7> ~7>2<~
A
C 
C
K
<C
C.
K
.. C<~ C
CC. 
C C>
C C ~<,~<C> ~' 
C C~< 
C
CC 
C 
C 
C~C 
..
C 
A C 
C
>CCCCC C'
~7. <C~C' 
CC
C C C I ~, 
CC C C 
C 
A' C.A< C __ 
_ C.> ~<4 C ~TCy 
~A~<
C.CA.C 7C.AC~ 
CC.C 
C
C. <ff<CC A,,, , 
C.CK
.4 ,'CC.C*~>CC~A'C.CC.< 
<'V.A. <A. C'' A C~ 
C
<'C' 
<>AV.C.~,< A 
CC
C.' 
C C ? 
<C CC C C..
C.
K!
C C V ..CCK
C C 
C
C .CC .C.VC ~ 
<!
CCC~CCC.'~C.CCC 
~< ,~ 
4C'~?~CCCC>CCCC 
C C C C
C.K..C.K4C.~C~CCC~C 
CC'>
C'C.C~K!CC~C~C.CC<C<
ACCC<CCC'CC C
C.>,> KK~?jC'C">'K
7> ~
C> 
~< C <'K 
C'CC>
A'> C"~<C<~C'."C 
C.C.~' .., ~<C, CCC>. 
~.ACVC~4C4~C'.. 
, A~C~C ,CC 
<,C4C C <C
.C"'CACCC<. <CC'CKCCCCKK!CCCCC 
.A<~4C'C<.C 
<'A. C CCC 
CC 'KC'~' <.7CC C<.C.CCCC'!~ 
C
<C,,C'CC<,C.KCKCC<KC<~CC~C'C. <CC,.C.C<'C' . C~~.CC~CCC.CC.C CC <CCC.CC~ C~~CCC A 
CC. <'C. C C 
<C C CC<C' ACC/..C
CCC CCC'4~CC~C.4~C'C 
AAV.<.'C.'C ""CCCK,<C~ 
'.A 
<C<C4C
C. .,'CC. 
..~4~C'~<CCC'~C'' 
C~.CCC
C' 
~ 
CCCCCC< 
'
CC. 
C CC<4 CAC.ACACCCC
C'.CC",CC 
' CCC C'C. 
C CC~C'A.<~CCC<CCCC' 
'C~'C<C 'CC
.. ,,..C< ~'<~< 
'CC C 
'C'~<.~< ' ' 
. C 
..C~ < ~j' 
CT'V~A,~CC~C
C'
'<'C~ CC ' 'CCC 'CCCC..C.CCC<CCCC<,C 
< C< CC CC 
<C CC <C
'4< C..CCC 
CC'CCCC 
? .? ..
~"~C~;~C'7>.7AK4C 
2' !~< 
C.
'C'<CCCCC C.CCC >CC <CCC.,CC/ACC 
.CCKCC.C.CC<CCCCCCC 
,<C A. '
AC"A.C' ',.CC.C 
CCC~C~ 
<"CC> CCjC'C7<CC< 
CCCC?< C 
C'CCC
_____________ 
<~ K4C.~,CCC'C~?C 
'CCC C
<CA. .'CCC' CCCCC. '...CAK!CA.C<C.CC.CC 
_______________

Contents
Authors 2
Introduction: Tips for Interpreting Vegetable Variety Trial Performance 3
Broccoli Trials Continue in Alabama's Wiregrass Area 5
Cooler Temperatures Delay Cabbage Head Formation 7
"New and Improved" Collard and Turnip Varieties Studied 9
Several Lettuce Varieties Evaluated 11
2002 Galia Melon Cultivar Evaluation 13
Double-Cropped Yellow Squash, Zucchini, and Slicing Cucumber Variety Trial 15
'Sorcerer' and 'Gold Medal' Pumpkins are High Performers 17
Pumpkins Produce Excellent Yields in Georgia Variety Trials 19
Results of the 2002 Southernpea Cooperative Trials 22
2002 Tomato Cultivar Evaluation 24
Evaluating Suitable Tomato Cultivars for High Tunnel Production
in the Central Great Plains 26
Triploid Watermelon Cultivar Evaluation, Summer 2002 29
Seed Sources for Alabama Trials 32
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 ofAgriculture. 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 Agricultural Research Unit
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
Tony Dawkins
Superintendent
Sand Mountain Research and
Extension Center
Crossville, AL
(256) 528-7133
Peter Hudson
Research Assistant
Truck Crops Research and Extension
Center
Mississippi State University
Crystal Springs, MS
(601)892-3731
Lewis W. Jett
Assistant Professor and State
Vegetable Crops Specialist
Department of Horticulture
1-87 Agriculture Building
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 884-3287
William Terry Kelly
Extension Horticulturist and
SVegetable Crops Specialist
Rural Development Center
P.O. Box 1209
Tifton, GA 31793
Joe Kemble
Associate Professor and Extension
Horticulturist
Department of Horticulture
Auburn University, AL
(334) 844-3050
Gilbert Miller
Area Vegetable Specialist
Edisto Research and Education Center
Clemson University
Keri Paridon
Research Associate I
Mississippi Truck Crops Branch
Experiment Station
P.O. Box 231
2024 Experiment Station Rd.
Crystal Springs, MS 39059
(601)892-3731
Andrew Read
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Horticulture
University of Missouri- Columbia
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 Performance Results
Joe Kemble and Edgar Vinson
The fall 2002 vegetable variety trial regional bulletin
includes results fromAlabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Mis-
souri, and South Carolina. Trials conducted at various
locations provide a wealth of information to growers, ex-
tension specialists, researchers, and seed companies. In
addition, these trials provide information as to how well a
particular variety is performing in several areas through-
out 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 F 1) 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) varieties, 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 range from 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 can be amplified,
and estimated yields per acre may not be realistic. There-
fore, locations cannot be compared to one another by
just looking at the range of yields actually reported. The
relative differences, however, in performance among vari-
eties within a location are realistic and can be used to
identify the best-performing varieties.
Statistical Interpretation
The coefficient of determination (R2), coefficient of
variation (CV), and least significant difference (lsd, 5%)
are reported for each test. These numbers are helpful in
separating 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 variety and replication. 
Random, un-
controlled errors were of lesser importance. CV 
is an ex-
pression of yield variability relative to yield 
mean. Low
CVs (under 20%) are desirable but 
are not always
achieved.
There must be a minimum yield difference between
two varieties before one can statistically conclude 
that
one variety actually performs better than another. 
This is
known as the least significant difference (lsd). 
When the
difference in yield is less than the lsd value, one cannot
conclude that there is any real difference between two
varieties.
For example, in the 2002 pumpkin trial 
conducted at
the North Alabama Horticulture Research Center, 'Howdy
Doody' yielded 45,368 pounds per acre, while 'Gold
Medal' and 'Gold Bullion' yielded 35,071 and 34,959
pounds per acre, respectively. Since there was less than
a 10,363 difference between 'Howdy Doody' and 
'Gold
Medal', there is no statistical difference between these
two varieties. However, the yield difference 
between
'Howdy Doody' and 'Gold Bullion' was 10,409, indicat-
ing that there is a real difference between these two vari-
eties.
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).
These numbers may be used to interpret differences 
in
performance from location to location. The overall 
rating
may be used to give more importance to the results 
of
variety performance under good growing conditions.
4 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Results from trials with ratings of 2 and under are not
reported.
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.
Vegetable Trials on the Web
For more vegetable variety information be sure to visit
the Commercial Vegetable Production at AU Web page
at www.aces.edu/dept/comveg/. Here you will find de-
scription of variety types, a ratings system, and informa-
tion about participating seed companies.
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
capacty (in/in)
Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center (Fairhope) 0.09 - 0.19 Malbis fine sandy loam
Brewton Agricultural Research Unit (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 Substation (Camden) 0.13 - 0.15 Forkland fine sandy loam
E.V. Smith Research Center, Horticultural Unit (Shorter) 0.15 - 0.17 Norfolk-orangeburg loamy sand
Chilton Research and Extension Center (Clanton) 0.13 - 0.15 Luvernue sandy loam
Upper Coastal Plain Agricultural 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
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
5
'I _1
" 71
\)
Broccoli Trials
Continue in Alabama's
Wiregrass Area
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Larry Wells
A broccoli variety trial was conducted using plastic
mulch and drip irrigation at the Wiregrass Research and
Extension Center, Headland, Alabama (Tables 1 and 2).
Broccoli was transplanted in staggered double rows on
October 10. Plants were established at a 1 foot in-row
spacing, which created a stand of approximately 17,400
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).
Plants received 7 pounds nitrogen per acre by alter-
nate injections of Ca(NO3)
2 
solution (9-0-0-11) and 20-10-
20. Injections were made between October 10 and No-
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2002
BROCCOLI VARIETY TRIALS
1
Location WREC
Weather 5
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
vember 30. Insecticide was applied weekly from October
11 through January 7.
Heads were harvested when they reached 6 inches
in diameter and graded according to USDA standards.
Plants were harvested twice weekly as needed between
January 9 and February 13, 2003. Marketable weight (in
numbers of 23-pound cartons) and corresponding num-
ber of heads were recorded (Table 3).
The top-performing varieties were 'Nomad', 'Decath-
lon', and 'Heritage'.
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE, EARLINESS, AND DISEASE RESISTANCE/TOLERANCE
OF SELECTED BROCCOLI VARIETIES
Variety Type' Seed Disease
source Earliness resistance/tolerance
2
Decathlon F1 Sakata 86 DM
Heritage F1 Siegers - -
Nomad F1 Sakata 68 DM
Signal F1 Novartis 57 -
Windsor F1 Novartis 68 DM
1 Type: Fl=hybrid.
2 Disease resistance/tolerance: DM=Downy mildew.
- = not available from seed catalogues.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
5
6 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
TABLE 3. ACTUAL YIELD OF SELECTED BROCCOLI VARIETIES
Variety Marketable Marketable Marketable
23-lb cart yield heads
no/ac lbs/ac no/ac
Nomad 363 8,358 29,986
Decathlon 268 6,157 21,373
Heritage 264 6,061 25,201
Signal 212 4,881 7,115
Windsor 175 4,019 27,753
e 044 0.30
CV 32 20
Isd 2,846 7,851
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
7
Cooler Temperatures
Delay Cabbage Head
Formation
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Larry Wells
Cabbage variety trials were conducted at the
Wiregrass Research and Extension Center, Headland, Ala-
bama. Six-week-old transplants were planted onto 20-foot
long single row plots on October 11. Within row spacing
was 1 foot, which created a stand of 9,100 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).
