2014 North Carolina State University Watermelon Cultivar Trials

Transcription

1 2014 North Carolina State University Watermelon Cultivar Trials Jonathan R. Schultheis W. Bradfred Thompson Department of Horticulture Science North Carolina State University Hort. Series No. 210

2 2014 North Carolina Watermelon Cultivar Trials Hort. Series # 210 Principle Investigators Jonathan R. Schultheis W. Bradfred Thompson Professor and Extension Specialist, Research Specialist Vegetables Department of Horticultural Science Department of Horticultural Science N.C. State University N.C. State University Raleigh, NC Raleigh, NC General Cultural Practices The watermelon trials were grown on black plastic mulch and fertigated with drip tube. Pesticides used on all plots were chemicals labeled for that crop, (2014 North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual, ( Acknowledgments We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Cathy Herring (Superintendent) and Kirby Jones (Horticulture Supervisor), Central Crops Research Station, Clayton, NC, as well as, the personnel at the research station for their help in establishing, maintaining, and harvesting the cultivar evaluation trials. We want to acknowledge the following for their assistance with the trials: Sam Harris, Victoria Cox, Heather Yanno, Marie Neal, and David Cassady. The cooperation and support of Clifton Seed Company; Harris Moran; K&B Development; Nunhems; Origene Seeds; Sakata Seed Company; Seigers; Seminis; Syngenta Seeds, Inc.; and United Genetics were also appreciated. We also acknowledge the generosity of Wilbur Taylor and Carolina Greenhouse and Soil Company in Kinston, NC for their donation of the soilless media that was used in transplant grow out. Disclaimer This publication presents data from the cultivar evaluation trials conducted during Information in this report is believed to be reliable but should not be relied upon as a sole source of information. Limited accompanying detail is included but excludes some pertinent information, which may aid interpretation. i

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENT COVER PAGE, Title, Principle Investigators, Cooperators, Acknowledgments and Disclaimer... i TABLE OF CONTENTS... ii-iii STANDARD TRIPLOID WATERMELONS Triploid, and Mini Triploid watermelon cultural practices for 2014 Cultivar Trials, Central Crops Research Station, Clayton, NC, Table 1 Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar descriptions and seed sources; Clayton, Figure 1 Triploid red flesh watermelon photographs; Table 2 Fruit weight (cwt.) for first harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 3 Bin box per acre counts for first harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 4 Fruit number per acre in first harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 5 Fruit weight (cwt.) for second harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 6 Bin box per acre counts for second harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 7 Fruit number per acre in second harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 8 Fruit weight (cwt.) for third harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 9 Bin box per acre counts for third harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 10 Fruit number per acre in third harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 11 Fruit weight (cwt.) for fourth harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 12 Bin box per acre counts for fourth harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 13 Fruit number per acre in fourth harvest; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 14 Cumulative fruit weight (cwt.); Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 15 Cumulative bin box per acre counts; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 16 Cumulative fruit number per acre; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 17 Interior fruit quality; Triploid red-flesh watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, MINI TRIPLOID WATERMELONS Table 18 Triploid mini watermelon cultivar seed sources, descriptions; Figure 2 Triploid miniature watermelon photographs; Table 19 Fruit number harvested during first harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 20 Fruit number harvested during second harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 21 Fruit number harvested during third harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 22 Percentage melons harvested by number in first harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 23 Percentage melons harvested by number in second harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 24 Percentage melons harvested by number in third and fourth harvests for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 25 Fruit number harvested during fourth harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 26 Fruit number harvested during fifth harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 27 Percentage melons harvested by number in fourth harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 28 Percentage melons harvested by number in fifth harvest for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 29 Cumulative fruit number harvested for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, Table 30 Cumulative percentage for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, NC, ii

4 Table 31 Percent harvested by harvest in total and total marketable categories; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 32 Cumulative fruit weight for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 33 Cumulative percentage of fruit weight for each size category; Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, Table 34 Interior fruit quality, Triploid mini watermelon cultivar trial; Clayton, iii

