Introduction

Variety trials are routinely conducted in Southwestern Indiana to evaluate new and emerging vegetables for their growth and production characteristics. Conducting these trials in Indiana’s climate and soil conditions helps vegetable producers make informed decisions about which vegetable varieties will work for their farms. The four melon trials presented here (personal sized seedless watermelons, seeded watermelons, seedless watermelons, and eastern muskmelons) were all conducted at the Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center north of Vincennes, Indiana.

Authors

Christopher C. Gunter, Southwest Purdue Agricultural Program, Vincennes, Indiana;

Melborn K. Lang, Dennis Nowaskie, and Angie Thompson, Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, Vincennes

Evaluating newly released varieties and advanced experimental breeding lines in an independent assessment is extremely valuable for growers and seed producers in the commercial melon industry. The objective of these trials was to comparatively evaluate and identify potential new cultivars and advanced experimental breeding lines that may be adaptable to the growing conditions in southwestern Indiana.

All trial plots were managed according to the fertilization, and weed, disease, and insect control recommendations in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers, 2005 (Purdue Extension publication ID-56), and trickle irrigation lines were placed under black plastic mulch to provide water as needed during the growing season. Each trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. All fruit in these trials were harvested by hand and data were collected in the field on individual fruit. All data were then analyzed using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) package (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the seed companies that provided seeds and support for these vegetable variety trials.

Seed Companies and their codes used in the study
Seed Code Company Name and Address
AC Abbott and Cobb, Inc., PO Box 307, Trevose, PA 19053-0307
DP D. Palmer Seed Co., 8269 South Highway 95 (at Mile Post 35), Yuma, AZ 85365; Fax: (928) 341-8496
HM Harris Moran Seed Company, 3493 Riverweeds Drive, NE, Rockford, MI 49341
HL Hollar & Co., Inc., PO Box 106, Rocky Ford, CO 81067
NH Nunhems Seed, 1200 Anderson Corner Road, Parma, ID 83660; Tel.; (800) 733-9505; Web site: www.sunseeds.com
SK Sakata Seeds America, Inc., 234 Cardina Drive, Conshohocken, PA 19428
SW Seedway, Inc., 869 Riverview Drive, Plainwell, MI 49080
SM Seminis Inc., Seneca Hybrids 2700 Camino del Sol, Oxnard, CA 93030
SVR/SE Seneca Vegetable Research, 5267 Flat St., Hall, NY 14463; Tel.: (585) 526-7044; Fax (585) 526-7045
STS Sutter Seeds LLC, 2854 Niagara Ave., Colusa, CA 95932; Tel.: (530) 458-2721; Web site: www.sutterseeds.com
SY/RG Syngenta Seeds, Inc., Roger Brands, 600 North Armstrong Place (83704), PO Box 4188, Boise, ID 83711-4188

Personal Size Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Trials

This year’s study included four personal size seedless watermelon varieties. Personal size, individual serving, pocket-size, mini, palm, or baby; whatever you call them, these small seedless watermelons are growing in popularity. Ideally, these melons weigh 4 to 6 pounds. This trial, along with the seeded (diploid) watermelon and seedless (triploid) watermelon variety trials, provides an objective and independent comparative assessment of new watermelons for the commercial industry.

Personal size watermelons will require new pricing demands and marketing structures. However, they may fit into your overall marketing plans and may be a welcome addition to your customers. Care should be taken with these varieties until you have a firm grasp of the market demand and consumer preference.

Methods

Four seedless watermelon cultivar seeds were sown in the greenhouse on April 19, and transplanted on May 13. Royal Sweet was used as the pollinator and planted in every third row and in the guard rows. Plots were two single rows, 30 feet long, centered 6 feet apart, and covered with 4 feet of black plastic mulch. Each plot had 30 plants, 2 feet apart within the row. Plots were harvested on July 19, July 25, August 10, and August 17.

Results and Conclusions

Yields and Quality

Yields ranged from 38.5 tons to 49.3 tons per acre with 10,890 to 13,471 fruit per acre harvested across all entries (Table 1). The average weight was 7.3 pounds per fruit, with a range of 7.3 to 8.0 pounds per fruit.

