Kale Cultivars Research Articles

Rapid identification of the purple stem (Ps) gene of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) in a segregation distortion population by bulked segregant analysis and RNA sequencing

Abundant anthocyanins accumulate in many flowers, leaves, fruits, as well as stems. In this study, an F2 segregating population derived from a cross between Chinese kale with a purple stem and kale with a green stem was used to decipher the genetic basis for the stem color. Bulked segregant analysis in combination with RNA sequencing (BSR-seq) was used to genetically map the causal gene for the purple stem (Ps), and the allele frequency difference between the two pools showed a single peak on chromosome C09. Ps was fine-mapped to the 0.32 cM interval with 406 kb sequences. A gene-encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), an enzyme in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, was differentially expressed between the two pools, and was identified as the candidate gene for the purple stem in Chinese kale. Sequence analysis revealed that 1 bp was inserted in the coding sequence of exon 2 of the BoDRF gene in green kale, causing frameshift and loss of function. The expression level of the BoDFR gene was significantly lower than the Chinese kale cultivar with a purple stem. The genetic results of the Ps gene will be useful for future development of purple vegetables.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality of Chinese Kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey) Using UHPLC-Quadrupole-Orbitrap MS/MS-Based Metabolomics.

Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey) is a widely consumed vegetable which is rich in antioxidants and anticarcinogenic compounds. Herein, we used an untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-Quadrupole-Orbitrap MS/MS-based metabolomics strategy to study the nutrient profiles of Chinese kale. Seven Chinese kale cultivars and three different edible parts were evaluated, and amino acids, sugars, organic acids, glucosinolates and phenolic compounds were analysed simultaneously. We found that two cultivars, a purple-stem cultivar W1 and a yellow-flower cultivar Y1, had more health-promoting compounds than others. The multivariate statistical analysis results showed that gluconapin was the most important contributor for discriminating both cultivars and edible parts. The purple-stem cultivar W1 had higher levels of some phenolic acids and flavonoids than the green stem cultivars. Compared to stems and leaves, the inflorescences contained more amino acids, glucosinolates and most of the phenolic acids. Meanwhile, the stems had the least amounts of phenolic compounds among the organs tested. Metabolomics is a powerful approach for the comprehensive understanding of vegetable nutritional quality. The results provide the basis for future metabolomics-guided breeding and nutritional quality improvement.

Effect of different proportion of sulphur treatments on the contents of glucosinolate in kale ( Brassica oleracea var. acephala ) commonly consumed in Republic of Korea

Kale (Brassica oleracea L. Acephala Group) is the rich source of medicinal value sulphur compounds, glucosinolates (GLSs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different proportion of sulphur (S) supplementation levels on the accumulation of GLSs in the leaves of the kale cultivar ('TBC'). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation method guided to identify and quantify six GSLs including three aliphatic (progoitrin, sinigrin and gluconapin) and three indolyl (glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and neoglucobrasscin) respectively. Analysis of these distinct levels of S supplementation revealed that the accumulation of individual and total GLSs was directly proportional to the S concentration. The maximum levels of total GLSs (26.8 µmol/g DW) and glucobrassicin (9.98 µmol/g DW) were found in lower and upper parts of the leaves supplemented with 1 mM and 2 mM S, respectively. Interestingly, aliphatic GSLs were noted predominant in all the parts (50.1, 59.3 and 56% of total GSLs). Among the aliphatic and indolyl GSLs, sinigrin and glucobrassicin account 35.3 and 30.88% of the total GSLs. From this study, it is concluded that supply of S enhance the GSLs accumulation in kale.