Preplant fertilizers 13-13-13 were applied at a rate of
1,000 pounds per acre on October 10, and plants were
treated with an insecticide on November 11. No other
fertilizers or pesticides were applied.
Cabbage heads were harvested when they reached
marketable size and graded according to United States
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2002
CABBAGE VARIETY TRIALS
1
Location WREC
Weather 5
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
Standards for Grades of Cabbage (U.S. Department ofAg-
riculture 46 FR 63203). Cabbage heads were harvested on
February 26 and March 9 (Table 3).
Overall, cabbage head numbers were low due to cool
temperatures which delayed head formation. There were
few differences in yield among varieties. Older varieties
such as 'Cheers' and 'Blue Thunder' and 'Blue Dynasty'
were among the top varieties despite cooler temperatures.
'Silver Dynasty' produced yields significantly lower than
other cabbage varieties.
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE, EARLINESS, AND DISEASE RESISTANCE/TOLERANCE
OF SELECTED HEAD CABBAGE VARIETIES
Variety Type' Head Seed Days to Disease
color source harvest resistance/tolerance
2
Blue Dynasty F1 Green Seminis 75 BR, FY
Cheers F1 Green Takii 84 BR, FY, Thrips
Bravo F1 Green Harris 85 BR,FY
Bayou Dynasty Fl Green Seminis 70 BR,FY
Blue Thunder F1 Green Harris 80 BR,FY
Green Cup F1 Green Takii 73 BR,FY
Izalco F1 Green Novartis 87 BLS,BR,FY
Silver Dynasty F1 Green Seminis 80 BR,FY,TB
1 Type: Fl=hybrid.
2 Disease resistance/tolerance: BLS=Bacterial leaf spot, BR=Black rot, FY=Fusarium Yel-
lows, TB=Tip burn.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
7
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
TABLE 3. PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED CABBAGE 
VARIETIES
Variety Marketable Total 
Marketable
yield number 50-lb 
cart
lbs/ac no/ac 
n/c
Bravo 10,450 4,157 
209
Bayou Dynasty 10,314 4,350 
206
Blue Dynasty 9,657 
3,963 193
Cheers 9,087 4,157 
182
Blue Thunder 9,000 3,867 
180
Green Cup 7,965 3,770 
159
Izalco 6,738 3,867 
135
Silver Dynasty 6,738 2,997 
135
?z0.63 060 
0.63
CV 15 10 15
Isd 2,244 
688 45
8
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIElY 
TRIALS 
9
"New and Improved"
Collard and Turnip
Varieties Studied
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Randy Akridge
r \\
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
direct seeded on September 17 onto plots 20 feet long
and 5 feet wide.
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 1PM
Commercial Vegetables: Insect, Disease, Nematode and
Weed Control Recommendations (Publication 2002IPM-
2 from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System).
Fertilization consisted of preplant applications of
13-13-13 (at a rate of 600 pounds per acre) on August 28.
After planting, leafy greens received 60 pounds of nitro-
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2002
LEAFY GREENS VARIETY TRIALS
1
Location BARU
Weather 5
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 5
Overall 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
gen per acre from ammonium nitrate (NH
4
NO
3
) on Octo-
ber 9 and October 23. Plants received one preplant appli-
cation of insecticide on September 6.
Leafy greens were harvested when they reached
marketable size (Table 3). Harvest dates were November
11 for turnips and December 2 for collards. Leaf yields
were expressed in 30-pound bushels.
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE AND EARLINESS OF SELECTED LEAFY GREEN VARIETIES
Variety Typel Crop Seed Days to
source harvest
Champion OP Collard Harris Seed 75
Flash F1 Collard A&C,Stokes 73
Heavi-Crop F1 Collard Takii 70
Top Bunch F1 Collard Sakata 70
Vates OP Collard Stokes 56
All Top F1 Turnip Sakata 50
Purple Top White Globe OP Turnip Asgrow,Stokes 60
Royal Crest F1 Turnip Siegers 45
Seven Top OP Turnip Seminis,Stokes 45
Topper F1 Turnip Rupp 60
Top Star F1 Turnip Sakata 36
White Lady F1 Turnip Stokes 35
1 Type: OP=open pollinated, Fl=hybrid.
- = not available from seed catalogues.
'Vates', the standard
variety of collard, produced
yields significantly lower
than all other collard vari-
eties with the exception of
'Champion'. 'Flash', which
is a hybrid 'Vates' type, pro-
duced yields that were sig-
nificantly higher than all
other collard varieties. The
top four varieties of tur-
nip-'All Top', 'Top Star',
'Topper' and 'Seven
Top'-are all grown for leaf
harvest only. Yield of 'All
Top' was significantly
higher than all other turnip
varieties. 'Topper', an im-
proved 'Seven Top' variety,
produced yields signifi-
cantly higher than 'Seven
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
9
10 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
Top'. Its non-pubescent leaves have a more desirable
color and grow more vigorously. Yield of the standard
variety 'Purple Top White Globe' was significantly lower
than 'White Lady' but similar to 'Royal Crest'. These
varieties are grown for both green and root production.
TABLE 3. YIELD OF SELECTED COLLARD AND
TURNIP VARIETIES
Variety Type Leaf yield
bu/a
Flash Collard 813
Heavi-Crop Collard 580
TopBunch Collard 576
Champion Collard 450
Vates Collard 384
e 0.60
CV 23
Isd 108
All Top Turnip 793
Top Star Turnip 715
Topper Turnip 708
Seven Top Turnip 613
White Lady Turnip 571
Purple Top White Globe Turnip 461
Royal Crest Turnip 413
e 0.70
CV 16
Isd 65
10 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
11
A lettuce variety trial was conducted at the E.V. Smith
Research Center (EVSRC) in Shorter, Alabama (Tables 1
and 2). Beds were covered with white plastic mulch and
drip irrigation was used.
On September 24, six-week-old lettuce transplants
were set in single row plots with a within-row spacing of
12 inches. Plots were 20 feet long on 5-foot centers. This
created a stand of approximately 9,100 plants per acre.
Fertilizer was applied according to the recommen-
dations of the Auburn University Soil Testing Labora-
tory. Names of chemicals are mentioned only for de-
scribing 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 1PM Commercial Vegetables: Insect, Disease,
Nematode and Weed Control Recommendations (Pub-
lication 2002IPM-2 from the Alabama Cooperative Ex-
tension System).
I /
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF 2002 LETTUCE
VARIETY TRIAL
1
Location EVSRC
Weather 4
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 3
Overall 4
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
A liquid calcium nitrate solution (9-0-0-11) and 20-
10-20 were injected on September 19 and September 23 at
a rate of 6 pounds of nitrogen per acre, respectively. 
Be-
tween September 26 and November 4, fertilization 
con-
sisted of weekly injections of 6 pounds of nitrogen 
per
acre, with alternate injections of calcium nitrate 
(9-0-0-11)
and 20-10-20. Insecticides were applied between 
Septem-
ber 20 and November 1.
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE, FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS, 
RELATIVE EARLINESS, AND DISEASE CLAIMS
OF SELECTED LETTUCE VARIETIES
Variety Head Seed 
Days to Leaf Disease Years
type source harvest 
color daims' evaluated
Slobolt Looseleaf Siegers 
57 Green TB 96,97,02
New Red Fire Looseleaf Takii 
55 Red - 95,96,02
Tango Looseleaf Johnny's 
45 Green - 98,02
Red Eye Romaine Stokes 
. Red * 02
Parris Island Romaine Stokes 65 
Green TB 96,97,02
Optima Butterhead Vilmorin/Sieger's 
55 Green DM,LMV 95-97,02
Nancy Butterhead Johnny's 
66 Red - 96,97,02
Louisa Looseleaf Hanis 
56 Green - 02
Esmeralda Butterhead Sieger's 
65 Green DM,LMV 02
Athena Looseleaf Enza Zaden/Siegers 
63 Green CRR,DM,LMV,TB 02
Tania Butterhead Harris 
65 Green DM 02
Green Towers Romaine Harris 
74 Green -- 02
Harmony Butterhead Shamrock 
68 Green B,DM,TB 02
1 Disease claims: B=Bolting, CRR=Cork root rot, DM=Downy mildew, LMV=Lettuce Mosaic Virus, TB=Tip burn.
- = not available from seed catalogues; .=not found.
Several
Lettuce 
Varieties
, Evaluated
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, and Jason Burkett
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
11
12 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
Lettuce was harvested on November 15 and graded
according to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Romaine
(U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture Publication 60-6130). Heads
were culled because of bolting or insufficient head size
(Table 3).
'Optima' and 'Harmony' ranked the highest in yield
of the butterhead lettuce type. Both were significantly
higher than 'Nancy' and 'Tania'. There were no signifi-
cant differences in the loose leaf category. In the romaine
category, 'Green Tower' and 'Parris Island' produced sig-
nificantly higher yields than 'Red Eye'.
TABLE 3. YIELD OF SELECTED LETTUCE VARIETIES
AT THE E.V. SMITH RESEARCH CENTER
Marketable Marketable Cull Cull
Variety Type' weight heads weight heads
lbs/ac no/ac lbs/ac no/ac
Optima B 4,042 7,250 316 1,305
Harmony B 3,416 7,395 91 1,088
Nancy B 1,767 3,480 2,045 4,350
Tania B 1,582 4,060 262 1,450
Esmerald B 1,400 4,205 798 2,465
Tango L 4,176 7,540 38 435
Athena L 3,876 8,410 91 653
Louisa L 3,627 7,685 278 1,305
Slobolt L 3,072 7,685 148 870
New Red Fire L 3,002 7,540 239 1,088
Green Tower R 4,574 9,135 48 435
Parris Island R 3,898 7,250 105 435
Red Eye R 2,220 6,815 160 1,015
1 0.75 0.80 0.91 0.90
CV 23 17 61 42
Isd 1,202 1,892 913 2,052
1 Type: B=Butterhead, L=Leaf, R=Romaine.
12 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
13
t 2002 Galia Melon
Cultivar Evaluation
William B. Evans, Richard G. Snyder, Keri Paridon, 
and Peter Hudson
Production of galia melons, a fairly new crop, is in-
creasing in the southeastern United States. The fruit of
galia melons resemble muskmelons on the outside, with a
crisp, light green flesh on the inside. The flavor and tex-
ture have given galia melons a gourmet reputation. A trial
was conducted at Crystal Springs, Missisippi, (Table 1)
to evaluate galia melon cultivars for potential production
by Mississippi growers.