 

Of particular note in this trial:

  • RWT 8149 and Petite Perfection were the highest yielding cultivars.
  • Most of the fruit were round and weighed 6 pounds or more.
  • RWT 8149 and Bibo had the highest soluble solids content.
  • Petite Perfection and Bibo were the best tasting melons.
Cross-section and whole fruit of the watermelon cultivar ‘Petite Perfection,’ shown with a ruler for size comparison.
Cross-section and whole fruit of the watermelon cultivar ‘Precious Petite,’ shown with a ruler for size comparison.
Cross-section and whole fruit of the watermelon cultivar ‘RWT 8149,’ shown with a ruler for size comparison.
Cross-section and whole fruit of the watermelon cultivar ‘Bibo,’ shown with a ruler for size comparison.

Table 1. Comparison of Yield of Personal Size Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1Numbers followed by the same letter were not significantly different
Comparison of Yield of Personal Size Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar Seed Source Yield (cwt./A) Yield (1) (tons/A) Fruit (#/A) Average Fruit Weight < 4 lbs. 4-6 lbs. 6-10 lbs. &gt; 10 lbs.
RWT 8149 RG 985.6 49.3 a 13,471 7.3 4.7 22.0 76.3 8.3
Petite Perfection RG 868.0 43.4 ab 10,890 8.0 3.0 16.0 59.3 13.7
Precious Petite RG 818.2 40.9 ab 11,051 7.4 3.0 18.3 62.7 7.3
Bibo RG 770.6 38.5 b 11,697 6.6 3.0 30.0 62.3 1.3
Grand Mean No data 860.6 43.0 11,777 7.3 No data No data No data No data
L.S.D (5%) No data 212.7 10.6 2,278 0.5 No data No data No data No data
C.V. (%) No data 13.1 13.1 10 4.0 No data No data No data No data

Table 2. Comparison of Quality of Personal Size Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1%SS=percent soluble solids: the higher the value, the greater the amount of total sugar

2Pressure: pressure test reading in pounds per square inch

3Flavor (1 to 5): 1=very poor, 3=acceptable, 5=great

4Length: length of fruit from stem attachment end to blossom end (in inches)

5Width: width of fruit as measured following a longitudinal cut from stem end to blossom end (in inches)

6Ratio: length divided by the width of the fruit

7Shape: Rd=round, Ov=oval, Ob=oblong

8Flesh: LR=light red, RO=red-orange, R=red, LP=light pink, P=pink, DP=dark pink, Y=yellow

9Degree of Seedlessness (1 to 3): 1=brown or black seeds present, 2=white seeds present, 3=no seeds present

Comparison of Quality of Personal Size Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar Seed Source %SS (1) Pressure (2) Flavor (3) Length (4) Width (5) Ratio (6) Shape (7) Flesh (8) Degree of Seedlessness (9)
RWT 8149 RG 14.0 0.5 3 6.5 6.0 1.1 Rd R 2
Petite Perfection RG 13.0 0.9 4 6.0 6.0 1.0 Rd R 3
Precious Petite RG 10.0 1.0 3 6.5 6.0 1.1 Rd R 2
Bibo RG 14.0 1.8 4 7.5 6.5 1.2 Rd-Ov R 2

Seeded Watermelon Cultivar Trials

This year’s study included six seeded watermelon varieties. Indiana remains a major Midwest watermelon producer. With the proliferation of new varieties, increased competition, and the need to maximize profitability per unit area, it is important for commercial growers to identify new varieties that are high quality, high yielding, disease resistant, and that meet market expectations.

This trial, along with the seedless watermelon variety trial, provides an objective and independent comparative assessment of new watermelons for the commercial industry. In large part, seeded watermelon selection should be based on the size, shape, and class of fruit on which your market is focused

Methods

Seeds from six seeded melon cultivars were first direct seeded in the greenhouse on April 19, then transplanted into the field on May 13. Plots consisted of 48-foot long single rows, covered with 4 feet of black plastic mulch, with rows centered 8 feet apart, 12 plants per row, and 4 feet between plants. Fruits were harvested from July 21 through August 10.

