The Effects of Some Technological Sequences and Environmental Factors on Plant Development and Yield of Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.)

Abstract

Normal 0 21 false false false RO X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Abstract. Kale or Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala is not well known and cultivated in our country, so it could be considered a new vegetable or a very rare one. From the Brassicaceae group, kale is the most valuable in terms of nutrition. The therapeutic qualities of kale are recognized since antiquity by Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder, Cato the Elder, Galen. Kale was considered a panacea by the romans. (P A‚RVU C., 2005). Kale can be sown between 15 to 30 April or 1 to 15 June, depending on the time when they are to be harvested (C EAUșESCU I. et al., 1984; B UTNARIU H. et al., 1992; P A‚RVU C., 2005). Seedling planting is done in June until the first decade of July (I NDREA D. et al., 2009). A high density crop can be made by direct sowing using calibrated seeds in the amount of 12-15 kg / ha and small distances between rows (21-30 cm). The culture is established later (July-August) and is harvested in autumn, the product is intended for industry (V OGEL , 1996, quoted by I NDREA D. et al., 2009). The main purpose of this paper was to establish an optimal sowing date that ensures the highest yield, adapted to the specific environmental factors of Transylvania.The organized experience was tri-factorial, with factor A - planting period, factor B - hybrid and factor C - seedling type. All factors had two graduations, thus resulted 8 experimental variants. The first planting period was the second decade of May and the second period was the third decade of June. The hybrids used were F1 Winterbor and F1 Redbor and the seedlings, one part were transplanted and the other part were not transplanted.The crops from the first planting period achieved the best results. The conducted study concluded that kale is sensitive in the immediate period after planting in terms of environmental conditions, especially regarding the humidity and temperature. Thus, in regards to the environmental conditions of the Transylvanian Plateau, optimal planting period for kale is the third decade of April.