Based on the acreage, broccoli is the third largest vegetable crop in Yuma County, after head lettuce and romaine. It generates over 36 million dollars to Yuma's economy. Efforts are continuously made by growers, seed industry and the University of Arizona outreach program to produce better crops that respond to consumer’s choice. Selection of newly adapted varieties is made based on agronomic performance as well as commercial value. Stand uniformity disease resistance, vigor, head shape and head size are among characteristics that are evaluated. The objective of this demonstration trial is to evaluate the performance of newly developed varieties grown under standard cultural practices and to provide unbiased observations to growers and the seed industry. Fourteen varieties were tested on growers' fields in Yuma County. No incidence of disease was observed among varieties tested and the overall evaluation rating was greater than 4 indicating that most of varieties tested will grow well under similar growing conditions and planting date. Significant head diameter and plant height was observed among varieties evaluated.

Romaine lettuce plays an important role in Yuma’s economy. An estimated 10,000 acres are cropped to large number of varieties each year with planting season that spreads from September to March. The demonstration site was selected to compare new and existing varieties of romaine lettuce on growers’ fields using standard farming practices. Selected growth parameters were evaluated throughout the growing season. Results indicate that varieties tested at Barkley Farms in Yuma are expected to do well if grown under similar growing conditions and planting time. Varieties tested during this planting slot did not experience any incidence of diseases. There was no significant head size and head weight difference among varieties evaluated. Number of heads per bed and number of heads left after harvest were significantly different among varieties tested.

Twelve green bean varieties were grown in a replicated small plot trial on the Safford Agricultural Center in 1998. Varieties were picked regularly during the growing season. Yields are shown in tabular form and also graphically to indicate how each variety performed throughout the season. Rapids produced the highest yield with a total over 1.3 tons per acre. Two other varieties, Shade and HMX 6999, also performed well with yields over 1.0 tons per acre.

Eight varieties of bell peppers, three varieties of long green chile, two varieties of jalapeños, two varieties of yellow wax and one Serrano pepper were grown in a replicated small plot trial on the Safford Agricultural Center in 1998. Varieties were picked regularly during the growing season.

Four slicing and two Roma-type tomato varieties were grown in a replicated small plot trial on the Safford Agricultural Center in 1998. Varieties were picked regularly during the growing season with total tonnage picked being tabulated and plot weights by variety shown graphically against time during the season. Balboa variety of slicing tomato and Toro variety of Roma-type tomato were the highest yielding varieties with yields of 69 and 76 tons per acre respectively.

Eight sweet corn varieties were grown in a replicated small plot trial on the Safford Agricultural Center in 1998. Snow White had the highest yield per acre with several of the other varieties producing very acceptable yields. Yields seen in the small plots may not be obtainable in commercial fields, but yield relations between varieties should be the same for both situations.

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