5 Standard and Mini Triploid Watermelon Cultural Practices for 2014 Cultivar Trials, Central Crops Research Station, Clayton, NC Introduction Watermelon continues to be an important crop grown in North Carolina as the state was ranked seventh in production among U.S. states nationally in 2012 representing 6.4% of the nation s watermelon production. Approximately 8,300 acres valued at nearly $34.9 million were produced and harvested in North Carolina in Growers in NC need to remain competitive in the market place and must grow and sell the best cultivars. More recently, in addition to yields, seed companies and markets have focused on specific traits such as lycopene and citrulline content, hollow heart incidence, seed trace size, and flesh firmness. We have committed more of our resources to the evaluation of many of these traits. In the tables that follow, the adaptability of the various red-flesh watermelons is evaluated, both for yields and quality. This should help the watermelon industry make informed decisions regarding newly released red-flesh cultivars or those that are being considered for release. Materials and Methods We have evaluated red-flesh standard size watermelon types annually since We initiated the evaluation of mini triploid watermelon types in Before the growing season, companies which sell watermelon seeds were contacted to obtain seed for the watermelon cultivar trials. Once all seed were obtained, they were planted into Poly growing transplant trays (Hummert Int.; Earth City, MO). Seeds of standard size and mini triploid cultigens were sown on 15 April, The planting medium used was Fine Germinating Mix, a commercial soilless mix (Carolina Greenhouse and Soil Company; Kinston, NC). Approximately 3 weeks after seeding, the plants were placed in a hardening greenhouse and hardened before being established in the field. Standard size triploids and mini triploids were established in the field on 19 May Fertilizer, 30 lb/acre N and 80 lb/acre K 2 0, was incorporated into the beds on 29 April prior to the laying of black polyethylene plastic (0.70 mil thick high density plastic film, 48 inches wide; B.B. Hobbs, Clinton, NC). Fumigant (Telone C-17) was broadcast and incorporated into the soil on 7 November 2013 at 9.0 gallons/acre prior to the start of the growing season. Herbicides, Curbit at 4 pints/acre, Gramaxone at 3 pints/acre, and Prefar at 5 quarts/acre, were applied between the plastic beds for weed control on 29 May. Spacing between row middles was 10 feet for all watermelon types and in-row spacing was 2.5 feet for standard size triploid watermelons and 1 foot for mini triploid watermelons. Plot size for standard triploid size watermelons was one row, 10 plants per plot, 25 feet long with 10 feet alleys between plots. Plot size for the mini triploid watermelons was one row, 10 plants per plot, 10 feet long with 10 feet alleys between plots. At time of transplant, a starter solution was applied using (0.5 lb/50 gallons water) and 5 oz. Coragen per 50 gallons water for insect control. Plots with missing plants were replanted approximately 7 days after planting to achieve 100% stand in most cases. For the 2014 growing season, SP-6 was the sole pollinizer source. Pollinizers were interplanted between plants 1 and 2; 5 and 6; and 9 and 10. Trickle irrigation was utilized (NETAFIM, 12 inch spacing, 0.24 gph; NETAFIM, Tel Aviv, Israel) over the growing season. Fertigation was initiated two weeks after planting and applied weekly during the planting season. A total of 61.2 lb/acre N and lb/acre K 2 O was drip applied through the season using a liquid fertilizer. Cumulative amount of fertilizer applied for the season was 91.2, 0, and lb/acre of N, P 2 O 5, and K 2 O, respectively. Insecticides were applied every week as a preventative measure beginning 4 June and on the following dates (11, 18, and 25 June; 2, 9, 16, and 28 July; and 6 and 14 August). The following products were alternated during consecutive spray applications to avoid insect resistance: Asana, Fan Fare, Perm Up, and Sevin. Fungicides were similarly applied throughout 1