Seeds of twelve cultivars were sown into 72-cell
greenhouse flats filled with MetroMix 366 with two seeds
per cell. Flats were thinned to one plant per cell and grown
until the first true leaf was expanded. Transplants were
set into raised beds with black plastic mulch and 
trickle
irrigation. Plants were spaced 2 feet in the row, with 10
feet between rows. There were ten plants per plot. Plots
were arranged in a randomized complete block design,
with four replications. Harvest began June 18 and contin-
ued twice a week for approximately four weeks.
The plants had a growth habit similar to that of musk-
melons in both leaf and vine characteristics. Most culti-
vars looked like "western" style cantaloupes, lacking su-
tures found on "eastern" types, but with netting similar
to all cantaloupes. Fruit size was also similar to that of
western melons for the most part. Early yields and fruit
quality were hurt by rain. The early fruit losses impacted
total and marketable yields for the whole season. How-
ever, as harvest progressed, fruit yield and quality im-
proved. Melons harvested from mid-July onward were
crisp and sweet, with good flavor, similar to but less
musky than that of traditional muskmelons. 'Laigal',
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF 2002
GALIA MELON CULTIVAR TRIALS
1
Location Crystal Springs, MS
Weather 2
Fertility 5
Irrigation 3
Pests 3
Overall 4
1See introduction for a description of rating 
scales.
'Arava', and 'Passport' produced the highest total 
yields
(Table 2). 'Laigal', 'Galapago 47', 'Arava', 'Passport', 
and
'Galante 96' produced the highest marketable 
yields (Table
2). Mean fruit size did not differ significantly among cul-
tivars (Table 2). Most produced fruit weighing 3 to 4
pounds.
This study indicates that growers in Mississippi 
can
grow galia melons using cultural practices similar 
to those
employed for standard cantaloupe/muskmelon 
produc-
tion. The melons are different from regular 
cantaloupes in
internal appearance,in texture in the mouth, and 
in taste.
Growers would be required to educate retail 
customers
about the melons but may find restaurants and other 
niche
markets within Mississippi. As consumption 
of these
melons increases outside the state, growers 
looking to
the wholesale market may want to consider trying 
galia
melons in their product mix.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
13
4 ALBAMA AGIUTRLEPRMN TTO
TABLE 2. YIELD AND NUMBER OF GALIA MELONS, CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI, 20021
Marketable Marketable Mean Total Total
number yield weight number yield
fruit/plot lbs/plot lbs/fruit fruit/p/ct lbs/p/ct
Laigal 8.5 29.4 3.3 19.5 52.8
Galapago 47 9.0 25.6 2.7 14.5 39.7
Arava (Hazera) 7.0 24.2 3.5 15.3 96.3
Galante 96 7.3 23.8 3.3 13.8 39.5
Passport 6.3 22.3 3.7 19.8 69.8
PX 4031197 4.3 20.4 4.4 11.3 47.3
EX 4031097 5.5 15.9 3.3 11.3 31.2
34101/ 1011 5.3 15.9 3.2 12.5 40.1
Eros 3.3 15.7 4.1 8.8 31.8
Arava (Johnny's) 2.8 12.2 4.7 11.8 34.7
Gallardo 2.8 11.4 4.6 12.5 47.4
Galileo 0.8 2.4 3.4 8.8 22.2
LD
05
2  
4.1 14.4 n.s. 5.9 
43.6
'All numbers are means of four plots, with 10 plants/plot.
2Enre with bolded numbers, within each column, are among the top performers for that category and do not differ
from the top performer by more than the least significant difference (LSD).
14 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 
15
Many growers have started following their spring
cantaloupe and watermelons with a double crop of fall
squash, zucchini, or slicing cucumbers. The general rec-
ommendation has been not to follow a spring cucurbit
crop with a fall cucurbit crop due to potential increased
disease pressure. In spite of this, many growers feel that
the risk is justifiable with an established field of plastic
and drip irrigation ready for a second crop. The purpose
of this study was to evaluate the yield and quality of
yellow squash, zucchini, and cucumber planted after
spring cantaloupe and watermelons.
The initial spring crop of watermelons had a row spac-
ing of 8 foot on center with 5,445 linear feet of row per
acre. Fifty-four inch plastic mulch was used, giving a 30-
inch bed top. Eurodrip drip tape with 12-inch emitter spac-
ing rated at 0.43 gallons per minute per 100 feet was bur-
ied 2 inches beneath the bed surface.
Soil nutrient samples taken prior to the spring crop
of watermelons indicated very high phosphorus (122
pounds per acre), medium potassium (98 pounds per acre),
medium calcium (750 pounds per acre), and high magne-
sium (170 pounds per acre). The Clemson fertility recom-
mendation based on soil samples was 120 to 140 pounds
per acre of nitrogen, no phosphorus, and 120 pounds per
acre potassium. At the end of the watermelon crop, a total
of 152.5 pounds of nitrogen and potassium had been ap-
plied pre-plant and through the drip emitter via fertigation.
No phosphorous was applied.
The variety trials were grown on a Dolthan soil with
a medium water-holding capacity rated between 0.08 to
0.13 available water-holding capacity. Soil texture deter-
minations at 0 to 12 inches indicated 87.6 percent sand, 8
percent clay, and 6.4 percent silt. To allow for consistent
and uniform water application, an automated irrigation
system was employed. Two water cycles per day at 86
minutes per cycle were initiated prior to planting. Daily
water application equaled 3,880 gallons per 5,445 linear
feet.
Watermelon harvest was complete on July 22, 2002.
On July 29 Glyphomax was applied to kill the watermelon
vines. On August 1, the dead watermelon vines were re-
moved. OnAugust 7, the existing black plastic mulch was
whitewashed with 4 gallons of latex white paint in 30 gal-
lons of water. The yellow squash, zucchini, and slicing
cucumber trials were direct seeded on August 12.
Six yellow squash varieties were planted, three
straight neck, and three crook neck. Nine zucchini squash
varieties and eight slicing cucumber varieties were also
planted. Zucchini plots were replicated four times and
contained eight plants per variety spaced 1.5 feet apart.
Cucumber plots were also replicated four times and con-
tained 10 plants per variety spaced 1.5 feet apart. Yellow
squash plots were replicated eight times and contained
10 plants per variety spaced 1.5 feet apart.
Beginning August 16, liquid fertilizer (7-0-7) was in-
jected daily at the rate of 2 pounds of nitrogen and potas-
sium per acre. A total of 106 pounds of nitrogen and po-
tassium was injected through the drip system. Weekly
fungicide applications were made beginning August 16.
Alternate weekly applications of the fungicides Quadris
and Dithane DF plus Nova were made. Spin Tor or Pounce
was alternately added to the fungicide spray for insect
control.
The yellow squash and zucchini variety trial was har-
vested 10 times with the first harvest on September 16 (36
days after field planting ). Subsequent harvests were made
on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until October 7. At
harvest, squash were weighed and counted, and the num-
ber of yellow squash showing greening due to virus 
was
quantified. Yield and quality evaluations for the 
yellow
squash are included in Table 1. Table 2 includes yield
evaluations for the zucchini squash variety trial.
The cucumber variety trial was harvested five times
with the first harvest on September 27 (47 days after field
planting). Cucumber harvests began on September 27.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 15
, ",
.
,=
----' .
k
ww J
_
Z 
1
/ 1
f
"w
' "
'1
' \
Dou~le-Crpe Ylo
Subsequent harvests were made on Monday, Wednes- and supers was determined following USDA grade stan-
day, and Friday until October 7. At harvest, cucumbers dards. Yield and quality evaluations for the cucumber
were weighed and counted, and the percent of selects varieties are included in Table 3.
