Contents
page Authors........................................................................................................................................................................4 Tips to Interpret Results on Vegetable Variety Performance ......................................................................................5 Lettuce Trial Exhibits Butterhead, Leaf and Romaine Types in Brewton ..................................................................7 High Yields Found Among Top Performing Leafy Green Varieties ..........................................................................9 Pumpkin Numbers Down This Year ......................................................................................................................... 11 In Eggplant Trial, ‘Black Bell’ and ‘Epic’ Perform Well During Early and Late Season Harvests ..........................13 2004 Hot Pepper Trials Continue at Brewton ...........................................................................................................15 Results of the 2004 National Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial................................................................................17 Seed Sources .............................................................................................................................................................19

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 Joe Kemble Associate Professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist Department of Horticulture Auburn University, AL (334) 844-3050 kemblejm@auburn.edu Edgar Vinson Research Associate III Department of Horticulture Auburn University, AL (334) 844-8494 vinsoed@auburn.edu Larry Wells Superintendent Wiregrass Research and Extension Center (334) 693-2363

Introduction: Tips for Interpreting Vegetable Varieties Performance Results
Edgar Vinson and Joe Kemble The fall 2004 variety trial bulletin includes results from research and extension centers in southern, central and northern Alabama. 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. 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 pumpkin trial conducted at the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (see “Pumpkin Numbers Down This Year”, p. 11), ‘Autumn King’ yielded 33,578 pounds per acre, while ‘Phantom’ and ‘Rocket’ yielded 30,871 and 15,482 pounds per acre, respectively. Since there was less than a 13,865 difference between ‘Autumn King’ and ‘Phantom’, there is no statistical difference between these two varieties. However, the yield difference between ‘Autumn King’ and ‘Rocket’ was 18,096, 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, fertilizer rates, and detailed spray schedule are provided to help producers compare their own practices to the standard one used in the trials and make Statistical interpretation. The coefficient of determination relevant adjustments. (r2), coefficient of variation (CV) and least significant difference (LSD, 5%) are reported for each test. These num- Ratings of trials. At each location, variety trials were bers are helpful in separating the differences due to small rated on a 1 to 5 scale, based on weather conditions, plots (sampling error) and true (but unknown) differences fertilization, irrigation, pest pressure and overall perforamong entries. mance (Table 2). Results from trials with ratings of 2 R2 values range between 0 and 1. Values close to 1 and under are not reported. These numbers may be used suggest that the test was conducted under good conditions to interpret differences in performance from location to and most of the variability observed was mainly due to the location. The overall rating may be used to give more effect of variety and replication. Random, uncontrolled er- importance to the results of variety performance under rors were of lesser importance. CV is an expression of yield good growing conditions.

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

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, page 19. 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 will provide 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 2004 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

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Letteuce Trial Exhibits Butterhead, Leaf, and Romaine Types in Brewton
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge A lettuce variety trial was conducted at the Brewton Agriculture Research Unit (BARU) in Brewton, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2). Beds were covered with white plastic mulch and drip irrigation was used. On October 14, five-week-old butterhead, looseleaf, and romaine type lettuce transplants were set in double staggered rows spaced 12 inches apart with a 12-inch spacing within a row. Plots were covered in white plastic mulch and drip irrigation was installed. Plots were 20 feet long on five-foot centers. This created a stand of approximately 8,700 plants per acre. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Fertilization consisted of weekly, alternating injections of calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate at a rate of 30 pounds N per acre on October 25 and November 15. Fertilizers were applied according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. Pesticides were applied weekly to control fungal, insect, and weed pests. Consult your county Extension agent for current recommendations for pest and weed control in vegetable production in Alabama.
Table 1. Ratings of the 2004 Lettuce Variety Trial1
Location Weather Fertility Irrigation Pests Overall
1

BARU 4 5 5 5 5

See introduction for description of ratings scales

Lettuce was harvested on December 1 and graded according to the U.S. Standards for Grades (U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture Publication 60-6130) (Table 3). Of the butterhead types ‘Louisa’ had significantly higher yields than all other lettuce varieties of this type. ‘Louisa’ has an upright plant habit for a butterhead type with green, red-tinged leaves especially at the region of new growth at the top. ‘Harmony’ had the second highest marketable yield of the butterhead types. Like ‘Louisa’, ‘Harmony’ had an upright plant habit but with light green, glossy leaves.