6 the growing season at weekly intervals. The fungicide program that was implemented consisted of the following fungicide products which were alternated during consecutive spray applications to avoid disease resistance: Bravo, Kocide, Pristine, Previcur Flex, Penncozeb, and Ranman; and applied on the following dates; 11, 18, and 25 June; 2, 9, 16, and 28 July; and 6 and 14 August. There were four harvests for the standard size triploid watermelon study and 5 harvests for the mini triploid watermelon study. The first harvest for the standard size triploid test was 24 July. Subsequent harvests were 30 July; 13 and 20 August. The first harvest for the mini triploid trial was 15 July, and subsequent harvests were 22 and 29 July; and 5 and 13 August. Each fruit was harvested when ripe, weighed and categorized statistically by size category. For the triploid watermelon test, fruits were placed in the following categories; < 8.9 lb, lb, lb, lb, and lb. Fruits were considered marketable if they weighed at least 9 pounds. Fruit are often commercially marketed by number or count per bin with lb. fruit termed 60-count, lb. fruit termed 45-count, lb. fruit termed 36-count, and fruit 21.5 lb. or larger termed 30-count. We use these weight designations to categorize the fruits harvested in this study. The most popular standard triploid fruit size has typically ranged from lb. For the mini triploid trial, fruits were placed into the following categories; < 3lb, lb, 4-7 lb, lb, lb, lb, and > 10 lb. Fruits were considered marketable if they were within the 3 7 lb category. Evaluations of each watermelon entry included yield, fruit size, production earliness, soluble solids using a hand held digital refractometer, fruit shape and size, exterior and interior descriptions (rind pattern, length/width ratio, seed trace size, occurrence of hard seeds, hollow heart incidence and severity, and flesh color), and interior flesh firmness. Hard seed in triploid fruit was determined according to USDA standards. Fruits were cut longitudinally in half, then these halves were cut laterally. The number of hard seeds exposed on the cut surface were counted and recorded. This is the second year we have rated for hard seeds according to USDA standards. Flesh firmness was taken by using a Penetrometer FT 011 with a 7/16 plunger tip, (QA Supplies LLC, Norfolk, Va.), and recorded in pounds. Samples were obtained by cutting the center of the fruit from the stem to blossom end. Pressure was then taken in five areas of the fruit; stem end, top side, ground spot side, blossom end, and center. Pressure was not taken on fruit with hollow heart. The reported measures on flesh firmness are an average of the five sample areas and are an average value taken for five fruit per plot or 20 fruit per cultigen. Most of the quality measurements were taken at the first or second harvests Trial Note: The 2014 growing season was optimal for watermelon production. Vine growth and fruit set were excellent as was fruit quality among a majority of the cultivars evaluated. Unlike 2013, there was no crow damage observed within the trial which we attribute to vigorous vine growth that allowed the fruit to size and mature under the cover of the foliage. Overall, we would rate the 2014 trial as one of the best watermelon trials resulting in high yields and fruit quality. Financial Support In addition to seed companies, this program has been supported by the College of Life & Agricultural Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 2

7 Table 1. Triploid Red-Flesh Watermelon Seed Sources and Descriptions; Entry No. Cultigen Company Description K&B Development Indistinct, medium width, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; long round to blocky shape, sizes are mainly medium to large HQ Nunhems Indistinct, medium width, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; smaller fruit are mainly short and round, larger fruit are short blocky to blocky, fruit size ranges from small to large 3 ACX 6177 Nunhems Indistinct, medium wide, dark green stripes on light green background, mainly long round shape, fruit size is mainly medium. 4 Affirmed Sakata Indistinct, medium wide, dark green stripes on light green background; shape is mainly short blocky to blocky large fruit; medium to large fruit size 5 Bold Ruler Sakata Indistinct, medium wide, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; fruit are mainly short blocky oval, medium to large size 6 Captivation Syngenta Indistinct, medium to wide, dark green stripes on light green background, mainly short blocky and blocky fruit, fruit size mainly medium to large, excellent rind/flesh deliniation, one fruit in seven with internal hard core in one rep. 7 Charismatic Sakata Indistinct, medium wide dark green stripes on medium green background, uniform, round fruit; uniformly small to medium size fruit; indistinct rind flesh delineation, fairly thick rind 8 Crunchy Red Harris Moran Indistinct, medium wide, medium green stripes on a light green background; large fruit are elongated, small fruit round; mainly large size fruit; indistinct rind flesh delineation with many very thick areas of rind around fruit. 9 Cut Above Clifton Seed Indistinct, medium wide, medium green stripes on a light green background; uniform blocky fruit, mainly medium to large sized fruit with good rind flesh delineation. 10 Declaration Nunhems Indistinct, medium width, medium to dark green stripes on light green background, very uniform oval blocky fruit; very uniform medium to large sized fruit; cookie cutter shape fruit; indistinct rind flesh delineation. 3