TABLE 1. YIELD AND QUALITY EVALUATIONS FOR THE YELLOW SQUASH VARIETY TRIAL
Harvest Yellow squash varieties
dates -Dixie- -Destiny III- -Meigs- -HMX 0709- -Cougar- -Prolific-
Ibs % grn Ibs % grn lbs % grn Ibs % grn Ibs % grn Ibs % grn
9/16 18.8 85 12.0 36 10.1
9/18 9.6 95 9.8 51 4.8
9/20 2.8 100 4.6 47 3.6
9/23 4.6 91 7.2 42 11.2
9/25 5.4 93 7.0 26 6.6
9/27 10.0 83 9.4 61 8.0
9/30 20.6 97 25.2 75 12.6
10/2 1.2 100 4.8 83 6.2
10/4 1.4 100 3.0 93 3.8
10/7 4.4 100 5.0 92 4.0
Total Ibs 78.8 88 70.9
Total Ibs/ac 9,535 10,648 8,579
@ 4840 pits/ac
0 7.4 10 7.6 16 9.2 27
0 10.4 11 4.6 24 9.0 75
0 10.4 18 2.8 39 3.2 45
0 8.0 12 9.4 21 10.4 52
2 5.8 33 2.8 38 9.4 78
15 4.6 8 8.0 42 5.4 49
47 20.8 29 15.8 63 21.0 78
59 17.0 26 4.6 70 8.6 95
94 13.4 40 2.8 95 4.8 90
94 6.2 35 5.0 93 4.0 100
104 63.4 85
12,584 7,671 10,285
TABLE 2. YIELD EVALUATION FOR THE ZUCCHINI SQUASH VARIETY TRIAL
Repitition Zucchini squash varieties
number HMX0710 Lynx 9523 Robuster Monitor 592 593 Bronco Stampede
1 30.4 37.4 32.6 31.0 24.4 20.6 33.2 26.4 22.2
2 21.6 29.8 25.2 20.2 19.2 9.0 23.9 26.0 14.6
3 14.2 12.6 18.8 23.8 21.6 8.4 30.6 32.6 19.8
4 32.4 27.8 24.6 23.4 30.2 8.0 34.6 32.4 25.8
Total Ibs 98.6 107.6 101.2 98.4 95.4 46.0 122.3 117.4 82.4
Lbs/ac 14,913 16,274 15,306 14,883 14,429 6,957 18,497 17,756 12,463
@ 4840 plts/ac
TABLE 3. YIELD AND QUALITY EVALUATIONS FOR THE CUCUMBER VARIETY TRIAL
Harvest Cucumber varieties
dates Greensleaves Stonewall General Lee Daytona Speedwary Intimidator Indy Ashley
9/27 21.8 12.0 18.2 9.8 27.4 30.4 17.0 10.8
9/30 51.0 43.8 49.4 62.6 47.2 46.4 60.2 23.6
10/2 42.2 45.0 38.0 60.2 32.2 47.0 59.8 17.4
10/4 31.4 24.4 47.4 38.0 20.4 23.4 27.4 30.4
10/7 20.0 14.6 29.8 17.4 16.4 14.6 21.6 14.0
Total lbs 166.4 139.8 182.8 188.0 143.6 161.8 186.0 96.2
Lbs/ac 16,778 14,096 18,432 18,956 14,479 16,315 18,755 9,700
@ 4840 pits/ac
% supers 70% 64% 65% 68% 63% 64% 65% 39%
% selects 30% 36% 35% 32% 37% 36% 35% 61%
16 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIElY 
TRIALS 
17
71 f
'Sorcerer' and 'Gold
Medal' Pumpkins
\ /
SAre High Performers
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, Arnold Caylor, and Tony Dawkins
Pumpkin variety trials were conducted at the North
Alabama Horticulture Research Center (NAHRC) in
Cullman, Alabama, and the Horticulture unit of 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 1PM
Commercial Vegetables: Insect, Disease, Nematode and
Weed Control Recommendations (Publication 2002IPM-
2 from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System).
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2002
PUMPKIN VARIETY TRIALS
1
Location NAHRC SMREC
Weather 5 5
Fertility 5 5
Irrigation 5 5
Pests 5 5
Overall 5 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
Planting dates were July 3 at NAHRC and July 2 at
SMREC. At both locations, pumpkins were direct seeded
in hills on rows that were 60 feet long. There was a 5-foot
snacing between hills.
TABLE 2. SEED SOURCE, RELATIVE EARLINESS, AND FRUIT SIZE
OF SELECTED PUMPKIN VARIETIES
Variety Type' Seed Maturity Fruit weight
source (days) (Ibs)
Appalachian F1 Seminis 90 20-25
Autumn King F1 Novartis 95 2-3
Gold Bullion F1 Rupp Seeds 110 15-25
Gold Medal OP Rupp Seeds 108 >25
Gold Rush OP Rupp Seeds 120 30-40
Howden OP Harris Moran 100 15-20
Howdy Doody - Rupp Seeds - -
Sorcerer F1 Harris Moran - 15-25
Pro Gold 500 F1 Abbott and Cobb 95 20-30
Phantom F1 Seminis 110 20-30
Pro Gold 510 F1 Abbott and Cobb 95 20-30
Merlin
2  
F1 Harris Moran 115 15-25
Magic Lantern
2  
F1 Harris Moran 115 15-25
' Type: Fl=hybrid, OP=open 
pollinated.
2 Powdery mildew tolerant varieties.
- = not available from seed catalogues.
At NAHRC, pump-
kin beds were made and
weekly applications of
ammonium nitrate (15
pounds per acre) were in-
jected through the drip ir-
rigation system from July
8 through August 22.
Plots received no other
fertilization. Pesticides
were applied weekly from
July 11 through Septem-
ber 12.
At SMREC, the
ground was roto tilled on
May 20, June 19, and July
1. Preplant fertilization
consisted of one applica-
tion of 5-20-20 (at a rate
of 600 pounds per acre)
on July 1.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 17
V -'J 6i. .... V . . T... . ... . .....
18 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
Fertilization consisted of one application of ammo-
nium nitrate (at a rate of 150 pounds per acre) on August
14. Pesticides were applied weekly from July 12 through
September 17.
Pumpkins were harvest on October 1 at both NAHRC
and SMREC. Because color development stops after har-
vest, pumpkins were harvested at the full-color stage and
graded as marketable or nonmarketable (Tables 3).
Anew variety 'Sorcerer' (which has a semi-bush plant
habit) and 'Gold Medal' (vining plant habit) consistently
produced significantly higher yields at both locations.
These pumpkin varieties were also noted for their deep
orange color and nice sturdy handles. The variety 'Howdy
Doody' produced exceptionally high yields at NAHRC
but was one of the lowest performing varieties at SMREC.
'Phantom' and 'Autumn King' produced yields higher
than the market standard, 'Appalachian', at SMREC but
produced yields significantly lower than other varieties
in NAHRC. 'Appalachian', which has a bush plant habit,
continued to produce attractive, uniform fruit as it has in
past trials.
TABLE 3. YIELD OF SELECTED PUMPKIN VARIETIES
Variety Marketable Marketable Individual Cull
yield number fruit weight weight
lbs/ac no/ac lbs lbs/ac
North Alabama Horticulture Research Center
Howdy Doody 45,368 4,730 10 *
Sorcerer 44,398 3,655 13 *
Merlin 44,140 3,698 12 *
Appalachian 37,375 3,053 12 *
Magic Lantern 35,256 2,838 13 *
Gold Medal 35,071 2,150 16 *
Gold Bullion 34,959 2,795 13 *
Gold Rush 31,558 1,763 18 *
Autumn King 29,696 2,064 15 *
Phantom 25,723 2,623 10 *
Pro Gold 510 25,327 2,322 11 *
Pro Gold 500 18,599 2,279 10
Z  
0.50 0.60 0.40
CV 25 28 27
Isd 10,363 955 5
Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center
Sorcerer 22,575 2,107 11 1,651
Gold Medal 22,265 1,634 14 1,479
Pro Gold 500 19,832 1,720 12 3,191
Phantom 19,436 1,763 11 *
Autumn King 19,208 1,591 12 2,288
Pro Gold 510 17,406 1,634 11 8,359
Appalachian 17,024 1,462 12 1,806
Merlin 16,718 1,548 11 *
Magic Lantern 16,684 1,376 12 2,012
Gold Bullion 16,245 1,462 12 2,030
Howdy Doody 16,000 1,462 11 2,460
Howden 15,278 1,376 11 5,900
$ 0.30 0.20 0.20 0.90
CV 26 28 19 40
Isd 4,490 551 3 750
*=not found.
18 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
19
Pumpkins Produce
Excellent Yields
in Georgia Variety Trials
William Terry Kelly
-QV
>. \
i) '
The 2002 pumpkin growing season was very favor-
able (Table 1), and yields were good. Storage quality was
less than average, however, due to late rains. Among the
new varieties tested was a new introduction from Harris
Moran Seed Company. HMX 6689 (now called 'Aladdin')
was one of the leading varieties in the 2002 trial and should
make a good addition to the market.
A separate trial was conducted in 2002 on speciality
pumpkins to more accurately reflect differences among
these varieties. Miniature and white pumpkins were in-
cluded in this separate trial. Although, some varieties
have now been in the Georgia trial for five to six years,
many of the ones tested in 2002 were being evaluated in
Georgia for the first or second time. Excellent yields were
the trend, but growers should keep in mind that yields in
these small plot trials are greater than would be expected
in large field production. However, the comparison be-
tween varieties remains valid.
Twenty-four commercially available pumpkin variet-
ies and two experimental lines were compared at the Geor-
gia Mountain Branch Experiment Station (elev. 1900 feet)
in Blairsville, Georgia. Eight commercially-available spe-
ciality pumpkins were evaluated at the same location in a
separate field. All pumpkins were field-seeded on June
12, 2002 into a Transylvania clay loam soil. Plots con-
sisted of single rows which contained an appropriate
number of hills for each variety's plant habit. Vining types
were planted with four hills per plot, semi-bush (or semi-
vining) types with six hills, and bush types with eight
hills. Plots were 16 feet in length with 12 feet between
rows. The plantings were arranged in a randomized com-
plete block design with three replications each.
Normal cultural practices were used for bare ground
pumpkin culture in Georgia. Base fertilizer consisted of
300 pounds per acre of 10-10-10 incorporated prior to
planting followed by two side dress applications of 10-
10-10 (300 pounds per acre each). Ethafluralin (0.75 pound
active ingredient per acre) was applied pre-emergence for
weed control. Fungicide and insecticide applications were
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF 2002
PUMPKIN TRIALS
1
Location Blairsville, GA
Weather 4
Fertility 5
Irrigation 5
Pests 3
Overall 4
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
made according to current University of Georgia recom-
mendations. Irrigation was applied as needed.
Pumpkins were harvested at maturity on October 1
and 2, 2002. Data were collected on yield, fruit number
and weight, rind color, rind texture, and fruit shape. Re-
sults are summarized in Tables 2 and 3.
Overall yields were exceptional. Individual pumpkin
weights were generally lower than those expected ac-
cording to commercial variety descriptions. Conditions
were generally favorable for pumpkins with dry condi-
tions throughout most of the season. However, late rains
reduced the storage quality of the crop. A late outbreak
of downy and powdery mildew caused some defoliation;
however, most pumpkins had achieved maximum size by
that time. 'Prizewinner' produced the greatest yield and
largest fruit size among all varieties; it was the only giant
size variety in the test and the only pumpkin that aver-
aged more than 25.1 pounds.
Many of the large- and medium-sized varieties pro-
duced yields and fruit numbers within the range of ac-
ceptability in north Georgia. There were really no poor
performers in the test, although 'Autumn King' and
'Pankow's Field' probably trailed most other varieties.
