Agronomic studies on chou moellier (Brassica oleraceaL.)

Abstract

The compositions of the component parts (upper leaf, lower leaf, upper stem, and lower stem) and of the whole plant of unthinned, 6 in. thinned, and 12 in. thinned chou moellier (Brassica oleracea L.) were compared over a two-month period in autumn. Thinning decreased the dry matter contents of the whole plant and all the component parts except upper leaf but increased the crude protein contents of the whole plant and all the component parts except upper and lower leaf. The crude fibre, ether extract, mineral matter, nitrogen-free extract, and carotene contents of the component parts and of the whole plant were not affected by thinning. It was concluded that, under the conditions of this trial, thinning was not justified. In general, advancing season had little appreciable effect on the percentage composition except in the case of dry matter, which increased, and crude protein, which decreased. For the various constituents, the component parts were usually in order from highest to lowest as follo...