Mineral Content Differs among Microgreen, Baby Leaf, and Adult Stages in Three Cultivars of Kale

Kale (Brassica oleracea L. and other species) is considered a rich source of important minerals. Kale at the early stage of leaf development is assumed to contain higher levels of minerals than at maturity. However, literature supporting this assumption is scarce. In this study, the concentrations of macronutrients [potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P)] and micronutrients [sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] either essential to plant growth and development, or important to human health, were determined. Three kale cultivars (green leaf ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ and red leaf ‘Scarlet’ in B. oleracea, and green leaf with purple midvein ‘Red Russian’ in Brassica napus) were evaluated at five different leaf developmental stages; cotyledon [microgreen 1 (MG1)], two true leaf [microgreen 2 (MG2)], four true leaf [baby leaf 1 (BL1)], six true leaf [baby leaf 2 (BL2)], and adult. As kale matured, total mineral (ash) decreased from 14.6–19.1% at the microgreen stages to 3.9–6.4% at the adult stage, on a dry weight (DW) basis. Microgreen kale contained higher concentrations of most minerals than adult kale, on a DW basis, in all cultivars. On a fresh weight (FW) (as consumed) basis, the highest level of total mineral concentration was detected at baby leaf stage 1 (1.3–1.7%) and there was no difference between microgreen and adult stages. Fresh microgreens generally contained lower K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn than fresh baby leaves, and lower concentrations of Ca and Mg and higher Na compared with fresh adult kale. Overall, water content deceased from 95.1% at MG1 stage to 80.0% at adult stage. The variation in water content and mineral accumulation during leaf development might contribute to the discrepancy. In addition, fresh leaves of ‘Scarlet’ contained higher concentration of total minerals than that of ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ or ‘Red Russian’. Although ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ and ‘Red Russian’ are different species, their mineral content profile during leaf development was similar. Together, cultivar and leaf developmental stage influenced mineral content in kale.

Response of Vegetable Seedling Emergence to Mustard (Sinapis alba ‘IdaGold’ and Brassica juncea ‘Pacific Gold’) Seed Meal

Mustard Seed Meals (MSMs) are by-products of biodiesel and an alternative to conventional herbicides for organic farming. However, MSMs might also suppress the emergence of vegetable seedlings. The objective of this study was to determine the response of vegetable seedling emergence to different MSM types and rates applied as an alternative herbicide. Six types of vegetable seeds, onion (Allium cepa), two cultivars of lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Buttercrunch’), mustard (Brassica juncea), kale (Brassica oleracea), and Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. japonica), were sowed in petri dishes containing germination mix. MSMs (Sinapis alba ‘IdaGold’ and B. juncea ‘Pacific Gold’) were incorporated into the germination mix at 0, 88, 176, or 265 g·m−2. Petri dishes were sealed for 1, 3, 5, or 7 days after sowing. For onion, ‘Pacific Gold’ had a greater suppressive effect on seedling emergence than ‘IdaGold’. For kale and mustard, ‘IdaGold’ and ‘Pacific Gold’ had similar suppressive effects on seedling emergence, but ‘Pacific Gold’ delayed emergence of kale at 88 g·m−2 when sealed for 3, 5, and 7 days. For Mizuna, ‘IdaGold’ had more suppressive effects than ‘Pacific Gold’ on seedling emergence, while sealing delayed but did not decrease emergence percentage (EP) at the lower rate (88 g·m−2) compared with the control treatment. For ‘Buttercrunch’ lettuce, there were no differences in the suppressive effects between the two MSMs. For ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ lettuce, ‘Pacific Gold’ had more suppressive effects on seedling emergence than ‘IdaGold’ when sealed at the lower rate (88 g·m−2) for longer durations (7 days) or at higher rates (176 and 265 g·m−2) for shorter durations (1 and 3 days). These results suggest that MSMs might suppress vegetable seedling emergence when applied at high rates (176 and 265 g·m−2), and sealing for more than 7 days after sowing may strengthen the suppressive effect. Extending sealing duration at the medium rates could achieve similar weed control results to high rates without sealing.