They did not produce yields and fruit numbers per acre
that were competitive with other similarly sized pump-
kins. 'Gold Gem', 'Gold Strike', 'Gold Rush', and HMX
6689 were all superior performers among the 20- to 25-
pound pumpkins.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 19
i
N -R
20 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
Among pumpkins in the 10- to 20-pound range, 'As-
pen', Gold Buillion', 'Gold Standard', HMX 0681, 'Magic
Lantern', 'Merlin', 'Mother Lode', 'Pro Gold #500',
'Sorceror', and 'Pro Gold # 200' were the best performers
with yields above 70,000 pounds per acre. Among pump-
kins in the 5 to 10-pound range, 'Autumn Gold' was the
best performer. In the 2 to 5-pound size class, 'Pro Gold
#100' outperformed the other varieties tested.
In the miniature trial, 'Jack-B-Quick' and 'Jack-Be-
Little' both were superior to 'Munchkin'. They produced
the greatest fruit numbers and yield. 'Lumina' had a much
higher yield and fruit number than 'Casper' among the
white pumpkins, although 'Casper' produced slightly
larger fruit.
Marketability was exceptional at harvest for most
varieties. Among smaller pumpkins, 'Pro Gold #100' had
less than 85 percent marketability. All others were greater
than 93 percent. In the larger trial, 'Gold Rush' (85 per-
cent) and '01' Zeb's' (87 percent) had the lowest market-
ability. All others were above 90 percent marketable. The
variance among varieties for rind color and rind texture
were in accordance with variety descriptions. Rind color
ranged from deep orange to light orange. 'Lumina' and
'Casper' were the only pumpkins in the trial with a white
rind. Fruit shape was generally in accordance with the
type of pumpkin, with smaller pumpkins having a flatter
shape.
Overall, HMX 6689 was the most exceptional per-
former. It achieved a size ofjust over 25 pounds on aver-
age with more than 4,000 fruit per acre. The yield of more
than 100,000 pounds per acre was second only to 'Prize-
winner'- a much larger variety. This new introduction
from Harris Moran Seed Company has been named
'Aladdin'. It produce fruit as large as 43 pounds and has
an excellent deep orange rind color with a strong stem.
Among the many excellent varieties on the market today,
this should be a good choice for growers wanting a large-
fruited pumpkin.
TABLE 2. YIELD, NUMBER, MARKETABILITY, AND HORTICULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF SELECT PUMPKIN VARIETIES
1
Variety Sponsor Fruit Yield
2 
Fruit wt Market Weight Weight Rind Fruit
4  
Rind
(no/ac) (bs/ac) (bs) (%) large small color shape texture
Aspen Rupp 4311 78877 17.9 91.1 33.0 7.1 1.3 3.0 2.0
Autumn Gold Twilley 8697 75391 8.7 95.5 13.0 4.1 1.7 2.7 2.0
Autumn King Rupp 2949 67344 23.4 96.2 38.8 9.3 2.0 4.0 2.0
Gold Bullion Rupp 6353 90909 14.8 97.7 26.2 7.7 2.3 3.0 2.0
Gold Gem Rupp 4311 85948 20.5 99.4 36.5 8.2 1.7 3.3 2.3
Gold Standard Rupp 5974 80858 13.5 98.4 22.5 7.2 1.3 2.3 2.0
Gold Strike Rupp 4008 84398 20.5 93.0 39.9 6.7 2.3 3.7 2.0
Gold Rush Rupp 3101 79005 25.1 84.6 43.0 14.1 2.3 4.0 2.3
HMX 0681 Harris Moran 5823 79595 13.7 96.1 23.0 4.8 3.0 3.0 2.3
HMX6689 Harris Moran 4084 102737 25.5 94.4 43.0 12.4 1.0 3.0 2.0
Jackpot Harris Seeds 3630 65786 18.0 91.1 27.4 6.7 2.3 2.8 2.0
Jumpin' Jack Rupp 3328 71678 21.7 91.1 42.6 8.1 2.0 3.7 2.0
Magic Lantern HarrisMoran 5143 75663 14.7 100.0 23.0 6.5 1.0 2.7 2.3
Merlin HarrisMoran 5294 65325 12.3 100.0 22.3 5.4 1.3 2.7 2.0
Mother Lode Rupp 4159 76532 18.6 94.8 29.5 7.7 2.0 4.0 2.0
Mystic Plus Harris Moran 5748 30840 5.3 99.3 17.6 3.1 1.0 2.0 2.3
01' Zeb's Rupp 3630 62156 17.3 87.3 33.5 8.8 1.3 3.0 1.7
Orange Smoothie Twilley 6504 31483 4.8 94.9 6.7 2.7 1.7 2.0 2.7
Oz HanisMoran 11646 39219 3.4 97.2 4.8 1.9 2.7 2.7 2.7
Pankow's Field Harris Seeds 4386 56817 12.8 96.2 20.4 5.6 2.0 3.0 1.7
Prizewinner 2345 177008 75.3 100.0 119.0 33.3 2.7 1.7 2.7
Pro Gold #500 A&C 4084 77493 18.9 96.9 31.9 6.3 2.0 3.0 2.0
Pro Gold #510 A&C 3554 69999 20.1 95.6 34.2 7.8 2.0 4.0 1.7
Pro Gold #200 A&C 4916 76994 15.8 97.1 24.7 8.0 2.0 3.7 2.0
Sorceror Harris Moran 6504 76472 11.8 95.9 21.4 3.7 1.3 2.3 2.3
Touch of Autumn Rupp 14520 35445 2.4 99.2 4.1 0.7 2.3 2.0 2.3
Mean of Test 5346.2 73614.2 17.6 95.5 29.7 7.6 1.9 2.9 2.1
L.S.D. (0.05) 2032.5 33127 3.4 9.4 9.1 5.4 0.8 0.9 0.8
C. V. (%) 23.18 27.44 11.84 5.99 18.69 42.98 26.06 20.02 21.36
'One-row plot, 16 ft. long x 12 ft. wide. Hills/plot: Vine-4, Semi-bush-6, Bush-8. 
2
Marketable yield. 
3
Based on scale:
1=deep orange; 2=medium orange; 3=light orange; 4=yellow; 5=white. 
4
Based on scale: 1=flat; 2=round; 3=oval;
4=oblong. SBased on scale: 1=coarse; 2=medium; 3=smooth
20 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMVMERCIAL VEGETrABLE VARITY TRIALS 2
TABLE 3. YIELD, NUMBER, MARKETABILITY, AND HORTICULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF SELECT MINIATURE AND WHITE PUMPKIN VARIETIES
Variety Sponsor Fruit Yield
2  
Fruit wt Market Weight Weight Rind
3  
Fruit' Rinds
(nc/ac) (lbs/ac) (ibs) (%) large small color shape texture
Casper Rupp 2647 21274 8.0 94.0 12.0 1.4 4.0 2.0 2.3
Jack-B-Quick Rupp 20948 9385 0.4 99.8 0.8 0.2 2.7 1.0 2.0
Jack-Be-Little Twilley 18377 7033 0.4 99.9 0.6 0.2 2.7 1.0 2.0
Lil Ironsides Harris Moran 12024 27898 2.3 98.6 3.7 1.6 2.0 2.0 2.7
Lumina Rupp 4235 30847 7.1 93.6 14.4 1.0 5.0 2.0 3.0
Munchkin Harris Moran 15503 6474 0.4 97.5 0.6 0.2 2.3 1.0 2.0
Pick -a-Pie Rupp 6277 33555 5.3 97.6 7.5 3.0 1.3 2.5 1.7
Pro Gold #100 Twilley 10285 27422 2.7 84.3 4.0 0.9 2.0 3.0 3.0
Mean of Test 11287 20459 3.3 95.7 5.4 1.1 2.8 1.8 2.3
L.S.D. (0.05) 6772 9671 1.3 6.3 0.9 0.7 1.4 0.8 0.6
C. V.(%) 34.26 26.96 22.90 3.75 10.30 35.16 28.20 24.17 15.86
'One-row plot, 16 ft. long x 12 ft. wide. Hills/plot: Vine-4, Semi-bush-6, Bush-8. 'Marketable yield. 
3
Based on scale:
1=deep orange; 2=medium orange; 3=light orange; 4=yellow; 5=white. 
4
Based on scale: 1=flat; 2=round; 3=oval;
4=oblong. 
5
Based on scale: 1=coarse; 2=medium; 3=smooth
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS 21
22 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
Joe Kemble, Edgar Vinson, Randy Akridge, and Jason Burke
Replicated and observational southernpea coopera-
tive trials were conducted at the Brewton Experimental
Field (BARU) in Brewton, Alabama, and the E.V. Smith
Research Center (EVSRC) in Shorter, Alabama, (Table 1).
The purpose of these trials is to evaluate the performance
of southernpea cultigens that have not been released.
Southernpeas were planted onto bareground plots
that were 20 feet long and 3 feet wide on June 18 at BARU
and August 30 in EVSRC. Plots had a within-row spacing
of 1 foot. Overhead irrigation was used.
At BARU, preplant fertilizer (5-10-15) was applied at
a rate of 600 pounds per acre. Ammonium nitrate was
applied bi-weekly at a rate of 60 pounds of nitrogen be-
tween June 24 and July 23. One application of a preplant
herbicide was applied on June 18. Insecticide was ap-
plied on July 23 and July 31.
At EVSRC, preplant fertilizers were applied at 150
pounds per acre of 0-0-60 and 30 pounds per acre of 15.5-
0-0. A preplant application of herbicide was made on
August 27. Insecticides were applied weekly between
August 27 and September 27.
Southernpeas were harvested at the dry stage as
needed between August 12 and 26 at BARU and on No-
vember 20 at EVSRC. Both replicated and observational
data were recorded at BARU. Due to deer feeding at
EVSRC, the observational trial was destroyed. Dry and
imbibed yields were determined (Table 2 and 3). To esti-
mate yield and to compensate for different percentages
of dry and mature green pods, all peas shelled from each
plot were placed into containers with water to allow the
dry ones to soak up water (imbibe) overnight. Compari-
sons are then more realistic since all 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 im-
bibed weight by 2 (assuming an average shellout of 50
percent) and dividing it by 25 (the average weight of a
bushel of fresh, unshelled southernpeas).