Table 2. Seed Source, Earliness, and Disease Claims of Selected Lettuce Varieties
Variety Optima Nancy Esmeralda Tania Harmony Athena Louisa New Red Fire Slobolt Tango Green Towers Parris Island Red Eye
1

Head type Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Romaine Butterhead Looseleaf Looseleaf Looseleaf Romaine Romaine Romaine

Seed source Vilmorin\Sieger’s Johnny’s Siegers Harris Shamrock Enza Zaden/Siegers Harris Takii Siegers Johnny’s Harris Stokes Stokes

Days to harvest 55 66 65 65 68 63 56 55 57 45 74 65 •

Leaf color G R G G G G G-R R G G G G R

Disease claims1 DM,LMV — DM,LMV DM B,DM,TB CRR,DM,LMV,TB — — TB TB •

Years evaluated 95-97,02-04 96,97,02-04 02-04 02-04 02-04 02-04 02-04 95,96,02-04 96,97,02-04 98,02-04 02-04 96,97,02-04 02-04

Disease claims: B=Bolting; CRR=Cork Root Rot; DM=Downy Milder; LMV=Lettuce Mosaic Virus; TB = Tip Burn. • = not found,— = none; from seed catalog.

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

In the looseleaf category, ‘Tango’ had a marketable yield significantly higher than ‘Slobolt’ and ‘New Red Fire’. ‘Tango’ has a mound shaped plant habit with bunched and crinkly leaves. ‘Athena’ and ‘Green Tower’ produced the highest yields of the four romaine lettuce types in the trial. Both varieties have medium green, glossy leaves.

Table 3. Performance of Selected Romaine, Butterhead, and Looseleaf Lettuce Types
Variety Louisa Harmony Nancy Optima Tania Esmeralda Tango Slobolt New Red Fire Athena Green Tower Parris Island Red Eye r2 CV LSD Type Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Butterhead Looseleaf Looseleaf Looseleaf Romaine Romaine Romaine Romaine Marketable Weight lbs/a 21,822 20,383 18,418 17,197 17,149 16,335 20,143 16,911 15,521 20,167 19,808 16,144 15,785 0.42 11 868 Marketable Heads #/a 13,718 13,501 13,065 12,194 13,646 12,847 13,283 13,501 13,936 13,501 13,283 9,799 12,412 0.25 23 1,108

FALL 2004 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS

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High Yields Found among Top Performing Leafy Green Varieties
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge A leafy green variety trial was conducted at the Brewton Agricultural Research Unit (BARU) in Brewton, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2). Collard and turnip greens were seeded mechanically with a small planter on September 24 into plots that were 20 feet long and four feet wide. Collard and turnip seeds were spaced six inches apart. The harvest area for each plot was 15 feet long and four feet wide. Experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Fertilization was applied according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. Consult your county Extension agent for current recommendations for pest and weed control in vegetable production in Alabama. The ground was tilled with a roto tiller and received a preplant application of 60 pounds of N as ammonium nitrate on September 23. Fertilization of consisted of weekly applications of calcium (at a rate of six pounds of N) from September 24 until harvest. Pesticides were applied on October 27.
Table 1. Ratings of the 2004 Leafy Greens Variety Trial1
Location Weather Fertility Irrigation Pests Overall
1

BARU 5 4 5 5 5

See introduction for description of ratings scales

Leafy greens were harvested when they reached marketable size (Table 3). Turnip leaves were harvested on November 15, 2004, and collard plants were harvested on December 6, 2004. Yields were expressed in 30pound bushels. Among the collard varieties, ‘Flash’ was almost twice as productive as ‘Hevi-crop’ and the standard varies Vates and Champion produced almost twice the number of bushels per acre. Both Flash and ‘Top Bunch’ produced yields that were significantly higher than the other varieties.

Table 2. Seed Source and Earliness of Selected Leafy Green Varieties
Variety Champion Flash Heavi-Crop Top Bunch Vates All Top Purple Top White Globe Seven Top Topper White Lady
1

Type1 OP F1 F1 F1 OP F1 OP OP F1 F1

Crop Collard Collard Collard Collard Collard Turnip Turnip Turnip Turnip Turnip

Seed source Harris A&C/Stokes Takii Sakata Stokes Sakata Seminis/Stokes Seminis/Stokes Rupp Stokes

Days to harvest 75 73 70 70 56 50 60 45 60 35

Type: OP=open pollinated; F1=hybrid.

