A Comparative Study on the Interaction Effect of Date of Planting, Variety and Head Diameter on the Post Harvest Quality of Broccoli Stored in Refrigerated Condition

Abstract

Background: Broccoli [Brassica oleracea (L.) var.italica plecnk.] is a cole crop with highly perishability. It is rich in vitamin, antioxidants, anticancerous compounds and health promoting chemicals. It is harvested at tender and tight bud stage due to which the deterioration rate is high because of the high respiration rate of the broccoli head. This exotic crop is becoming popular since consumers are continuously health conscious. It has a shelf life only two days in room condition. There arise a need to retain postharvest quality of broccoli to meet the consumer demand. Methods: Three different date of planting i.e 15th Sept, 30th Sept and 15th Oct, 2014 were done in two broccoli cultivar Aishwarya and Sadhana while harvestings were done in 2015 at three different stages of head diameter i.e. 12-14 cm, 14-16 cm and above 16 cm. Storage studies for biochemical changes for ascorbic acid, chlorophyll content, total soluble solids and sensory analysis were carried out in refrigerated condition. Result: On studying the interaction effects of date of planting, variety and head diameter, it was concluded that early sown broccoli i.e 15th September showed better quality with smaller head diameter in variety Aishwarya.