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF THE 2001
SOUTHERNPEA OOPERATIVE TRIAL'
Location BARU EVSRC
Weather 5 5
Fertility 5 5
Irrigation 5 5
Pests 5 5
Overall 5 5
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
TABLE 2. YIELD OF SELECTED ENTRIES IN THE
2 002 REPLICATED AND OBSERVATIONAL
SOUTHERNPEA COOPERATOR'S TRIAL
Shelled Imbibed
Variety Yield weight weight Shellout
lbs/ac lbs/ac lbs/ac %
Brewton Agricultural Research Unit
Coronet 3,970 2,755 3,067 69
US-1070 3,126 2,211 3,834 71
US-1033 2,912 2,085 3,978 72
ARK96-91 2,831 1,744 3,341 61
LA92-86 2,716 2,066 2,861 75
US-1069 2,583 1,907 3,627 74
Early Acre 2,205 1,627 2,275 73
TX-139-CRM 2,177 1,796 3,466 82
TX-159BE 2,009 1,257 1,386 63
LA-95-62 1,996 1,629 2,207 81
Ark Blackeye 1,848 1,361 2,020 73
TX-148-PE 1,767 1,259 1,781 72
LA-92-180 1,625 1,174 1,454 72
US-1031 1,489 1,150 2,077 77
ARK-96-10 1,357 964 1,277 70
LA-96-21 1,243 993 1,627 80
e 0.90 0.80 0.77
CV 13 19 19
Isd 819 941 871
continued
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION22
_ .
.._.,
r
---
_; , ,
i -
i'
' ,
,
,
Result fte20
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
23
TABLE 2, CONTINUED. YIELD OF SELECTED
ENTRIES IN THE 2002 REPLICATED AND OBSER-
VATIONAL SOUTHERNPEA COOPERATOR'S TRIAL
Shelled Imbibed
Variety Yield weight 
weight Shellout
lbs/ac lbs/ac lbs/ac
E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center
TX-139-C 1,347 612 
1,288 51
LA-92-18 1,198 532 1,571 
44
Coronet 1,065 676 
1,379 66
TX-128-B 1,017 602 
1,336 61
TX-164-P 1,017 756 
1,650 75
TX-148-P 974 671 1,539 
69
US-1070 932 548 1,315 59
ARK-96-1 894 583 1,278 64
Early Acre 825 463 985 54
US-1033 804 309 772 43
US-1031 751 405 980 
56
US-1069 697 564 1,054 
71
LA-92-86 687 431 1,070 
64
ARK-96-9 655 341 804 
53
TX-123-B 655 346 
788 54
TX-159-B 628 394 900 
63
Ark Blackeye 607 405 921 
64
LA-95-62 596 378 
852 70
$0.34 0.33 0.41
CV 43 46 37
lsd 628 391 721
TABLE 3. YIELD OF SELECTED ENTRIES IN THE
2002 OBSERVATIONAL SOUTHERNPEA
COOPERATOR'S TRIAL
Total Shelled Imbibed
Variety weight weight weight Shellout
lbs/ac lbs/ac lbs/ac
Brewton Agricultural Research Unit
TX-160-BE 3,101 1,501 1,551 48
US-1074 3,023 1,900 3,282 63
ARK-95-356 2,866 1,949 2,408 68
LA-96-4 2,705 1,830 1,989 68
US-1067 2,583 1,845 3,198 71
LA-94-55 2,544 1,749 1,948 69
US-1076 2,461 1,548 1,628 63
YX-162 PE 2,248 1,307 1,359 58
YX-158 PE 2,217 1,386 1,552 63
Ark Blackeye 2,100 1,323 1,467 63
Early Acre 2,039 1,127 1,180 55
ARK 98-348 1,956 1,397 2,794 71
LA-94-1 1,721 1,126 1,439 65
LA-96-18 1,437 1,045 1,372 73
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS
23
24 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
r: ". ... r. .
j.+Y- r
A
T .
f
'f
i S ". J3 .. a
7 '1;
__ "S 1
;lj 
}
"
2002 Tomato
Cultivar Evaluation
W.B. Evans, P. Hudson, and K. Paridon
Several new acres of fresh-market tomatoes were
planted in 2002 across Mississippi, complementing exist-
ing acreage in all regions. The Mississippi fresh-market
tomato industry serves wholesale, shipping, and local
roadside/retail markets. Most growers are producing mod-
em, large-fruited red tomatoes for local and regional con-
sumption. In this region, most tomato production is in
early summer, with only a few produced for late summer
or fall harvest. The objective of this trial was to evaluate
the yield and fruit quality of red tomatoes for early sum-
mer production in central Mississippi.
The trial included twenty-seven red-fruited tomato
cultivars, grown in 10 plant plots, with four replications
in a randomized complete block design at the Mississippi
State University Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station
in Crystal Springs, MS (Table 1). Seeds of each cultivar
were sown in the greenhouse, in 72 cell flats of MetroMix
366 on March 25, 2002. Transplants were set by hand on
April 25, 2002 on 24-inch centers on beds 9 feet apart.
The wide spacing between rows accommodates equip-
ment and actually mimics the spacing used by many local
growers. Plants were grown on raised beds, with black
polyethylene mulch and trickle irrigation, using the stake
and weave system. Suckers were removed up to but ex-
cluding the sucker just below the first flower cluster.
Harvest began July 2 and ended with the tenth har-
vest on August 6. Harvested fruit was graded into mar-
ketable (U.S.D.A. Nos. I and 2, combined) and cull fruit.
The fruit were counted and weighed. Common defects in
cull fruit were noted. Fruit were culled often for cracking,
both radial and concentric, as well as for green shoul-
ders. Many high yielding varieties produced significant
culls in this trial because of our culling of green-shoul-
dered fruit. In addition to the major defects, there were
some fruit culled for insect damage, blossom end rot,
shape, or small size.
TABLE 1. RATINGS OF 2002
TOMATO CULTIVAR TRIALS
1
Location Crystal Springs, MS
Weather 4
Fertility 5
Irrigation 3
Pests 4
Overall 4
'See introduction for a description of rating scales.
Temperature and precipitation patterns were good
for the trial, with the exception of an early wet period that
may have influenced some entries. Some late disease pres-
sure from tomato spotted wilt virus was also seen.
Yields were good, averaging more than 10 pounds of
marketable fruit per plant for the best entries. The earliest
cultivars included 'Johnny's 361', 3057 TY, and the high
lycopene cultivar 'Health Kick' (Table 2). The highest
total marketable yields were produced by 'Health Kick',
'Estiva', 'Voyager', and Florida 47 (Table 2). After those
four, the following also produced high marketable yields:
'Bush Celebrity', 'Paragon', HA 3657, 3057 TY, Florida 91,
'Sun Leaper', 'Sunpride', and 'Mountain Spring' (Table
2). The largest fruit was produced by 'Merced', RFT 0894,
'Big Beef', Florida 91, 'Voyager', 'Red Sun', Florida 47,
EX 1405037, and RFT 0252 (Table 2). Among some locally
important cultivars, 'Bush Celebrity' produced good to
excellent yields with moderate earliness and modest fruit
size. 'Big Beef' produced fruit with excellent size, excel-
lent total yield, but tended to produce a high percentage
of cull fruit in this trial. 'Merced' produced large fruit with
good earliness, but had a high cull percentage in this
trial.
Some notes on a few other cultivars are also impor-
tant. 'Health Kick' is a high-lycopene (a possible anti-
V% A
ILL
4c--T ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
25
cancer compound) cultivar marketed mainly to home gar-
deners. Market gardeners looking for a roma-type tomato
may wish to consider this cultivar as yields were out-
standing. It is not appropriate for the large-fruited red
market. 'Estiva' produced very high marketable yields also,
but growers need to be aware of its relatively high cull
percentage and relatively small average fruit size (just
under 8 ounces). Most other varieties in the trial pro-
duced fruit in the 10- to 14-ounce range. Some other vari-
eties produced quite high total yields but had a large cull
percentage. These included HA 3060, BHN 444,
'Sunpride', and 3057 TY. The 3057 TY entry also had a
smaller average fruit size (just over 8 ounces) than some
in the trial.
TABLE 2. YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY IN THE 2002 RED TOMATO 
TRIAL,
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI
Total Marketable Early total Mean market-
Entry Source yield' yield
2  
yield
3  
able fruit wt.
lbs/plot lbs/plot lbs/plot oz/fruit
Health Kick Asgrow 152.5 128.3 45.0 
3.8
Estiva Johnny's 184.5 107.6 15.9 
7.7
Voyager Seminis 154.4 102.9 8.0 
12.6
Florida 47 Seminis 155.4 101.3 8.5 
12.6
Bush Celebrity Willhite 161.9 97.0 23.7 
10.2
Paragon Johnny's 153.3 95.9 
20.7 10.4
HA 3657 Hazera 142.3 94.6 25.9 
10.7
3057 TY Hazera 159.9 94.4 37.8 8.6
Florida 91 Seminis 147.7 93.5 9.0 
12.6
Sun Leaper Chesmore 152.7 92.0 14.1 
10.7
Sunpride Chesmore 169.0 89.6 9.7 
10.4
Mountain Spring Chesmore 148.3 86.7 23.9 10.9
Red Sun Johnny's 151.9 78.6 19.4 
12.6
Mountain Pride Willhite 133.1 75.8 18.9 
7.8
BHN 444 Johnny's 170.1 73.8 12.6 
9.4
RFT 0895 Sygenta 141.7 71.2 21.5 
10.7
HA 3060 Hazera 162.6 70.8 20.7 
9.6
Big Beef Johnny's 165.8 63.6 15.5 
13.4
Big Beef Seminis 165.8 60.9 18.0 
11.4
HA 3636 Hazera 127.5 56.6 9.8 
11.8
EX 1405037 Seminis 124.5 54.3 2.7 
14.2
Merced Chesmore 172.8 54.1 19.7 
13.8
RFT 0247 Syngenta 124.2 50.7 5.6 
11.8
Johnny's 361 Johnny's 135.1 34.1 40.1 
9.3
RFT 0849 Syngenta 145.2 33.7 7.4 
13.6
RFT 0252 Syngenta 110.8 26.8 9.0 
12.3
LSD, 0.05 25.40 23.18 8.92 2.08
'All numbers are means of four plots, 10 plants per plot.
