Internal Browning of Brussels Sprouts: A Calcium Deficiency Disorder1

Abstract

Abstract Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera, Zenker) were grown in sand culture at variable Ca levels in the greenhouse. More Ca accumulated in leaves than in sprouts. With plant growth restricted by late seeding and low greenhouse temp, typical Ca deficiency symptoms occurred on the growing points of plants cultured at low Ca levels, but internal browning did not occur. When growth was enhanced by cultural modifications, sprout internal browning occurred at low Ca levels and decreased as Ca levels were increased. The incidence of internal browning was related to low Ca concn in sprouts.