Glucosinolates, Carotenoids, and Vitamins E and K Variation from Selected Kale and Collard Cultivars

Glucosinolates, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins E and K contents were analyzed from various kale and collard cultivars at mature stage. We found a significant difference in these phytonutrients among cultivars. Among kale cultivars, “Beira” and “Olympic Red” were the highest in the total glucosinolate and “Toscano” kale was the highest in total carotenoid content. “Scarlet” kale was highest in tocopherols. For collard, total glucosinolate was the highest in “Top Bunch” while carotenoids were the highest in “Green Glaze.” An accession PI261597 was the highest in phylloquinone. In addition to the total content of each phytonutrient class, their composition differed among cultivars, indicating that each cultivar may have differential regulatory mechanisms for biosynthesis of these phytonutrients. Our result indicates that cultivar selection may play an important role in consumption of kale and collard with greater nutritional benefit. Therefore, the result of this study will provide a more thorough profile of essential and nonessential phytonutrients of kale and collard cultivars for consumers’ choice and for future research on nutritional value of these crops.

Intraspecific Variation in Carotenoids of Brassica oleracea var. sabellica.

Carotenoids are best known as a source of natural antioxidants. Physiologically, carotenoids are part of the photoprotection in plants as they act as scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An important source of carotenoids in European food is Brassica oleracea. Focusing on the most abundant carotenoids, we estimated the contents of ß-carotene, (9Z)-neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein as well as those of chlorophylls a and b to assess their variability in Brassica oleracea var. sabellica. Our analyses included more than 30 cultivars categorized in five distinct sets grouped according to morphological characteristics or geographical origin. Our results demonstrated specific carotenoid patterns characteristic for American, Italian, and red-colored kale cultivars. Moreover, we demonstrated a tendency of high zeaxanthin proportions under traditional harvest conditions, which accord to low-temperature regimes. We also compared the carotenoid patterns of self-generated hybrid lines. Corresponding findings indicated that crossbreeding has a high potential for carotenoid content optimization in kale.

Short-term low temperature increases phenolic antioxidant levels in kale

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of short-term low temperature on the concentration of phenolic antioxidant compounds in kale. For the low-temperature treatment, two kale cultivars (‘Manchoo Collard’ and ‘TBC’) grown for 3 weeks in a growth chamber were subjected to 4°C for 3 days, and subsequently allowed to recover for 2 days under normal growth conditions (20°C). Fresh and dry shoot and root weights, chlorophyll fluorescence (potential quantum yield in dark-adapted conditions), reactive oxygen species (O2·- and H2O2), total phenolic concentration, antioxidant capacity, individual phenolics, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity were measured before and after treatment. No significant difference was observed between the control and low-temperature treatments in the fresh or dry shoot or root weights of either cultivar. The Fv/Fm decreased during the low-temperature treatment in both cultivars, and O2·- and H2O2 were generated in ‘Manchoo Collard’ leaves treated with low temperature but not in ‘TBC’ leaves. ‘Manchoo Collard’ had a 15% higher total phenolic concentration than the control after 2 days of recovery, whereas that of ‘TBC’ was 16% lower than that of the control. Individual phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and kaempferol, exhibited a similar trend to the total phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity. The increased PAL activity in ‘Manchoo Collard’ at low temperature was in accord with the total and individual phenolic content results. These results suggest that a short-term low temperature during cultivation of kale in a controlled environment is a potential strategy to increase the plant’s phenolic antioxidant compound content.