2Includes USDA grade 1 and grade 2 fruit.
3Includes fruit from the first three of 10 harvests.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
25
26 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
Evaluating Tomato Cultivars
for High Tunnel Production
in the Central Great Plains
Lewis W. Lett and Andrew Read
There is expanding interest in the use of high tun-
nels for extended season tomato production in the cen-
tral Midwest. High tunnels (hoophouses) are passive solar
greenhouses or cold frames that are used to extend the
traditional growing season for many horticulture crops.
However, there is very little information on tomato culti-
var performance within high tunnels. Growing conditions
within a high tunnel can be significantly different from
growing conditions typically encountered in field pro-
duction. High tunnels increase the average 24 hour tem-
perature by as much as 15?F. High tunnels also protect a
crop from variable weather and pests and offer the op-
portunity to control the growing environment. The ob-
jective of this research was to evaluate the yield perfor-
mance of several tomato cultivars within a high tunnel
and in the field.
Four high tunnels were constructed in July 2001 at
the University of Missouri Bradford Research and Edu-
cation Center located near Columbia, Missouri. The soil,
a fine Mexico silt loam, was tilled, graded, and leveled
prior to construction. Soil samples were taken before plant-
ing and analyzed by the University of Missouri soil-test-
ing laboratory.
Soil pH was 6.0, with approximately 2% organic mat-
ter. Each high tunnel was 20 feet wide by 9 feet tall by 36
feet long providing approximately 700 square feet of total
planting space per house. Hoops were spaced 6 feet apart
with one top purlin. For ventilation, a 39 inch high roll-up
sidewall was used which extended the length of both
sides of each high tunnel and was rolled up manually.
Tunnels were built with the long axis oriented east west
in order to intercept the area's prevailing south by south-
west wind. Each tunnel was covered with a single layer of
clear 6 mil plastic. Field-grown control plots were adja-
cent to the high tunnels. Tomato seeds from seven culti-
vars were seeded in late January 2002 (for high tunnel
evaluation) and late February (for field evaluations) into
standard germination trays filled with Promix BX media
and subsequently transplanted into Compack 606 trays
at the 2 to 3 true leaf stage. Transplants were grown in the
greenhouse for approximately six weeks and then pre-
pared for transplanting into the high tunnel on March 24,
2002. One week prior to transplanting, the tomatoes were
hardened off by exposing them to ambient temperatures
for three to four hours each day.
High Tunnel Evaluations
The soil within the high tunnel was tilled, fertilized,
and ridged (4 inches in height) prior to application of a 1
mil, embossed plastic mulch. Tomato plants in all treat-
ments were spaced 24 inches within row with 3 feet be-
tween rows resulting in 6 square feet per plant. Plots were
irrigated with at least 1 inch of water weekly through 8mil
t-tape with 12 inch dripper spacing and a flow rate of
0.450 gallons per minute. A granular 13-13-13 fertilizer was
applied preplant to all plots at the rate of 50 pounds per
acre. Calcium nitrate (CaNO
3
)
2 
was applied weekly through
the drip irrigation at a rate of 10 pounds per acre com-
mencing two weeks after transplanting with a Dosatron
fertilizer injector (40 gallons per minute) and continuing
through harvest. Tomatoes were supported using the
string-weave method, with two tomato plants between
each stake.
Tomato cultivars evaluated were 'Florida47', 'Florida
91', 'Floralina', 'Merced', 'Carolina Gold', 'Brandywine',
BHN 543, and 'Mt. Fresh'. 'Florida 47' is a vigorous de-
terminate that ripens mid-season with very large fruit.
'Florida 91' is a medium determinate, heat tolerant, early
to mid-season cultivar with large fruit. 'Floralina' is a me-
dium tall determinate with large fruit that ripens early to
mid-season. 'Merced' is an early ripening determinate
cultivar with large fruit. 'Carolina Gold' is a tall determi-
26 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL 
VEGETABLE VARIETY 
TRIALS 
27
nate that ripens mid-season with large, yellow-colored
fruit. 'Brandywine' is an heirloom cultivar with an inde-
terminate growth habit and large fruits that ripen late in
the season. BHN 543 is a medium tall determinate culti-
var with large fruit ripening early to mid-season. 'Mt.
Fresh' is a tall determinate cultivar with large fruit that
ripens mid-season.
There were four replications for each treatment type
arranged in a completely randomized block design. Plants
were transplanted into rows of 16 plants, with four plots
per row. Each plot contained four plants. Plants were
covered with row cover continuously until the first flow-
ers appeared. During flowering, row covers were removed
in the morning and replaced in the afternoon when the
vents were closed. When the weather began warming,
row covers were only used on evenings when the tem-
perature dropped below 50
0
F. Sidewall vents were opened
if the prevailing outside temperature was > 60
0
F.
Total early (i.e., before July 4) marketable yields from
BHN 543, and 'Merced' were significantly greater than
all other cultivars evaluated (Table 1). Early yield of US
No. 1 fruit from BHN 543, 'Merced', and 'Florida 91' was
significantly greater relative to the other cultivars evalu-
ated. 'Brandywine', an indeterminate beefsteak cultivar,
produced significantly less marketable fruit and had the
highest percentage of unmarketable fruit. Culls from
'Brandywine' were mostly the result of radial fruit crack-
ing and surface blemishes. 'Brandywine also had inter-
nal white tissue from heat stress.
Field Evaluations
Tomato cultivars were
transplanted into field plots
in late April 2002. Cultural
practices were similar to
high tunnel treatments with
the spacing beineg 2 feet be-
tween plants and 5 feet be-
tween rows providing 10
square feet per plant.
In the central Midwest,
there is a strong price pre-
mium for early tomatoes
marketed before the first
week in July. To document
the level of this premium,
we recorded wholesale to-
mato prices at the Central
Missouri Produce Auction
TABLE 1. EARLY MARKETABLE YIELD OF
TOMATO CULTIVARS WITHIN A HIGH TUNNEL
Cultivar US No. 12 US No. 2 Total
lbs/plant lbs/plant lbs/plant
BHN 543 3.3 a 1.2 ab 4.5 a
Brandywine 1.8 cd 1.4 a 3.2 b
Carolina Gold 2.3 bcd 0.8 b 3.1 b
Floralina 1.5 d 1.4 a 2.9 b
Florida 47 1.9 cd 1.1 ab 3.0 b
Florida 91 2.6 abc 0.6 b 3.2 b
Merced 3.1 ab 1.6 a 4.7 a
Mt. Fresh 1.9 cd 0.6 b 2.5 b
1 Early yield was from June 14 to July 4.
2 Means with the same letter are not significantly differ-
ent LSD P<0.05.
during 2002. The Central Missouri Produce Auction is a
local wholesale outlet for many commercial vegetable
growers in central Missouri. Supplies of greenhouse
(ground culture or hydroponic) tomatoes become avail-
able starting in late April in Missouri. Wholesale prices
remained relatively high through June, and then began to
decline in July as field supplies increased (Figure 1).
Tomatoes in field plots were harvested starting on
July 25, 2002, and separated into marketable grade classes
(Table 2). 'Merced', 'Floralina', BHN 543, 'Florida 91'
and 'Carolina Gold' had significantly higher marketable
yields when grown within a high tunnel relative to the
field. In addition, high tunnel tomatoes were more than
30 days earlier than field tomatoes. On an area basis,
Figure 1. Wholesale tomato prices (US No. 1 Large: 2.5-2.75" diameter) per box (25
lb.). Source: Central Missouri Produce Auction, Versailles, MO. Prices and supply to the
left of the line represent "early" prices.
x
0
.0
L.,
aa.
6 0 ... ........... ................. .........
50
40
30
20
10
O Ut O O O
N N -N N N
re ~ ~ mo.Jl -h regIJ -f raJa -~ut
lemishes. ~ ~ .Banywn alohd
oo heJ 0 0 0 0
---- US No. 1 (Lge)
Time
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
27
28 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
high tunnel tomatoes significantly outyielded field to-
matoes (Figure 2).
For growers interested in early tomato production,
high tunnels seem to be an excellent technology to
achieve this goal. Our research has documented signifi-
cant yield enhancement from high tunnel production.
Almost every cultivar that performs well in the field en-
vironment will excel in a high tunnel. Disease infestation
and physiological ripening disorders such as yellow
shoulder and sun scorch were negated by the high tun-
nel. Based on the results of this research, it is possible
for a grower to have vine-ripe tomatoes from mid-June
until October in the central Midwest by using high tun-
nels as a complement to field production. For additional
information on high tunnels for the central Great Plains,
please view the high tunnel website: www.higldiunnels.org.
Figure 2. Comparison of yield per ft
2
of all tomato cultivars evaluated.
2-
1.5-
Yield (lbs 1
per plant)
0.5-
TABLE 2. FIELDP F A OF 1OMATO
CULTXVARS
Cultivar US No. 1' US No. 2 Total
lbs/p/ant lbs/p/ant lbs/plant
BHN 543 Gab iNS 7NS
Brandywine 4 b 3 NS 7 NS
Carolina Gold 7 ab 2 NS 9 NS
Floralina 8 a 2 NS 10 NS
Florida 91 7 ab 2 NS 9 NS
Merced 4 b 5 NS 9 NS
Mt. Spring 8 a 5 NS 13 NS
Mt. Fresh 9 a 3 NS 12 NS
' Means with the same letter are not significantly differ-
ent [SD P<0.05. NS= not significant
High tunnel Field
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION28
_
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE 
VARIETY TRIALS 
29
Triploid Watermelon
Cultivar Evaluation,
Summer 2002
Richard G. Snyder and Peter Hudson
Eight varieties of triploid (seedless) watermelon
(Citrullus lanatus) were included in a variety trial at the
Truck Crops Branch Station in Crystal Springs, Missis-
sippi, in the summer of 2002. Similar evaluations were
conducted at the Horticulture Research and Education
Unit at Verona, Mississippi, and at the South Missis-
sippi Branch unit at Beaumont, Mississippi.