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

In the turnip category, ‘All Top’ and ‘Topper’ performed better than the standard varieties ‘Seven Top’ and ‘Purple Top White Globe’. Yields of ‘All Top’ were Variety two and a half times the yields of ‘Purple Top White Globe’. Flash
Top Bunch Hevi-Crop Vates Champion r2 CV LSD

Table 3. Performance of Selected Collard and Turnip Varieties
Type Collard Collard Collard Collard Collard Heads #/a 807 713 454 439 420 0.51 31 268 656 557 396 337 258 0.81 19 123

All Top Topper Seven Top White Lady Purple Top White Globe r2 CV LSD

Turnip Turnip Turnip Turnip Turnip

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Pumpkin Numbers Down This Year
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Arnold Caylor A pumpkin variety trial was conducted at the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (NAHRC) in Cullman, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2). Soils were fertilized according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. Names of chemicals are mentioned only for describing the production practices used. Consult your local county Extension agent for current recommendations for pest and weed control in vegetable production in Alabama. Pumpkins were direct seeded in hills on rows that were 60 feet long on July 5. There was a 10 foot spacing between rows and a five foot spacing within a row. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Beds were made and weekly applications of five pounds per acre of N as ammonium nitrate were injected through the drip irrigation from July 12 through September 10. Plots received no other fertilization. Pesticides were applied weekly from July 14 through September 15. Pumpkins were harvested on October 4. Because color development stops after harvest, pumpkins were harvested at the full-color stage and graded as marketable or nonmarketable (Table 3).
Table 1. Ratings of the 2004 Pumpkin Variety Trial1
Location Weather Fertility Irrigation Pests Overall
1

NAHRC 5 5 5 5 5

See introduction for description of ratings scales

Pumpkin yields were lower this year than in 2003 (Table 3). This was attributed to a low marketable fruit number per acre. The mean individual fruit weight for 2004 (12.26 pounds) and 2003 (12.77 pounds) is virtually the same. All varieties produced individual fruit weights below class size range. With the exception of ‘Rocket’(lowest yields), the yields of all varieties were statistically similar. ‘Autumn King’ had the highest marketable yield. It produced relatively large fruit though few in number. The handles of the fruit varied in length, diameter, and sturdiness. ‘Sorcerer’ produced large fruit with a deep orange color and long, sturdy handles and had an

Table 2. Seed Source, Relative Earliness, and Fruit Size of Selected Pumpkin Varieties
Variety Appalachian Autumn King Gold Bullion Gold Medal Howdy Doody Sorcerer Phantom Magic Lantern Merlin Racer Rocket
1

Type1 F1 F1 F1 OP OP F1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1

Seed source Seminis Siegers Seeds Rupp Seeds Rupp Seeds Rupp Seeds Harris Moran Seminis Harris Moran Harris Moran Johnny’s Seeds Johnny’s Seeds

Maturity (days) 90 105 110 108 90 105 110 115 115 98 85

Fruit wt. (pounds) 20-25 > 25 15-25 >25 15-25 15-25 20-30 15-25 15-25 15-25 15-25

Type: OP=open pollinated; F1=hybrid. — = not found, from seed catalogues.

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Table 3. Performance of Selected above average fruit number per acre. The market stanPumpkin Varieties dard ‘Appalachian’ had medium to large fruit with short, Variety Marketable Marketable Individual thick handles. ‘Racer’ produced the highest number of yield fuits fruit weight fruit (statistically similar to all except ‘Merlin’ and ‘Gold lbs/a #/a lb Medal’) but the mean individual fruit weight was a low Autumn King 33,578 2,066 16.50 7.2 pounds. Phantom 30,871 2,393 13.00
Appalachian Sorcerer Magic Lantern Gold Bullion Gold Medal Howdy Doody Merlin Racer Rocket r2 CV LSD 30,214 29,286 27,942 27,525 25,382 24,911 23,889 20,185 15,482 0.26 37 13,865 2,175 2,429 2,356 2,066 1,486 2,284 1,776 2,719 2,320 0.33 24 759 13.70 11.98 11.41 13.52 16.84 11.04 12.95 7.20 6.76 0.61 23 4.07

