2008 Watermelon Trial
Bradford Research and Extension Center

Variety	Type	Number of Fruit	Weight*	Taste Test Score**	% Brix
Delta	Seeded	19	13.76	3.1	11.5
Sangria	Seeded	18	11.70	1.7	11.4
Carmen	Seeded	17	14.17	1.7	10.9
Fiesta	Seeded	23	10.47	2.7	10.3
Yellow Doll	Seeded	64	3.90	2.2	10.7
Jade Star	Seeded	23	9.96	3.0	11.3
Cooperstown	Seedless	4	11.80	3.3	10.9
Vanessa	Seedless	28	5.27	3.3	11.9
Legacy	Seeded	16	14.03	3.2	9.83
Crimson Sweet	Seeded	13	14.33	2.8	11.2
Sugar Baby	Seeded	18	5.91	3.3	11.0
Gypsy	Seedless	10	10.62	2.8	11.9
QV771	Seedless	6	9.09	1.5	9.77
Matrix	Seedless	11	8.97	1.9	10.5
Tri-X 212	Seedless	25	10.80	3.2	12.1
Tri-X 313	Seedless	14	9.39	3.5	12.8
Tri-X Palomar	Seedless	19	11.00	3.0	11.7
Sweet Delight	Seedless	19	10.38	2.9	11.6
Amarillo	Seedless	20	6.22	2.6	12.5
Imagination	Seedless	20	8.09	3.1	11.9

*Weights recorded in pounds
**Taste test score was based on 0 being worst, 5 being best overall taste

20 varieties were selected representing a range of sizes, eleven varieties were seedless, and three varieties were yellow-fleshed. Field rows were spaced 10 feet apart, and plant spacing was 5 feet. Three randomized replications were planted at 5 plants per replication.

Seeds were started in the greenhouse in late April. Seedlings were transplanted to the field on June 3. Due to higher than normal rainfall, transplant was delayed and finally the seedlings were “mudded in” in fear the weather would never allow a normal planting. A re-planting on June 10 replaced any plants that did not survive the first transplant. A survival count was conducted on August 12. Variety Gypsy had 8 of 15 plants survive. Matrix had 9 plants survive. All other varieties had 15 plants each.

All fruit was harvested on August 13 and 14. Each fruit’s weight was recorded on a produce scale. Fruit was individually labeled and two fruit from each replication were selected to take a sample to measure % Brix. Each sample was taken from the very center of each fruit and measured with a refractometer. A blind taste test was conducted with over 50 participants rating each sample. Scores ranged from 0 to 5, 0 being the worst taste, 5 being the best. These scores were averaged to determine the overall taste test score.