Seed of eight varieties of triploid watermelon were
seeded in the greenhouse on March 26 2002. All test
varieties were red fleshed, elongated, and in the 18 to 22
pound size class according to seed company descrip-
tions. Seed sources are shown in Table 1.
To insure good pollination, 'Verona' was selected as
a pollinizer variety. This variety has a different appear-
ance than the triploids being tested, which avoided con-
fusion during harvest. 'Verona' is a 'Black Diamond' type,
averaging 30 pounds.
Triploids were transplanted on April 25. Plants were
arranged in a randomized complete block design with four
replications. Plants were spaced 4 feet apart within the
row, and 6 feet apart between rows (24 square feet per
plant), with 10 plants per plot. This is equivalent to a
plant population of 1,815 plants per acre.
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 Providence
Silt Loam. The rows were established on raised beds and
were covered with black plastic mulch with trickle irriga-
tion tubing beneath (rated at 0.5 gallon per 100 feet at 10
pounds per square inch). 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 via drip tape. This in-
cluded applying 385 pounds of 13-13-13 and 167 pounds
of 0-0-60 per acre preplant, then sidedressing with 23
pounds CaNO
2 
per acre when vines began to run.
Harvest began on July 1 and concluded on July 24.
Each melon was weighed individually. Data collected in-
cluded total and marketable numbers and weights of fruit.
Fruit smaller than 10 pounds were considered unmarket-
able. Early yield was calculated from marketable 
weights
and numbers of fruit harvested on the 
first two 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 two samples were drawn from 
near the
center. The two readings from each fruit 
were averaged.
Brix was read with a hand held refractometer.
There were no significant differences in marketable
numbers or weights of fruit, early yield, fruit 
size, colored
seeds, hollowheart, or rind necrosis. However, there 
were
differences in soluble solids content (% brix).
There was a very low incidence of hollowheart (less
than 1% for all varieties) and no rind necrosis at the 
Crys-
tal Springs location. Also, the number of colored 
seeds
was very low, averaging around one quarter of 
one per-
cent of fruit with colored seeds.
Marketable fruit of all varieties averaged 15.3 to 17.5
pounds in size. Fruit smaller than 10 pounds was consid-
ered as cull.
Soluble solids, an indication of sweetness, was the
only variable which showed significant differences
(p=0.0075). SR-8026 (13% brix) had higher soluble solids
than 'Freedom', SXW-4016, SXW-4930, 'Vertigo', 
and
'Seedless Sangria'. 'Banner' and 'Revolution' 
also had
high soluble solids. 'Seedless Sangria' was lowest, 
with
11.5% brix. All of the watermelon varieties tested would
be considered sweet, with the full range from 11.5 to 13.0%.
There was a very low incidence of hollowheart in all
varieties, and it was not significant. Therefore, the 
means
of hollowheart measurements, which varied from 0.3 
to
2.4 inches wide, are not shown in the table.
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
29
.; ::; ::. .:. ; :. ;. .: -.
30 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
Any of the varieties tested would be considered of
suitable yield and quality for triploids watermelons in
this size class.
Yield and earliness data are presented in Table 1, and
fruit size and quality information are shown in Table 2.
Table 3 shows the size distribution of the fruit in five size
classes.
TABLE 1. FRUIT YIELD AND EARLINESS OF TRIPLOID WATERMELON CULTIVARS,
SUMMER 2002
Entry Seed Marketable Marketable Early Early
source yield' yield' harvest
2 
harvest
2
lbs/ac no/ac lbs/ac no/ac
Banner Sunseeds 41,237 2,496 15,981 908
Freedom Sunseeds 35,293 2,223 17,038 908
Revolution Sunseeds 38,403 2,405 14,522 862
SR-8026 Sunseeds 37,271 2,133 19,057 953
SXW-4016 Sunseeds 41,232 2,450 19,252 1044
SXW-4930 Southwestern 34,635 2,269 13,131 817
Vertigo Hazera 34,712 2,269 9,388 590
Seedless Sangria Rogers 43,878 2,586 15,427 908
significance NS
3  
NS N
p-value 0. 26 0.82 0.14 0.58
Isd
3  
- -
- -
1 Marketable yield and size of melons based on melons greater than 10 Ibs. Yield based
on plant population of 1,815 plants per acre (24 ft
2 
per plant). Rows spaced 6 ft apart
with plants 4 ft apart in the row. Fruit size is based on marketable melon weights over
10 Ibs.
2 Early yield indicates portion of the weights or numbers of melons from the first two of
six harvests.
3Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p_0.05. Treatments not significantly different
(NS); significant at p<0.01. (**).
TABLE 2. FRUIT SIZE AND QUALITY OF TRIPLOID WATERMELON CULTIVARS,
SUMMER 2002
Colored Colored Hollow- Soluble
Entry Size' seed seed
2  
heart
2  
solids
2
lbs no % % %
Banner 16.5 0.3 0.25 0.67 12.8 ab
Freedom 15.9 0.2 0.17 0.17 12.3 bc
Revolution 16.0 0.0 0.00 0.25 12.6 abc
SR-8026 17.5 0.7 0.29 0.25 13.0 a
SXW-4016 16.9 0.1 0.06 0.06 12.0 cd
SXW-4930 15.3 0.0 0.00 0.42 11.9 cd
Vertigo 15.5 0.4 0.25 0.17 12.2 bcd
Seedless Sangria 17.1 0.3 0.25 0.17 11.5 d
significance NS 
3  
NS NS NS * *
p-value 0.33 0.16 0.25 0.07 0.0075
lsd 
3  
- - - - 0.76
'Yield and size of melons based on melons greater than 10 Ibs. Yield based on plant
population of 1,815 plants per acre (24 ft
2 
per plant). Rows spaced 6 ft apart with
plants 4 ft apart in the row. Fruit size is based on marketable melon weights over 10
Ibs.; least square means reported.
2 Average of two samples from each of four replications; least square means reported.
' Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p<0.05. Treatments not significantly different
(NS); significant at p<0.01. (**).
30 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
FALL 2002 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS
TABLE 3. FRUIT SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF TRIPLOID WATERMELON CULTIVARS,
SUMMER 2002
Entry <10 lb 10-14 lb 14-18 lb 18-22 lb >22 lb
Banner 11 24 31 24 10
Freedom 18 30 25 22 5
Revolution 10 22 47 20 0
SR-8026 15 18 29 25 13
SXW-4016 13 24 27 24 11
SXW-4930 19 27 35 15 3
Vertigo 18 33 33 10 7
Seedless Sangria 2 19 41 31 7
31
32 
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL 
EXPERIMENT STATION
See Sources for Alabama 
Trials
Abbot and Cobb, Inc.
To order: (800) 345-SEED
In TX: (800) 277-8177
Tech. Rep: Russ Becham
146 Old US Highway 84
West Boston, GA 31626
Office/fax: (229) 498-2366
E-mail: rbeckham@rose.net
-Enza Zaden North America,
Inc.
1352 Burton Ave.
Salinas, CA. 93901
Ph: (831) 751-0937
Fax:(831)751-6103
E-mail:seed@enzasalinas.com
Harris Seeds
To order: (800) 544-7938
355 PaulRd.
P.O. Box 24966
Rochester, NY 14624-0966
Fax: (877) 892-9197
Harris Moran Seed Co.
P.O. Box 493 8
Modesto, CA 95352
Ph: (209) 579-7333
Fax: (209) 527-8684
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
Rupp Seeds
To order: (800) 700-1199
17919 County RaoadB
Waseon, OH 43567
Sakata
Tech. Rep: Brent Sapp
816 N. ParkAve.
Tifton, GA 31794
Ph: (229) 392-2325
E-mail: bsapp@sakata.com
Sandoz Rogers/Novartis
To order: (912) 560-1863
Seedway
To order: (800) 952-7333
Tech. Rep: James J. Pullins
1225 Zeager Road
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Ph: (717) 367-1075
Fax:(717)367-0387
E-mail: info(dseedway.com
Seminis Vegetable Seeds,
Inc.
Tech. Rep: Jack Stuckey
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) 771-1500
3 Harris Place
Salinas, CA 93901
Fax: (408) 771-1517
E-mail: shamrock@shamrockseed.com
Sieger Seeds
13031 Reflections Dr.
Holland, MI
Ph: (800) 962-4999
Stokes Seeds
To order: (800) 396-9238
P.O. Box 548
Buffalo, NY 14240-0548
E-mail: stokes@stokeseeds.com
Sunseeds
Richard Wojciak
122 14 Lacewood Lane
Wellington, Florida 33414_4983
Ph: (561) 791-9061
Fax: (561) 798-4915
Mobile: (561) 371-2023
richard.wojciak@sunseeds.com
Takii Seeds
301 Natividad Rd
Salinas, CA 93906
Ph: (408) 443-4901
Vilmorin
16 Gregg Street
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Ph: (607) 387-3959
Fax: (607) 387-3357
Wilihite
To order: (800) 828-1840
Tech. Rep: Don Dobbs
P.O. Box 23
Poolville, TX 76487
Fax: (817) 599-5843
32
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Guidelines for Contributions to
the Vegetable Variety Regional Bulletin
Vegetable variety evaluation and selection is an essential part of production
horticulture. The vegetable variety regional bulletin is intended to report results of
variety trials conducted by research institutions in the Southeast in a timely manner.
Its intended audience includes growers, research/extension personnel, and 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 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 publication process for the
next regional bulletin (spring 2003).
When: September 25, 2003
Deadline for spring 2003 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:
vinsoed@auburn.edu, or
kembljm@auburn.edu
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
1. Edisto Research and Education Center, Blackville, SC
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
2. Georgia Mountain Branch Experiment Station, Blairsville, GA
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
3. North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona, MS
4. Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station, Crystal Springs, MS
5. Coastal Research and Extension Center, Beaumont, MS
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
6. Brewton Agricultural Research Unit, Brewton, AL
7. Wiregrass Research and Extension Center, Headland, AL
8. E.V. Smith Research Center, Shorter, AL
9. Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center, Crossville, AL
10. North Alabama Horticulture Research Center, Cullman, AL
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Not shown: Bradford Research and Education Center, Columbia, MO