Effects of Foliar Application of Melatonin on Head Yield and Quality of Broccoli cv. Palam Samridhi

Abstract

Background: Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable with green flower buds. It has a reputation as a superfood as it is low in calories but contains a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants that support many aspects of human health. Broccoli is a good source of fibre and protein and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid. Methods: Thirty days old and uniform seedlings of broccoli cv. Palam Samridhi were transplanted in the field at a spacing of 45 × 45 cm. Different concentrations of Mel, viz. 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 ppm with three replications were sprayed at 15 days after transplanting (DAT). Head diameter, weight, chlorophyll and carotenoids, sugar, proteins and antioxidant were analyzed at harvest. Result: Results showed that the maximum head diameter (10.7 cm), weight (233.8 g), chlorophyll (0.79 mg/g.FW), carotenoid (0.028 mg/g.FW), phenol (178.1 mg/100 g DW), total antioxidant (362.3 mg GAE 100 g DW) and MSI (45.38%) levels were recorded with Mel 60 ppm. However, the highest levels of sugar (129.0 µg/g) and protein (88.0 µg/g) were recorded with Mel 80 ppm followed by Mel 60 ppm.