Variety and Plant Density Influence upon the Yield of Autumn White Headed Cabbage

Abstract

SUMMARY White headed cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., Alef. var. capitata f. alba D.C. – Brassicaceae family) is one of the most important vegetable from our country, this fact being proved by the large area where this vegetable is cultivated, which represents 20 – 27% from the total surface cultivated with different vegetables (Berar, 2006; Ciofu et al.,2003; Glaman and Popa, 2005; Indrea et al., 2007; Stan and Munteanu, 2001). The bifactorial experience regarding the influence of variety and plants density upon headed cabbage yield was organized in 2010, in Apahida, from Cluj County. The two factors of the research were: the variety, with four graduations: Saratoga F1, Ramada F1, Gumma F1, Bajonet F1 and plants density, with two graduations: 47,600 plants/ha (0.7m x 0.3m) and 35,700 plants/ha (0.7m x 0.4 m). The main purpose of this research was the observation of variety and plants density influence upon the obtained production, but also finding the suitable hybrid which can ensure a higher plant density, in the same time with a high yield of a best quality. The objectives of the experience were: the observation of the four varieties which were taken in culture, measurements regarding: plants high, rosette diameter, number of leaves, plants weight, and the influence of the studied factors upon the harvesting dynamics, the obtained yield quantity and quality. By results analyzing it can be concluded that by using a lower plant density in a white headed cabbage culture (in this case using only 35,700 plants/ha in place of 47,600 plants/ha) a higher yield can be obtained, while the variety with best results was Ramada F1 (107.67 t/ha-47,600 pl/ha and 126.53 t/ha - 35,700 pl/ha).