8 Table 1. Cont. Entry No. Cultigen Company Description 11 Exclamation Syngenta Indistinct, medium width,dark green stripes on light green background, mainly oval fruit; size varies from small to large; good rind flesh delineation; minimal rind thickness. 12 Fascination Syngenta Indistinct, medium width, dark green stripes on light green background; oval and blocky shapes; size mainly medium to large; very dark red flesh; distinct rind flesh interface, 13 Harvest Moon K&B Solid dark green with round yellow spots ("stars") and an occasionally Development larger yellow area (generally circular in shape, "moon"); very dark protruding narrow ribbing on fruit when ripe; uniform fruit shape which are round to long round; mainly medium size; variations in rind thickness around fruit; very thick rind; indistinct rind flesh interface. 14 Kingman Sakata Indistinct, medium wide, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; fairly consistent shape, short blocky to blocky; medium to large fruit size; lots of hollow heart, some severe; indistinct rind flesh interface. 15 Liberty Nunhems Indistinct, medium wide, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; mainly oval to short blocky fruit; some smaller fruit that are more round; mainly medium to large fruit size; thick indistinct rind flesh interface. 16 Maxima Origene Seeds Indistinct, medium wide, very dark green stripes on light to medium green background (background is darker green, giving rind a darker green color); mainly long round fruit; mainly medium size to medium large size fruit; excellent red color 17 Melody Syngenta Indistinct, medium wide, very dark green stripes on medium green background, (melon rind is darker than most and very attractive); fruit are mainly round or slightly longer than round and shape is extremely uniform; size was uinform and was small to medium; excellent rind flesh delineation; relatively thin rind. 18 ORS Origene Seeds Indistinct; wide, very dark stripes, medium green background (one of the darker-rinded entries in 2014 trial); oval shaped; mainly medium sized fruits; late maturity; excellent red flesh color. 19 Premont Clifton Seed Indistinct, medium width, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; large fruit are mostly oval/ or blocky while small fruit are mainly round; large dichotomy in size, small to large size 4

9 Table 1. Cont. Entry No. Cultigen Company Description 20 Secretariat Sakata Indistinct, medium width, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; blocky fruit with uniform shape; uniformly medium to large size fruit; indistinct rind flesh delineation; good red flesh color. 21 SV0051WA Seminis Indistinct, medium to wide, dark green stripes on light green background; large fruit are mainly blocky, fruit size variable from medium to very large; a few small round fruit; thick rind, indistinct rind flesh delineation. 22 SV2757WA Seminis Indistinct, medium width, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; mainly short blocky/oval shape, a few small round fruit; fruit primarily medium size; excellent rind flesh delineation; excellent deep red flesh color; relatively thin rinds. 23 SV7018WA Seminis Indistinct, narrow to medium wide, dark green stripes on light to medium green background; mainly short blocky/oval shape; fairly uniform size, fruit sizes were medium to large. 24 SV8298WA Seminis Indistinct, medium to wide, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; uniformly blocky fruit; uniformly large-sized fruit; indisitinct rind flesh delineation. 25 SVR Seminis Indistinct, medium to wide, dark green stripes on light to medium green background; short blocky or oval fruit; variable size; small to medium fruit; fairly distinct rind flesh interface. 26 Sweet Polly Siegers Fairly distinct; medium to wide, very dark green stripes on light green background; mainly blocky fruit with uniformity in shape; a few oval, medium to large size fruit; distinct rind flesh interface. 27 Traveler Harris Moran Indistinct, medium width, very dark green stripes on medium to dark green background; fairly uniform oval fruit; mainly small size with some medium size fruit; distinct rind flesh delineation; good red flesh color. 28 Tri-X-313 Syngenta Indistinct, medium wide, medium to dark green stripes on light green background; mainly oval or short blocky fruit; mainly medium to larger fruit size; indistinct rind flesh delineation; thick rind. 29 Troubadour Harris Moran Indistinct, medium width, very dark green stripes on medium to dark green background; uniform oval fruit; uniform small to medium size; indistinct rind flesh delineation. 30 UG 711 United Genetics Indistinct, medium width, very dark green stripes on medium to dark green background; uniform round fruit; small to medium size. 5