Results

Yields and Quality

Yields ranged from 30.5 tons to 35.7 tons per acre with 1,921 to 2,260 fruit per acre harvested across all the entries (Table 3). Yields were generally higher in this trial compared to the 2004 trial. The average weight was 31.4 pounds per fruit, with a range of 29.0 to 33.1 pounds per fruit, down from last year’s average and range.

Of particular note in this trial:

  • ACX 2800 was the highest yielding cultivar.
  • Most of the fruit were oblong.
  • ACX 2800, SF 800, and Top Gun had the highest soluble solids.
Cut and whole ‘Escarlett’ watermelon displayed side by side on a white background. The cut fruit shows red flesh with a pale rind, and a metal ruler spans across the fruits for size comparison. A label reading “Escarlett” appears in front of the cut half.
Cut and whole ‘Top Gun’ watermelon displayed side by side on a white background. The cut fruit shows bright red flesh with a few black seeds and a metal ruler placed across the melon for size comparison. A label reading “Top Gun” is positioned in front of the cut half.
Cut and whole ‘SF 800’ watermelon displayed side by side on a white background. The cut fruit reveals red flesh with a pale rind, and a metal ruler spans across both fruits for size comparison. A label reading “SF 800” is positioned in front of the cut half.
Cut and whole ‘Jamboree’ watermelon displayed side by side on a white background. The cut fruit shows red flesh with several black seeds, and a metal ruler is placed across the fruits to indicate size. A label reading “Jamboree” appears in front of the cut half.
Cut and whole ‘Sangria’ watermelon displayed side by side on a white background. The cut fruit displays deep red flesh with black seeds, and a metal ruler crosses both fruits for size comparison. A label reading “Sangria” is positioned in front of the cut half.
Cut and whole ‘ACX 2800’ watermelon displayed side by side on a white background. The cut fruit reveals red flesh with few visible seeds, and a metal ruler is placed across both fruits to show size. A label reading “ACX 2800” is positioned in front of the cut half.

Table 3. Comparison of Yield of Seeded Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1Numbers followed by the same letter were not significantly different
Comparison of Yield of Seeded Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar Seed Source Yield (cwt./A) Yield (1) (tons/A) Fruit (#/A) Average Fruit Weight
ACX 2800 AC 714.8 35.7 a 2,260 31.7
Jamboree RG 689.3 34.5 a 2,109 32.8
SF 800 AC 681.8 34.1 a 2,147 31.8
Sangria RG 641.4 32.1 a 2,147 29.8
Escarlett RG 631.2 31.5 a 1,921 33.1
Top Gun RG 610.4 30.5 a 2,109 29.0
Grand Mean No data 661.5 33.1 2,116 31.4
LSD (5%) No data 175.9 8.8 584 3.3
C.V. (%) No data 14.9 14.9 16 6.0

Table 4. Comparison of Quality of Seeded Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1%SS=percent soluble solids: the higher the value, the greater the amount of total sugar

2Pressure: pressure test reading in pounds per square inch

3Flavor (1 to 5): 1=very poor, 3=acceptable, 5=great

4Length: length of fruit from stem attachment end to blossom end (in inches)

5Width: width of fruit as measured following a longitudinal cut from stem end to blossom end (in inches)

6Ratio: length divided by the width of the fruit

7Shape: Rd=round, Ov=oval, Ob=oblong

8Flesh: LR=light red, RO=red-orange, R=red, LP=light pink, P=pink, DP=dark pink, Y=yellow

Comparison of Quality of Personal Size Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar Seed Source %SS (1) Pressure (2) Flavor (3) Length (4) Width (5) Ratio (6) Shape (7) Flesh (8)
ACX 2800 AC 11.0 0.0 3 16.5 9.0 1.8 Ob R
Jamboree RG 10.0 1.2 3 17.0 9.0 1.9 Ob DP
SF 800 AC 11.0 1.5 2 13.5 9.5 1.4 Ob R
Sangria RG 8.0 1.3 3 16.0 8.0 2.0 Ob R
Escarlett RG 12.0 0.6 3 15.5 9.5 1.6 Ob R
Top Gun RG 11.0 1.3 3 13.0 10.5 1.2 Ov R

Seedless Watermelon Cultivar Trials

This year’s study included 28 seedless watermelon varieties. Seedless watermelons continue to generate both grower and consumer excitement, and in many urban markets around the United States, the percentage of seedless melons purchased has risen considerably. Indiana remains a strong producer of seedless (triploid) watermelons, and since 1994, we have conducted extensive annual trials for seedless varieties.

