Crop Performance

 Spring 2005

Winter/early spring trials have begun.  Industry professionals and master gardeners should make an appointment to visit in February or early March.

Seed Sown and Transplanted to flats in Bradenton, Florida; Trials conducted in Balm, Florida.

    This study was conducted to evaluate performance of assorted crops in a seasonal replicated trial that may be used by growers, landscapers, consumers and seed companies as well as the scientific community.  Each crop was grown in two fields; one field was sprayed on demand and the other was not sprayed.  Each field contained three randomized plots/crop containing 5 plants/plot.  Subjective ratings for foliage and flower quality were made for each cultivar within each class between 2 May and 16 Aug. Average foliage and flower ratings represent relative cultivar quality within a class, measured in the field sprayed on demand (simulating a commercial environment), following pest scouting.  Pest symptoms were rated on 2 May and 16 Aug. in an unsprayed field (simulating a homeowner environment).

   In the full report (when added to website, found here: Articles, Papers & Reports), we provided objective plant measurements of vegetative and flower characteristics, earliness of flowering, flower divergence (Table 1, sprayed field), as well as subjective ratings that permit readers to evaluate foliage and flower characteristics (Table 2, sprayed field) and the affects of pests (Tables 3 and 4, unsprayed field) at different times during the season, and to evaluate performance over time.  Subjective ratings were on a scale from 1 to 7 with the highest rating of 7 for excellent.  In general, cultivars with vegetative and floral ratings > 6.0 were considered outstanding, 5.5 to 5.9 as very good, 5.0 to 5.4 as good, 4.0 to 4.9 as fair and < 3.9 as to poor.  Overall performance ratings were adjusted to account for plant loss from soilborne pests.  Cultivars were grouped into classes based on plant type (such as growth habit), plant height and flower color.

Click on the dragonfly to access information about pests and beneficial organisms.

ROK

 

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