10 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon ACX6177 Affirmed

11 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red

12 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination

13 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon Harvest Moon Kingman Maxima Liberty

14 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon Melody ORS Secretariat Premont

15 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon SV0051WA SV2757WA SV8298WA SV7018WA

16 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon SVR0241 Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X-313

17 2014 Standard Triploid Watermelon Troubadour UG 711

18 Table 2. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit weight, (cwt.), per acre by various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 1. Clayton, N.C Cwt. (x100) by size Total / Mkt / Cultivar Company < > 21.5 Acre Acre K&B Dev HQ Nunhems ACX6177 Nunhems Affirmed Sakata Bold Ruler Sakata Captivation Syngenta Charismatic Sakata Crunchy Red Harris Moran Cut Above Clifton Declaration Nunhems Exclamation Syngenta Fascination Syngenta Harvest Moon K&B Dev Kingman Sakata Liberty Nunhems Maxima Origene Melody Syngenta ORS Origene Premont Clifton Secretariat Sakata SV0051WA Seminis SV2757WA Seminis SV7018WA Seminis SV8298WA Seminis SV0241WA Seminis Sweet Polly Siegers Traveler Harris Moran Tri-X-313 Syngenta Troubadour Harris Moran UG 711 United Genetics Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. 14

19 Table 3. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Bin boxes per acre by various various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 1. Clayton, N.C Mkt / % Total Yield by Count Avg lb./ Cultivar < > 21.5 Acre fruit HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Bold Ruler Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Values were determined based upon 700 lb bin box weight. 3 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Bin boxes / acre by size grade 2 15

20 Table 4. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit number for harvest 1 by various weight classes (per acre) including fruit number per plant. Clayton, N.C., Total Total Fruit No./ Cultivar Rank 1 < > 21.5 Number Mkt. No. 2 Plant HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD(0.05) Ranked according to total marketable number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Fruit size category 16

21 Table 5. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit weight, (cwt.), per acre by various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 2. Clayton, N.C Cwt. (x100) by size Total / Mkt / Cultivar Company < > 21.5 Acre Acre K&B Dev HQ Nunhems ACX6177 Nunhems Affirmed Sakata Bold Ruler Sakata Captivation Syngenta Charismatic Sakata Crunchy Red Harris Moran Cut Above Clifton Declaration Nunhems Exclamation Syngenta Fascination Syngenta Harvest Moon K&B Dev Kingman Sakata Liberty Nunhems Maxima Origene Melody Syngenta ORS Origene Premont Clifton Secretariat Sakata SV0051WA Seminis SV2757WA Seminis SV7018WA Seminis SV8298WA Seminis SV0241WA Seminis Sweet Polly Siegers Traveler Harris Moran Tri-X-313 Syngenta Troubadour Harris Moran UG 711 United Genetics Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. 17

22 Table 6. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Bin boxes per acre by various various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 2. Clayton, N.C Mkt / % Total Yield by Count Avg lb./ Cultivar < > 21.5 Acre fruit HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Values were determined based upon 700 lb bin box weight. 3 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Bin boxes / acre by size grade 2 18

23 Table 7. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit number for harvest 2 by various weight classes (per acre) including fruit number per plant. Clayton, N.C., Total Total Fruit No./ Cultivar Rank 1 < > 21.5 Number Mkt. No. 2 Plant HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD(0.05) Ranked according to total marketable number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Fruit size category 19