This trial, along with the seeded (diploid) watermelon variety trial, provides an objective and independent comparative assessment of new watermelons for the commercial industry. Seedless watermelons should be part of your melon production strategy as long as you have a market that will purchase the fruit at higher prices than seeded watermelons.

Methods

The seeds of 28 seedless watermelon cultivars were sown in the greenhouse on April 20, then transplanted on May 16. Royal Sweet was used as the pollinator and planted in every third row and in the guard rows. Plots were single rows, 48 feet long, centered 8 feet apart, and covered with 4 feet of black plastic mulch. Each plot had 12 plants, 4 feet apart. Plots were harvested on July 18, July 26, August 5, August 10, and August 17. Yield data and quality data for all varieties in the trial are presented in Tables 5 and 6.

Results and Conclusions

Yields and Quality

Yields ranged from 29.2 tons to 44.8 tons per acre with 2,373 to 4,030 fruit per acre harvested across all entries (Table 5). The average weight of seedless fruit was down this year, to 22.9 pounds per fruit, with a range of 17.7 to 28.4 pounds per fruit..

Of particular note in this trial:

  • ACX 4674, Constitution, Liberty, Sweet Delight, and Tri-X Palomar were the highest yielding varieties.
  • Most of the fruit were round to oval shaped, and medium sized.
  • 2908 and ACX 5624 had the highest soluble solids.
Cut and whole ‘Liberty’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows bright red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole ‘Constitution’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole ‘Tri-X Palomar’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows deep red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole ‘Sweet Delight’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows dark red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole watermelon line 5244. The cut fruit shows red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole watermelon line 7167. The cut fruit shows bright red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole ‘ACX 4674’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole ‘ACX 5624’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows bright red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole ‘Vagabond’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows bright red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.
Cut and whole ‘Gypsy’ watermelon. The cut fruit shows red flesh with a pale rind; a ruler is placed across the cut surface for size reference.

Table 5. Comparison of Yield of Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1Numbers followed by the same letter were not significantly different
Comparison of Yield of Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar Seed Source Yield (cwt./A) Yield (1) (tons/A) Fruit (#/A) Average Fruit Weight
ACX 4674 AC 896.0 44.8 a 3,804 23.5
Constitution NH 858.6 42.9 ab 3,880 22.2
Liberty NH 838.4 41.9 abc 3,729 22.6
Sweet Delight RG 822.1 41.1 abc 3,352 24.7
Tri-X Palomar RG 812.7 40.6 abc 3,578 22.7
ACX 5624 AC 811.9 40.6 abc 3,239 25.1
Gypsy HM 807.4 40.4 abc 3,654 22.1
Vagabond HM 794.5 39.8 abc 3,691 21.5
5244 AC 792.9 39.7 abc 3,277 24.2
7167 AC 790.1 39.5 abc 3,239 24.3
RWT 8145 Matrix RG 787.5 39.4 abc 2,900 27.4
ACX 5534 AC 785.3 39.3 abc 3,277 24.2
XWT 8706 SK 784.6 39.2 abc 3,352 23.4
Sweet Eat’n DP 784.4 39.2 abc 3,428 22.9
1031 SM 781.0 39.0 abc 3,126 25.0
Cooperstown SM 767.1 38.4 abcd 3,315 23.2
Tri-X 313 RG 762.0 38.1 abcd 3,277 23.4
XP 6279 SM 761.7 38.1 abcd 4,030 18.9
Ruby HL 749.4 37.5 abcd 3,390 22.0
Harmony SW 747.9 37.4 abcd 3,390 22.0
RWT 8129 RG 745.2 37.3 abcd 3,013 24.8
RWT 8166 RG 728.7 36.4 abcd 3,465 21.1
2908 SW 714.1 35.7 abcd 3,202 22.3
Lamar HL 683.5 34.2 bcd 3,767 18.3
Revolution NH 674.5 33.7 bcd 2,373 28.4
Imagination RG 662.8 33.1 cd 3,729 17.7
RWT 8181 RG 657.0 32.9 cd 2,787 23.4
5335 SM 584.2 29.2 d 2,976 19.6
Grand Mean No data 763.8 38.2 3,366 22.9
LSD (5%) No data 192.7 9.6 853 2.1
C.V. (%) No data 15.4 15.4 15 5.5