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In Eggplant Trial, ‘Black Bell’ and ‘Epic’ Perform Well
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Jason Burkett An eggplant variety trial was conducted at the E.V. Smith Research Center (EVSRC) in Shorter, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2). Soils were fertilized according to the recommendations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. 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 2003IPM-2 from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System). Eggplant transplants were set on plots that were 20 feet long and five feet wide on June 16. Plants were spaced two feet apart within a row. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Pre-plant fertilization consisted of preplant applications of 0-0-60 and ammonium nitrate at rates of 150 and 187 pounds per acre respectively. Beds were formed and fumigated with methyl bromide (67/33 formulation) at a rate of 400 pounds per acre. Prosol fertilizer (20-20-20) was injected twice weekly beginning July 17 through September 3.
Table 1. Ratings of the 2004 Eggplant Variety Trial1
Location Weather Fertility Irrigation Pests Overall
1

EVSRC 5 5 5 5 5

See introduction for description of ratings scales

Pest control consisted of dual applications of fungicide and insecticide once per week from July 17 through August 26. Eggplants were harvest 14 times between August 6 and September 8 (Table 3). In early season production, ‘Calliope’, a small variegated purple and white eggplant, had yields that were similar to the standard varieties, ‘Black Bell’, and ‘Epic’ and ‘Dusky’. ‘Green Giant’ produced large , light green fruit. This variety produced yields that were significantly lower than ‘Black Bell’ and ‘Epic’. Both

Table 2. Seed Source, Earliness, and Disease Claims of Selected Lettuce Varieties
Variety Black Bell Calliope Dusky Epic Ghostbuster Green Giant Ichiban Megal Night Shadow Vernal Zebra
1 2

Type1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1 F1

Seed source Stokes Johnny’s Select Seminis Seminis Harris Johnny’s Select Gurney’s Vilmorin Stokes Stokes Johnny’s Select

Color2 B P,W B B W G B B B B P,W

Shape Oval, elongated Oval, compact Teardrop Teardrop Cylindrical, long Teardrop Slender, elongated Slender, elongated Teardrop Teardrop Teardrip

Maturity (days) 65 64 62 64 80 62 58 60 75 70 70

Disease resistance/ tolerance3 — — TMV TOMV — — — CMV, TMV — CMV ,TMV —

Type: F1=hybrid. Color: B=Black, G=Green, P= Purple, W = White. 3 Disease resistance/tolerance: CMV = Cucumber Mosaic Virus; TMV = Tobacco Mosaic Virus; TOMV = Tomato Mosaic Virus. — = not found; from seed catalogues.

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

‘Black Bell’ and ‘Epic’ continued to be the top performers for total pro- Variety duction, having significantly higher yields than Black Bell all other varieties. Epic
Dusky Calliope Green Giant Megal Vernal Ghostbusters Zebra Night Shadow Ichiban r2 CV LSD Variety

Table 3. Performance of Selected Eggplant Varieties
Early marketable yield lbs/a 1,213 1,062 981 823 717 643 546 316 268 246 230 0.70 41 426 Total marketable yield lbs/a 7,579 6,070 4,881 4,664 4,578 4,379 4,361 3,992 3,671 2,512 2,385 0.50 38 2,407 Early marketable number no/a 5,438 5,981 5,873 4,241 3,915 4,676 4,241 2,066 1,523 1,305 1,885 0.60 43 2,619 Total marketable number no/a 26,861 25,230 20,119 25,991 19,793 16,367 19,901 14,573 21,098 18,705 9,064 0.40 38 10,949 Early non-marketable weight lbs/a 194 157 69 • 267 70 • 117 • 120 182 0.20 105 262 Total non-marketable weight lbs/a 1,946 1,742 827 884 908 3,423 581 883 1,265 2,064 413 0.70 48 955 Early non-makretable number no/a 870 979 435 • 1,305 653 • 435 • 435 1,631 0.24 96 1,473 Total non-makretable number no/a 7,286 7,721 3,371 4,024 3,806 12,724 3,770 3,154 7,939 19,140 1,059 0.64 63 6,216

Black Bell Epic Ghostbusters Vernal Dusky Green Giant Calliope Night Shadow Megal Ichiban Zebra r2 CV LSD