Comparative analysis for antioxidant capacities, important plant pigments and total phenolic contents in different Brassica vegetables

A study to analyze the quantitative comparative variation of antioxidant capacity within the Brassica family was undertaken with ten cultivars representing 5 brassica vegetables. It was observed that sprouting broccoli cultivar Pusa Broccoli KTS-1 exhibited significantly highest contents of antioxidants viz., CUPRAC (17.91 µ mol tolox/g) and FRAP (14.34 µ mol trolox/g) whereas, significantly higher contents of total phenolics (6120.0 µg gallic acid/gfw), anthocyanin (3.28 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (80.832 mg/100g of sample), lycopene (8.02 mg in 100 g sample), total carotenoids (52.82 mg/100g) and β –carotene (11.32 µg/100 g) were recorded in kale cultivar KTK-64 in comparison to other vegetables. High genetic advance coupled with high heritability was observed for all the traits which is attributed to considerable additive genetic effects and selection for these traits would be most effective. CUPRAC has shown significant and positive correlation at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with all the other 7 traits whereas FRAP was significantly correlated with total phenolics and anthocyanin only. Based on D 2 analysis the 10 genotypes were classified into 4 clusters. The cluster IV had maximum 4 genotypes and cluster II had only one genotype.

Influence of cultivar and fertilizer approach on curly kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. sabellica). 1. Genetic diversity reflected in agronomic characteristics and phytochemical concentration.

The objectives were to investigate if genetic diversity among field-grown traditional and F1 hybrid kale cultivars was reflected in different agronomic characteristics and consequently glucosinolate (GLS) and flavonoid glycoside concentration. This study evaluated how nitrogen and sulfur supply and biomass allocation modified phytochemicals in two experiments with combinations of three cultivars and four N and two S application levels. Results showed less growth, and higher N concentration in the traditional cultivar 'Tiara' was associated with increased indole and total GLSs compared to traditional 'Høj Amager Toftø' and F1 hybrid 'Reflex' cultivars, which exhibited higher yield, lower N concentration, and different biomass allocation. S application increased total GLS concentration, whereas aliphatic GLS percentage decreased when N application increased. Decrease of six 'Reflex' GLSs besides quercetin glycosides and total flavonoid glycosides with increased N indicated higher N responsiveness for 'Reflex'. In conclusion, differences in agronomic characteristics were reflected in diverse phytochemical composition.

Effect of timing of harvest on nutritive value of four cultivars of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala)

Abstract A single site, single year replicated study in Canterbury investigated change in nutritive value and dry matter (DM) yield of four kale cultivars harvested monthly between May and September. The proportion of leaf relative to stem was significantly higher for an intermediate kale ('Regal') and short marrow-stem kale ('Kestrel') compared with two giant kales 'Gruner' and 'Rawera'. Late winter loss of leaf was greater for 'Gruner' and 'Rawera' compared with 'Regal' or 'Kestrel'. Whole plant DM% remained stable through winter (average 11.9%). Lower stem contained more DM than top stem or leaf. The DM% of 'Gruner' was significantly higher than other cultivars. 'Kestrel' contained significantly more megajoules of metabolisable energy than other kales. Energy content of leaf and top sections of stem averaged 2.5 MJME/kg DM more than lower stem. Dry matter yield peaked in June then declined monthly thereafter for giant kales 'Gruner' and 'Rawera', but not 'Regal' or 'Kestrel'. The use of intermediate and short marrow-stem kales 'Regal' and 'Kestrel' is one management option to improve the leafiness and whole plant energy content of late winter feed crops. Keywords: Forage brassica, kale, nutritive value, winter feed, yield

Kale: An excellent source of vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, lutein and glucosinolates

Kale (Brassica oleracea Acephala group) is a green leafy vegetable with high content of nutraceuticals. However, the content of bioactive compounds of kale is affected by the cultivar, and thus it is necessary to identify kale cultivars that have the highest nutritional content, to promote their consumption. The present project’s objective was to characterize the bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, vitamin C, glucosinolates and individual carotenoids) and the antioxidant capacity of two kale cultivars (Winterbor and Maribor). The Winterbor cultivar presented higher content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and higher antioxidant capacity than the Maribor, whereas the Maribor cultivar showed higher levels of vitamin C and glucosinolates. One serving size of kale provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin A and more than 40% of the RDI of vitamin C. Therefore, kale can be considered an excellent source of antioxidants.