24 Table 8. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit weight, (cwt.), per acre by various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 3. Clayton, N.C Cwt. (x100) by size Total / Mkt / Cultivar Company < > 21.5 Acre Acre K&B Dev HQ Nunhems ACX6177 Nunhems Affirmed Sakata Bold Ruler Sakata Captivation Syngenta Charismatic Sakata Crunchy Red Harris Moran Cut Above Clifton Declaration Nunhems Exclamation Syngenta Fascination Syngenta Harvest Moon K&B Dev Kingman Sakata Liberty Nunhems Maxima Origene Melody Syngenta ORS Origene Premont Clifton Secretariat Sakata SV0051WA Seminis SV2757WA Seminis SV7018WA Seminis SV8298WA Seminis SV0241WA Seminis Sweet Polly Siegers Traveler Harris Moran Tri-X-313 Syngenta Troubadour Harris Moran UG 711 United Genetics Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. 20

25 Table 9. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Bin boxes per acre by various various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 3. Clayton, N.C Mkt / % Total Yield by Count Avg lb./ Cultivar < > 21.5 Acre fruit HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Values were determined based upon 700 lb bin box weight. 3 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Bin boxes / acre by size grade 2 21

26 Table 10. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit number for harvest 3 by various weight classes (per acre) including fruit number per plant. Clayton, N.C., Total Total Fruit No./ Cultivar Rank 1 < > 21.5 Number Mkt. No. 2 Plant HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD(0.05) Ranked according to total marketable number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Fruit size category 22

27 Table 11. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit weight, (cwt.), per acre by various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 4. Clayton, N.C Cwt. (x100) by size Total / Mkt / Cultivar Company < > 21.5 Acre Acre K&B Dev HQ Nunhems ACX6177 Nunhems Affirmed Sakata Bold Ruler Sakata Captivation Syngenta Charismatic Sakata Crunchy Red Harris Moran Cut Above Clifton Declaration Nunhems Exclamation Syngenta Fascination Syngenta Harvest Moon K&B Dev Kingman Sakata Liberty Nunhems Maxima Origene Melody Syngenta ORS Origene Premont Clifton Secretariat Sakata SV0051WA Seminis SV2757WA Seminis SV7018WA Seminis SV8298WA Seminis SV0241WA Seminis Sweet Polly Siegers Traveler Harris Moran Tri-X-313 Syngenta Troubadour Harris Moran UG 711 United Genetics Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. 23

28 Table 12. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Bin boxes per acre by various various weight classes including average fruit size 1 for harvest 4. Clayton, N.C Mkt / % Total Yield by Count Avg lb./ Cultivar < > 21.5 Acre fruit HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Ranked according to total marketable weight. 3 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Bin boxes / acre by size grade 2 24

29 Table 13. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit number for harvest 4 by various weight classes (per acre) including fruit number per plant. Clayton, N.C., Total Total Fruit No./ Cultivar Rank 1 < > 21.5 Number Mkt. No. 2 Plant HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD(0.05) Ranked according to total marketable number. 2 Includes fruit 9 pounds. Fruit size category 25

30 Table 14. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Cumulative weight, (cwt.), per acre of fruit harvested by various weight classes including average fruit size 1. Clayton, N.C Cwt. (x100) by size Total / Mkt / Cultivar Company Rank 2 < > 21.5 Acre Acre K&B Dev HQ Nunhems ACX6177 Nunhems Affirmed Sakata Bold Ruler Sakata Captivation Syngenta Charismatic Sakata Crunchy Red Harris Moran Cut Above Clifton Declaration Nunhems Exclamation Syngenta Fascination Syngenta Harvest Moon K&B Dev Kingman Sakata Liberty Nunhems Maxima Origene Melody Syngenta ORS Origene Premont Clifton Secretariat Sakata SV0051WA Seminis SV2757WA Seminis SV7018WA Seminis SV8298WA Seminis SV0241WA Seminis Sweet Polly Siegers Traveler Harris Moran Tri-X-313 Syngenta Troubadour Harris Moran UG 711 United Genetics Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Ranked according to total marketable weight. 3 Includes fruit 9 pounds. 26