Table 6. Comparison of Quality of Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1%SS=percent soluble solids: the higher the value, the greater the amount of total sugar

2Flavor (1 to 5): 1=very poor, 3=acceptable, 5=great

3Uniformity (1 to 3): 1=lacks uniformity/variable, 2=average, 3=very uniform

4Length: length of fruit from stem attachment end to blossom end (in inches)

5Width: width of fruit as measured following a longitudinal cut from stem end to blossom end (in inches)

6Ratio: length divided by the width of the fruit

7Shape: Rd=round, Ov=oval, Ob=oblong

8Flesh: LR=light red, RO=red-orange, R=red, LP=light pink, P=pink, DP=dark pink, Y=yellow

9Degree of seedlessness (1 to 3): 1=brown or black seeds present, 2=white seeds present, 3=no seeds present

10Pressure: pressure test reading in pounds per square inch

Comparison of Quality of Seedless Watermelon in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar %SS (1) Flavor (2) Uniformity (3) Length (4) Width (5) Ratio (6) Shape (7) Flesh (8) Degree of Seedlessness (9) Pressure (10)
ACX 4674 12.0 2 2 10.0 8.5 1.2 Ov R 3 0.0
Constitution 11.0 4 2 9.5 8.5 1.1 Rd-Ov DP 3 0.0
Liberty 11.0 4 3 11.5 9.0 1.3 Rd-Ov DP 3 1.4
Sweet Delight 12.0 3 3 10.0 9.0 1.1 Rd-Ov R 2 1.4
Tri-X Palomar 12 4 3 9 8.5 1.1 Rd DP 3 0.0
ACX 5624 14.0 3 3 12.0 10.0 1.2 Rd P 3 1.5
Gypsy 12.0 3 3 10.0 9.0 1.1 Rd DP 3 0.0
Vagabond 12 4 2 12.0 9.0 1.3 Ov R 3 1.7
5244 13.0 3 3 19.0 8.0 2.4 Rd-Ov P 3 1.6
7167 12 3 3 9.0 8.5 1.1 Ov P 3 0.0
RWT 8145 Matrix 11.0 4 3 14.0 8.0 1.8 Ov R 3 1.5
ACX 5534 13.0 3 3 10.5 9.0 1.2 Ov LP 3 2.0
XWT 8706 12.0 3 3 9.5 9.0 1.1 Rd DP 3 0.0
Sweet Eat’n 12.0 4 3 12.0 9.0 1.3 Ov R 3 0.0
1031 11.0 4 3 10.5 8.5 1.2 Rd-Ov R 3 0.9
Cooperstown 12.0 4 3 10.5 9.0 1.2 Ov DP 3 0.9
Tri-X 313 12.0 4 3 11.0 8.5 1.3 Ov P 2 0.6
XP 6279 13.0 4 3 9.5 9.0 1.1 Rd R 3 0.0
Ruby 11.0 4 2 12.0 9.0 1.3 Ov R 3 0.0
Harmony 12.0 3 3 10.5 8.5 1.2 Ov R 3 1.4
RWT 8129 13.0 3 2 10.0 9.0 1.1 Ocv R 3 2.3
RWT 8166 12.0 3 2 9.5 8.0 1.2 Rd R 3 0.0
2908 14.0 4 3 9.5 9.5 1.0 Rd R 2 1.5
Lamar 12 3 3 9.5 8.5 1.1 Rd R 3 0.9
Revolution 11.0 3 3 13.5 8.0 1.7 Ov R 3 1.5
Imagination 11.0 4 2 9.5 9.0 1.1 Rd DR 3 1.0
RWT 8181 13.0 4 3 14.0 10.5 1.3 Rd-Ov R 3 1.9
5335 10.0 3 2 10.0 8.5 1.2 Ov R 3 0.0

Eastern Muskmelon Trials

This experiment evaluated 21 eastern muskmelon cultivars and advanced experimental lines. Indiana is a national leader in the production of eastern muskmelon, with Knox, Sullivan, and Gibson counties ranking in the top 100 melon producing counties in the nation. Growers are seeking high yielding, high quality, early maturing types with excellent disease resistance and acceptable keeping quality during shipping and storage. Fruit needs to be medium to large and have high uniformity in both size and shape.

