weed Control Recommendati
2 from the Alabama Coopera
Sweetpotatoes were harv
were graded as US #1 (roots 2
to 9 inches in length, well si
BUTION OF SELECTED
Selection US #1 Canner Jumbo Cull Total marketable US #1
bu/ac bu/ac bu/ac bu/ac bu/ac %
Beaugard 578 312 30 19 920 65
NC97A-04 256 465 0 62 721 35
L94-96 85 292 0 41 376 13
W334 82 329 0 130 410 20
W365 65 249 0 99 313 21
MS152 62 385 0 96 448 15
W311 55 223 0 174 277 20
L97-96 50 311 0 38 361 14
W28 42 212 0 44 255 16
W375 24 247 0 64 271 7
W352 17 193 0 37 210 8
W346 11 188 0 60 199 6
W366 5 161 0 49 167 3
MSK39 4 118 0 25 121 3
r
2  
0.94 0.45 0.32 0.50 0.78 0.90
CV 48 48 636 78 40 39
Isd 85 230 - 99 267 14
1 Based on 50-pound bushels per acre.
iption of rating scales.
ect, Disease, Nematode and
ons (Publication 2002IPM-
tive Extension System).
Tested on October 24. Roots
to 2.5 inches in diameter, 3
haped and free of defects),
canner (roots 1 to 2
inched in diameter, 2 to 7
inches in length), jumbo
(roots that exceed the di-
ameter, length and weight
requirements of the US #1
grade, but that are of mar-
ketable quality), or cull
(roots at least 1 inch in
diameter but so mis-
shapen and unattractive
that they cannot be clas-
sified as marketable.
Marketable yield was
calculated by adding the
yields of the US #1, can-
ner and jumbo grades.
Percent US #1 was calcu-
lated by dividing the yield
of the US #1 grade by the
marketable yield (Table 2).
Mil *
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 23
24 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
Results of the 2001
Southernpea
Cooperative Trials
PL
,,/ f
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge
Replicated and observational southernpea coopera-
tive trials were conducted at the Brewton Experimental
Field (BEF) in Brewton, Alabama (Table 1). The purpose
of these trials was to evaluate the performance of
southernpea cultigens that have to been released.
Southernpeas were planted onto bareground plots
that were 20 feet long and 3 feet wide on July 3. Plots had
a within-row spacing of 1 foot. Overhead irrigation was
used. Preplant fertilizer (5-10-15) was applied at a rate of
800 pound per acre.
Southernpeas were harvested as needed between
August 28 and September 6 when 80 percent of the pods
were dry. To estimate yield and to compensate for differ-
ent percentages of dry and mature green pods, all peas
shelled from each plot were placed into containers with
water to allow the dry ones to soak up water (imbibe)
overnight. Comparisons are then more realistic since all
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2001
SOUTHERNPEA COOPERATIVE TRIAL
Location BEF
Weather 5
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
peas are at the same moisture level. Imbibed weights are
estimates of mature green, shelled weight yield (Table 2.).
Bushels of fresh, in-pod yield per acre may be estimated
by multiplying the imbibed weight by 2 (assuming an aver-
age shellout of 50 percent) and dividing it by 25 (the average
weight of a bushel of fresh, unshelled southerpeas).
