SINGLE-HEAD BROCCOLI PRODUCTION UNDER DIFFERENT SPACING AND CONDITIONS OF BAIXADA FLUMINENSE

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate different spacings between rows on the development and yield of single-head broccoli under the soil and climate conditions of Seropédica, in the Baixada Fluminense region, the State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Tests were carried out under field conditions using the Avenger hybrid. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks with four treatments and four replications per treatment. Four spacings between rows were tested: 0.6 m, 0.7 m, 0.8 m, and 1.0 m. The spacing between plants in the rows was 0.6 m in all treatments. The number of leaves (NL), plant height (PHT), fresh leaf mass (FLM), stem fresh mass (SFM), inflorescence fresh mass (IFM), inflorescence longitudinal diameter (ILD), and estimated yield (YLD) were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis (p<0.05). Spacing variations did not influence PHT and SFM. There was a linear increase in NL and FLM according to the increase in the spacing between rows. A quadratic effect of spacing was observed on ILD, IFM, and YLD. The spacing between the rows of 0.85 m ensured greater yield (6.97 Mg ha-1) and the production of inflorescences with characteristics compatible with those required by the consumer market (ILD = 9.83 cm; MFI = 347.15 g). It is concluded that the production of single-head broccoli under the conditions of Seropédica-RJ is possible, and the population density influences the development and yield of plants.