Traditionally, markets have demanded fruit with heavy netting and distinct ridges. Also desired are melons that can be stored and held easily for longer periods of time, and those that can be harvested at a slightly earlier slip-stage and still retain acceptable quality.

Experimental Setup

Each variety was direct seeded in the greenhouse on April 15, then transplanted into the field on May 10. Plots consisted of single, 55-foot long rows, and covered with 4 feet of black plastic mulch. Rows were centered 6 feet apart, and between-plant spacing (within a row) was 2.5 feet, allowing 22 plants per row. Fruits were harvested three times a week by hand between July 5 and August 5.

Results

High Yield, Earliness, and Internal Quality Rating

The average yield was 27.5 tons per acre with a range of 18.3 tons to 35.7 tons per acre (Table 7). The mean weight was 8.3 pounds per fruit with a range of 5.8 to 10.3 pounds per fruit. This translated to 5,324 to 8,360 fruit per acre, with a mean of 6,650 fruit per acre. Eclipse had the highest yield in this trial, followed by Crescent Moon, Minerva, Orange Star, and HSR 4272. The earliest fruit in this trial were harvested at 88 days. Quality ratings of each tested variety or advanced experimental line showed variability in soluble solids, shape, size, uniformity, flavor, netting, and degree of ridges on the fruit surface (Table 8).

 

Of particular note in this trial:

  • HSR 4272, Athena, ACX 351, and SSX 1255 had soluble solids that measured above 11 percent (brix).
  • Orange Star, ACX 351, and Crescent Moon had the highest flavor ratings.
  • Most fruit were medium to large with good uniformity.
  • Only Crescent Moon exhibited both heavy netting and a thick rind.
Cross-section and exterior view of HSR 4272 melon. The melon has orange flesh with a narrow seed cavity; a whole melon is shown adjacent to the cut half.
Cross-section and exterior view of HSR 4276 melon. The cut fruit reveals orange flesh and a central seed cavity, with a whole melon displayed beside it.
Cross-section and exterior view of Orange Star melon. The cut fruit shows orange flesh with a central seed cavity; a whole melon is shown beside it for comparison.
Cross-section and exterior view of 4099 melon. The cut fruit displays orange flesh and a narrow central seed cavity; a whole melon is shown alongside.
Cross-section and exterior view of Athena melon. The melon has orange flesh with a central seed cavity, with a whole fruit positioned beside the cut half.
Cross-section and exterior view of Crescent Moon melon. The cut fruit shows orange flesh surrounding a seed cavity; a whole melon is displayed next to it.
Cross-section and exterior view of Goddess melon. The cut melon reveals orange flesh and a central seed cavity, with a whole fruit shown for comparison.
Cross-section and exterior view of SSX 1255 melon. The cut fruit has orange flesh and a narrow seed cavity; a netted whole melon is shown beside it.
Cross-section and exterior view of Eclipse melon. The cut melon displays orange flesh and a central seed cavity, accompanied by a whole fruit.

