Evaluation of Broccoli Varieties for Mechanical Harvesting

Abstract

TWELVE broccoli varieties were screened for characteristics bearing on mechanical harvesting, particularly once-over harvesting for processing. Green Charger, Emperor, and Apollo appear to be the most desirable varieties for once-over harvest based on yield, maximum percentage of heads harvested in a single cutting, density of canopy (ability to see the head), and coefficient of variation of cutting height. INTRODUCTION Broccoli production has been projected to increase by 60% during the decade of the 80s (Johnson and Zahara, 1985). In 1985 production was accomplished on 28,700 ha. Half was processed and none of the hectarage was mechanically harvested (Brown, 1980). Labor requirements for harvesting were 200 labor-h/ha. Johnson and Zahara (1985) have projected a possible labor-h ratio of 7:1 for hand to machine harvest. The potential exists for increased broccoli production in Kentucky especially for processing broccoli. Mechanical harvesting of broccoli would be simplified by once-over harvesting. Chung (1982) found a 10% reduction for once-over harvest yields of two broccoli cultivars as compared to maximum yield with selective harvesting. Varieties need to be screened for characteristics that are important to mechanical harvesting, especially once-over harvesting. Objectives of this research were: 1. To evaluate uniformity of maturity of 12 varieties by determining the percentage of total plants taken at each cutting. 2. To evaluate several physical attributes of broccoli plants that have a bearing on mechanical harvesting.