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2004 Hot Pepper Trials Continue at Brewton
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, Randy Akridge Hot pepper varieties trials were conducted at the Brewton Agriculture Research Unit (BARU) in Brewton, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2). Fertilization was applied according to the recommendations 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. Consult your county Extension agent for current recommendations for pest and weed control in vegetable production in Alabama. Hot pepper transplants were set on 3- by 8foot row plots with a within-row spacing of 12 inches. Drip irrigation was used. Peppers were transplanted on June 3. Beds were covered in the experimental de-

Table 1. Ratings of the 2004 Hot Pepper Variety Trial1
Location Weather Fertility Irrigation Pests Overall
1

BARU 5 5 5 5 5

See introduction for description of ratings scales

sign was a randomized complete block with four replications. Hot peppers were harvested on August 8, 16, 23, and 30 and September 7. The weight of 25 pods was also determined (Table 3).

Table 2. Seed Source, Fruit Characteristics, and Relative Earliness of Selected Hot Pepper Varieties
Variety Type1 Seed source Siegers Seminis Rupp Days to Pod harvest shape Ancho 81 Tapered 75 Tapered 78 Tapered Cayenne 65 Thin 63 Thin 72 Thin 87 Thin 71 Thin Jalapeño Ixtapa X3R Grande Mitla Tula
1 2

Color

RSR2

Disease claims3 — — —

Tiburon Ancho San Martin Ancho 101

F1 F1 OP

G-R G-R G-R

1,000-3,000 — 1,000-1,500

Andy Cayar Rupp Cayenne LS Mesilla TM 888 Thin Hot

F1 F1 OP F1 F1

Johnny’s Select Seedway Rupp Seminis Seedway

G-R G-R G-R G-R G-R

— — 30,000-50,000 2,000-4,000 —

TMV — — PVY,TEV,TbP —

F1 F1 F1 F1

Seminis Seminis Seminis Seminis

75 75 72 —

Blunt point Blunt point Blunt point Blunt point

G-R G-R G-R G-R

4,000-6,000 4,000-6,000 4,000-5,000 4,000-6,000

BLS(1,2,3) PVY,TEV — TMV

Type: OP=open pollinated; F1=hybrid. RSR = Relative Scoville Rating; the higher the rating, the hotter the variety. 3 Disease claims: BLS (1,2,3) = Bacterial Leaf Spot races 1, 2 and 3; G- R = Green fruit turning red; PVY=Potato Virus Y; TEV = Tobacco Etch Virus; TbP = Tobamo Virus; TMV= Tobacco Mosaic Virus. — = not found; from seed catalogues.

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Differences in yield were found among the three categories of hot pepper. The variety ‘Ancho San Martin’ had yields that were significantly higher than ‘Tiburon’ and ‘Anch 101’. There were no differences in the weight of 25 pods. Among the cayenne types, ‘Andy’, ‘Cayar’ and ‘Mesilla’ were statistically similar. The yields of these varieties were significantly higher than ‘TM 888 Thin Hot’ and ‘Rupp Cayenne LS’. These two varieties also had the lowest weight per 25 pods. In the jalapeño category, the standard variety ‘Mitla’ was similar to ‘Grande’ but significantly higher than ‘Ixtapa’ and ‘Tula’. Weights per 25 pods were statistically similar.

Table 3. Performance of Selected Jalapeño, Ancho, and Cayenne Hot Peppers
Variety Ancho San Martin Tiburon Ancho 101 Andy Cayar Mesilla TM 888 Thin Rupp LS Cayenne Grande Mitla Ixtapa Tula r2 CV LSD Type Ancho Ancho Ancho Cayenne Cayenne Cayenne Cayenne Cayenne Jalapeño Jalapeño Jalapeño Jalapeño Total marketable weight lbs/a 32,321 25,360 17,356 32,498 28,727 27,075 20,800 15,051 39,386 35,320 32,257 30,914 0.80 16 6,285 25- pod weight 1.58 1.24 1.12 0.56 0.50 1.00 0.24 0.21 1.21 1.04 1.07 1.19 0.90 17 1.11