TABLE 2. YIELD OF SELECTED ENTRIES IN THE 2001 
REPLICATED AND
OBSERVATIONAL SOUTHERNPEA COOPERATOR'S 
TRIAL
Entry Days to Number of Hand shell- In-pod 
shell- Imbibed
harvest harvests out yield ed yield yield
% lb/ac lb/ac
Replicated Test
ARK 92-574 62 1 77 
1,090 1,456
ARK 96-918 64 1 65 
1,611 1,570
ARK BE #1 54 1 70 
3,433 2,815
Coronet 57 1 67 
4,075 2,880
Early Acre 62 1 65 2,074 
1,830
LA 92-180 62 1 76 
2,001 2,522
LA 96-21 54 1 69 
2,953 2,514
Mississippi Silver 64 1 43 3,685 
3,042
TX 128BE 54 1 70 3,083 
2,603
TX 139CRM 64 1 76 
1,497 1,798
TX 148PE 57 1 62 
4,238 2,693
TX 149PE 62 1 64 
2,668 2,375
TX 159BE 54 1 
73 1,879 2,123
TX 164PE 57 1 
66 3,807 2,636
continued
24 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
25
TABLE 2, CONTINUED. YIELD OF SELECTED ENTRIES IN THE 2001 REPLICATED
AND OBSERVATIONAL SOUTHERNPEA COOPERATOR'S TRIAL
Entry Days to Number of Hand shell- In-pod shell- Imbibed
harvest harvests out yield ed yield yield
% lb/ac lb/ac
US-1033 62 1 73 2,790 3,042
US-1035 64 1 68 3,254 3,376
US-1036 64 1 62 3,091 2,839
US-904 57 1 55 4,588 2,530
r
2  
0.71 0.50
CV 25 24
Isd 1,073 833
Observational Test
US-1031 64 1 1,867 2,031
US-1032 62 1 1,573 
2,064
US-1068 64 1 1,278 1,802
US-1069 64 1 1,966 1,638
US-1070 64 1 2,064 1,769
ARK 96-1022 57 1 2,359 1,736
ARK 98-348 64 1 1,409 
1,474
ARK 95-356 62 1 2,293 2,785
TX 123BE 62 1 2,588 2,621
TX 158BE 54 1 4,095 
2,654
TX 160BE 57 1 5,013 2,293
TX 158PE 54 1 3,309 2,195
LA 92-86 62 1 2,424 
2,457
LA 95-62 62 1 2,424 2,359
LA 96-7 54 1 2,031 2,097
Coronet 77 1 4,521 
3,276
ARK BE #1 54 1 3,735 3,309
Early Acre 62 1 2,326 1,900
FALL 2001 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 25
26 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
Seed Sources for Alabama 
Trials
Abbot and Cobb, Inc.
To order: (800) 345-SEED
In TX: (800) 277-8177
Tech. Rep: Russ Becham
4517 Tilman Bluff Road
Valdosta, GA 31602
Fax: (912) 249-8135
Johnny's Select Seeds
To order: (207) 437-4395
Tech. Rep: Steve Woodward
1 Foss Hill Road 2580
RR 1 Box 2580
Albion, ME 04910-9731
Fax: (800) 437-4290
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
Ph: (717) 367-1075
Fax: (717) 367-0387
E-mail: info@seedway.com
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
Sunseeds
Richard Wojciak
12214 Lacewood Lane
Wellington, Florida 33414_4983
Phone : 561 791 9061
Fax: 561798 4915
Mobile: 561 3712023
richard.wojciak@sunseeds.com
Willhite
To order: (800) 828-1840
Tech. Rep: Don Dobbs
P.O. Box 23
Poolville, TX 76487
Fax: (817) 599-5843
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION26
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 mem-
bers 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 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 publication process for the
next regional bulletin (spring 2002).
When: September 25, 2002
Deadline for spring 2002 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 first eight regional bulletins.
* Include author's complete mailing address, e-mail address, and phone num-
ber.
* Follow your own unit's internal review process. Contributions will be ed-
ited, 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:
evinson@acesag.auburn.edu, or
jkemble@acesag.auburn.edu
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
1 North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona, 
MS
2 Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station, Crystal Springs, MS
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
3 Cunningham Research Station, Kinston, NC
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
4 Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center, Crossville, AL
5 North Alabama Horticulture Research Center, Cullman, AL
6 E.V. Smith Research Center, Shorter, AL
7 Brewton Experiment Field, Brewton, AL
8 Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, Fairhope, AL
_ _