2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
Highlight principles for developing cultivar trials that meet both short and longer term goals of industry and scientists; Bring attention to effective data collection tools, techniques, and methods for a successful variety trial

Cultivar selection and development represent a major topic in vegetable production. For improved production and performance, identification of cultivars adapted to local conditions is critical. Researchers at land-grant universities, non-profit organizations, and commercial seed companies conduct cultivar trials to evaluate performance of vegetable cultivars. Studies focus on various plant traits such as yield, disease resistance, insect tolerance, winter hardiness, drought tolerance, product quality, and post-harvest storability. In these trials yield is often measured in a scientific manner, but other important characteristics are often not measured, or are described using methods that don’t permit statistical analysis. This may occur because the investigator is not aware of characteristics important to growers, measurement requires specialized or expensive equipment or takes too much time, suitable rating systems have not been developed, or unfamiliar statistical methods are required for analysis. If these issues can be addressed, cultivar trials will provide even greater practical and scientific value. This workshop will cover principles for developing cultivar trials that meet both short and longer term goals of industry and scientists; practical methods for evaluating nutritional quality in cultivar trials; a case study identifying different priorities for cultivar traits among grower communities; and sensory analysis in cultivar trials. The workshop will emphasize best practices for cultivar trials in order to answer questions important to growers and the seed industry and also meet criteria for publication in a scientific journal. Given the broad impact, topics covered in this workshop will have application on crops beside vegetables.