31 Table 15. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Bin boxes per acre by various weight classes including average fruit size 1. Clayton, N.C Bin boxes/acre Mkt / % Total Yield by Count Avg lb./ Cultivar Company < > 21.5 Acre fruit K&B Dev HQ Nunhems ACX6177 Nunhems Affirmed Sakata Bold Ruler Sakata Captivation Syngenta Charismatic Sakata Crunchy Red Harris Moran Cut Above Clifton Declaration Nunhems Exclamation Syngenta Fascination Syngenta Harvest Moon K&B Dev Kingman Sakata Liberty Nunhems Maxima Origene Melody Syngenta ORS Origene Premont Clifton Secretariat Sakata SV0051WA Seminis SV2757WA Seminis SV7018WA Seminis SV8298WA Seminis SV0241WA Seminis Sweet Polly Siegers Traveler Harris Moran Tri-X-313 Syngenta Troubadour Harris Moran UG 711 United Genetics Average LSD (0.05) Yields are calculated using 100 percent seedless watermelon population. SP-6 pollinizers were interplanted after triploid plants 1, 5, and 9, (3 plants/plot). Fruit weights for each category are rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Ranked according to total marketable weight. 3 Includes fruit 9 pounds. 27

32 Table 16. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Fruit number for cumulative harvests, (4), by various weight classes (per acre) including fruit number per plant. Clayton, N.C., Total Total Fruit No./ Cultivar Rank 1 < > 21.5 Number Mkt. No. 2 Plant HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD(0.05) Ranked according to total marketable number. 2 Includes fruit 10 pounds. Fruit size category 28

33 Table 17. Triploid Red-Flesh watermelon hybrid cultivar trial. Interior fruit quality. Clayton, N.C., Flesh Sd. Trace Hard Seed Internal Flesh Hollow Heart Ratings 10 Cultivar SS 2 Color 3 Size 4 Population 5 LD 6 Hardcore 7 Rind 8 Firmness 9 HH0 HH1 HH2 HH3 HH HQ ACX Affirmed Bold Ruler Captivation Charismatic Crunchy Red Cut Above Declaration Exclamation Fascination Harvest Moon Kingman Liberty Maxima Melody ORS Premont Secretariat SV0051WA SV2757WA SV7018WA SV8298WA SV0241WA Sweet Polly Traveler Tri-X Troubadour UG Average LSD(0.05) Most measurements were obtained from fruits in harvest 1 and HH Percentage Rating Scale: 2 SS = Indicates sweetness, average of 5 melons per replication (20 total). HH0: No crack in flesh 3 Rating: 1 = yellow, 2 = pink, 3 = red, 4 = medium-dark red, 5 = blood red. HH1: Slight crack in flesh 4 Rating: 1=small (i.e. tomato), 3=medium, 5=large. HH2: Small crack in flesh 5 Average number of hard seeds couted within 5 melons per replication (20 total). HH3: Med. separation in flesh 6 LD = Length and diameter ratio, average of 5 melons per replication (20 total). HH4: Complete separation in flesh to rind 7 Internal Hardcore = Percentage of melons with internal hardcore symptoms in flesh among all replications (20 fruit total). **HH3 & HH4 = Non-marketable 8 Rind = Rind thickness (mm), measured from rind to where white and colored flesh meet. 9 Fruit pressure was taken by a penetrometer, Fruit Pressure Tester - FT011 from QA Supplies LLC, Norfolk Va. 29

34 Table 18. Triploid mini-watermelon cultivar seed sources and descriptions; Entry No. Cultigen Company Description 1 Babba Seminis Distinct, narrow, dark green stripes on a light green background; uniform, oval fruit; sizes are mainly medium to large for mini triploid market, more ice box size than mini; good, red flesh color with distinct flesh to rind delineation. 2 Petite Perfection Syngenta Distinct, narrow, dark green stripes on a light green background; uniform oval shape; uniform and ideal mini triploid size; deep, red flesh color with excellent flesh to rind delineation. 3 Pixie Nunhems Distinct, narrow, very dark green stripes bordered by a dark green shadow on a medium green background; uniform round shape; mini melon size to small ice box size; very wide rind thickness; good red flesh color with distinct flesh to rind delineation 4 Sweet Bite Zeraim Gedera Indistinct, medium width, dark green stripes on a light to medium green background; uniform round to oval shape with some variations in size; small to very large mini watermelon size; deep red flesh color with a distinct flesh to rind delineation 30

35 2014 Mini Triploid Watermelon Petite Perfection Babba Pixie Sweet Bite