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Results of the 2004 National Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Arnold Caylor National sweetpotato collaborators’ trials were conducted at the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center (NAHRC) in Cullman, Alabama (Table 1.). Sweetpotato seed roots from selected commercial varieties and breeding lines were planted in a heated bed at NAHRC on April 12 for slip production. Sweetpotato slips were planted on June 8. Varieties were replicated four times. Plots contained two rows that were 25 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. Within-row spacing was one foot. Soils were fertilized according to the recommendations 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. Consult your county Extension agent for current recommendations for pest and weed control in vegetable production in Alabama.
Table 1. Ratings of the 2004 Sweetpotato Collaborators’ Trial1
Location Weather Fertility Irrigation Pests Overall
1

NAHRC 5 5 5 5 5

See introduction for description of ratings scales

Fertilization consisted of 80 pounds N per acre, 184 pounds of P2O5 per acre, and 156 pounds of K2O per acre. Sweetpotatoes were harvested on September 23. Roots were graded as US #1 (roots 2 to 3.5 inches in diameter, three to nine inches in length, well shaped and free of defects), canner (roots one to two inches in diameter, two to seven inches in length), jumbo (roots that

Table 2. Yield and Grade Distribution of Selected Sweetpotato Breeding Lines and Cultivars
Variety Beauregard (B63-G1 LSU) Beauregard (B94-14-G2) L-99-35 NC98-608 r2 CV LSD Total Canner2 Jumbo3 marketable US#11 ————————50 lb bushels per acre———————— 653 558 63 33 Percent US #14 85 Cull5 28

715

561

117

36

79

19

149 700 0.91 14 124

109 575 0.90 17 122

31 109 0.60 39 40

10 16 0.20 105 51

67 82 0.34 14 16

14 23 0.10 89 6

Average yields are given on a per acre basis. 1 US #1: Roots 2” to 3 1/2” diameter, length of 3” to 9”, must be well shaped and free of defects. 2 Canner: Roots 1” to 2” diameter, 2” to 7” in length. 3 Jumbo: Roots that exceed the diameter, length and weight requirements of the above two grades, but are of marketable quality. 4 Percent US #1: Calculated by dividing the weight of US #1’s by the total marketable weight (Culls not included). 5 Culls: Roots must be 1” 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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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

exceed the diameter, length, and weight requirements adding the yields of the US #1, canner, and jumbo grades. of the US #1 grade, but that are of marketable quality), Percent US #1 was calculated by dividing the yield of the US or cull (roots at least one inch in diameter but so mis- #1 grade by the marketable yield (Table 2). shapen or unattractive that they could not be classified as marketable roots). Marketable yield was calculated by

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Seed Sources
Abbot and Cobb, Inc. Tech Rep: Russ Beckham 146 Old US Highway 84 West Boston, GA 31626 Fax: 229-498-2366 rbeckham@rose.net Harris Seeds P.O. Box 22960 60 Saginow Dr. Rochester, NY 14692-2960 To order: (800) 544-7938 Harris Moran Seed Co. Tech. Rep: Brad Conrad Ph: (941) 543-7300 Fax: (941) 543-7003 Johnny’s Select Seeds Tech. Rep: Steve Woodward 955 Benton Ave Winslow, ME 04901 To order: (207) 437-4395 Email: info@johnnyseeds.com Rogers/Syngenta 7500 Olson Memorial Hwy Golden Valley, MN 55427 Ph: (763) 593-7333 Fax: (763) 593-7218 Rupp Seeds 17919 County Raoad B Waseon, OH 43567 To order: (800) 700-1199 Sakata Seed America, Inc. Tech Rep: Atlee Burpee P.O. Box 880 Morgan Hill, CA 95038 Ph: (610) 316-6063 Seedway Tech Rep: Michael Everson 1225 Zeager Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022 To order: (800) 952-7333 Fax: (800) 645-2574 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 Shamrock Seed Co., Inc. To order: (408) 351-4443 3 Harris Place Salinas, CA 93901-4586 Ph: (800) 351-4443 Fax: (831) 771-1517 Siegers Seed Company Tech Rep: Darren Deal 13031 Reflections Drive Holland, MI 49424 Fax: (800) 962-4999 Stokes Seeds Inc. To order: (800) 396-9238 P.O. Box 548 Buffalo, NY 14240-0548 Fax: (888) 834-3334 Takii Seeds 301 Natividad Rd Salinas, CA 93906 Ph: (831) 443-4901 Fax: (831) 443-3976

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 2005). When: September 23, 2005 Deadline for spring 2005 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