Table 7. Yield Comparison of Eastern Muskmelon Cultivars in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1Numbers followed by the same letter were not significantly different
Yield Comparison of Eastern Muskmelon Cultivars in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar Seed Source Days to Harvest Yield (cwt./A) Yield (1) (tons/A) Fruit (#/A) Average Fruit Weight % of fruit harvested between July 5-11 % of fruit harvested between July 12-27 % of fruit harvested between July 28- August 5
Eclipse SM 94.7 713.8 35.7 a 8,360 8.5 7.5 76.8 15.8
Crescent Moon SE 89.3 650.7 32.5 ab 6,292 10.3 14.9 73.4 11.7
Minerva SY 97.3 619.5 31.0 abc 6,336 9.8 0.0 81.8 18.2
Orange Star SM 88.7 606.8 30.4 abc 7,612 7.9 11.9 76.8 11.3
HSR 4272 HL 89.3 591.1 29.6 abcd 7,084 8.3 25.8 69.4 4.9
ACX 2100 AC 94.7 584.0 29.2 abcd 6,028 10.0 2.3 83.6 14.0
Aphrodite SY 88.7 563.8 28.2 bcde 6,424 8.7 13.3 69.3 9.0
SSX 1268 STS 92.0 563.2 28.2 bcde 6,644 8.4 8.9 82.2 9.0
ACX 351 AC 96.7 540.6 27.0 bcde 5,632 9.6 0.0 88.3 11.7
Athena SY 89.3 494.6 24.7 cdef 6,820 7.2 15.6 74.0 10.4
SSX 1255 STS 91.3 493.9 24.7 cdef 6,204 7.9 15.9 73.0 11.2
4099 SM 91.3 467.7 23.4 def 8,052 5.8 7.0 67.6 25.3
Goddess SE 94.0 439.9 22.0 ef 6,292 7.0 28.0 70.1 1.9
HSR 4276 HL 88.0 366.6 18.3 f 5,324 6.8 41.1 48.8 10.1
Grand Mean No data 91.8 549.7 27.5 6,650 8.3 13.7 73.9 12.3
LSD (5%) No data 2.6 139.4 7.0 1,339 1.0 12.0 14.8 10.0
C.V. (%) No data 1.7 15.2 15.1 12 7.2 52.2 11.9 48.2

Table 7. Yield Comparison of Eastern Muskmelon Cultivars in Southwestern Indiana, 2005

1%SS=percent soluble solids: the higher the value, the greater the amount of total sugar
2Shape: Rd=round, Ov=oval, Ob=oblong
3Size: S=small, M=medium, L=large, VL=very large
4Uniformity (1 to 3): 1=lack all uniform/variable, 2=average, 3=very uniform
5Flavor (1 to 5): 1=very poor, 3=acceptable, 5=great
6Netting (1 to 3): 1=weak, 2=moderate, 3=heavy
7Ridges (0 to 3): 0=absent, 1=light, 2=moderate, 3=heavy/large
8Rind (1 to 3): 1=thin, 2=moderate, 3=thick
9Seed cavity: S=small, M=medium, L=large, VL=very large
10Pressure=Pressure test reading in pounds per square inch
Yield Comparison of Eastern Muskmelon Cultivars in Southwestern Indiana, 2005
Cultivar Seed Source % SS (1) Shape (2) Size (3) Uniformity (4) Flavor (5) Netting (6) Ridges (7) Rind (8) Seed Cavity (9) Pressure (10)
HSR 4272 HL 11.8 Ov M 3 3.5 2 0 1 3 2.8
HSR 4276 HL 10.2 Ov M 2 3.9 2 1 1 2 3.1
Orange Star SM 10.5 Rd S 3 4.0 2 1 1 3 1.5
4099 SM 10.8 Rd S 3 2.2 3 0 2 3 1.6
Athena SY 11.1 Ov S-M 3 3.0 1 1 2 2 1.4
Aphrodite SY 8.3 Rd L 3 2.9 2 1 2 2 1.6
Minerva SY 9.2 Ov VL 2 2.3 3 2 1 3 2.0
ACX 2100 AC 10.6 Ov L 2 3.0 3 1 1 2 4.1
ACX 351 AC 11.2 Ov M 2 4.2 3 1 2 3 2.3
Crescent Moon SE 7.9 Rd L 3 4.0 3 3 3 2 1.0
Goddess SE 7.9 Ov S-M 2 2.5 1 0 2 3 2.0
SSX 1255 STS 11.1 Ov M 2 3.8 3 0 2 3 2.6
SSX 1268 STS 9.2 Ov M 2 1.5 2 1 1 2 1.8
Eclipse SM 10.6 Rd L 3 3.4 2 2 2 2 1.4