Environmental Stress and Methyl Jasmonate-mediated Changes in Flavonoid Concentrations and Antioxidant Activity in Broccoli Florets and Kale Leaf Tissues

Aqueous solutions of 250 μM methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were sprayed on aerial plant surfaces 4 days before harvest at commercial maturity of five commercial broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) hybrids, ‘Pirate’, ‘Expo’, ‘Imperial’, ‘Gypsy’, and ‘Green Magic’, and two kale cultivars, Red Winter (Brassica napus ssp. pabularia) and Dwarf Blue Curled Vates (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC.) in replicated field trials over 2 years. While having no effect on broccoli floret concentrations, MeJA treatments significantly increased total phenolics in kale cultivars over two seasons by 27% and extract antioxidant activity by 31% using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Partitioning experiment-wide trait variances indicated that the variability in broccoli floret concentrations of total phenolics (74%), quercetin (24%), kaempferol (34%), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) (66%) and DPPH (62%) antioxidant activity was largely influenced by year-associated environmental factors. In broccoli, the differential accumulation of solar radiation among cultivars resulting from the variation in days to maturity was significantly correlated with total phenolics, ABTS, and DPPH antioxidant activity. Broccoli floret and kale total phenolic, quercetin, and kaempferol concentrations significantly correlated with DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity. To summarize, total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations and their associated antioxidant activity in broccoli florets were unaffected by MeJA but varied significantly among cultivars and over growing seasons. Apical, compared with basal, leaves in kale were more responsive to MeJA-mediated increases in total phenolics and ABTS and DPPH antioxidant activity.

Phosphorus deficiency restricts plant growth but induces pigment formation in the flower stalk of Chinese kale

The effect of phosphorus (P) nutrition on plant growth and pigment formation in the flower stalk was studied under hydroponic conditions for 2 Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey) cultivars: ‘Jianyexia’ (green flower stalk) and ‘Hongjiao’ (mauve flower stalk). Three different P treatments were used: 30 (normal-P), 7.5 (low-P), and 0 mg·L−1 (P-deficient). The results showed that the biomass, yield, plant height, stem diameter, and leaf number of Chinese kale were significantly reduced in the low-P and P-deficient treatments compared to the normal-P treatment. The chlorophyll content in the flower stalk epidermis was not affected by different P levels in ‘Jianyexia’, but was significantly reduced by the P-deficient treatment in ‘Hongjiao’. Decreased P levels caused the flavonoid, soluble phenol, and anthocyanin content of the flower stalks to gradually increase in both Chinese kale cultivars. The pH value of the flower stalk epidermis gradually decreased with the declining P levels, and was significantly different among the 3 treatments. As the P levels declined, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) activities in the flower stalk epidermis gradually increased, and were significantly different among the 3 treatments. P nutrition may control the synthesis of anthocyanins in the flower stalk by regulating the epidermal pH value, and the activities of PAL and CHI.

Microsatellite-based analysis of genetic diversity in 91 commercial Brassica oleracea L. cultivars belonging to six varietal groups

Brassica oleracea L. includes various types of important vegetables that show extremely diverse phenotypes. To elucidate the genetic diversity and relationships among commercial cultivars derived by different companies throughout the world, we characterized the diversity and genetic structure of 91 commercial B. oleracea cultivars belonging to six varietal groups, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale and kai-lan. We used 69 polymorphic microsatellite markers showing a total of 359 alleles with an average number of 5.20 alleles per locus. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.06 to 0.73, with an average of 0.40. Among the six varietal groups, kohlrabi cultivars exhibited the highest heterozygosity level, whereas kale cultivars showed the lowest. Based on genetic similarity values, an UPGMA clustering dendrogram and a two-dimensional scale diagram (PCoA) were generated to analyze genetic diversity. The cultivars were clearly separated into six different clusters with a tendency to cluster into varietal groups. Model-based structure analysis revealed six genetic groups, in which cabbage cultivars were divided into two subgroups that were differentiated by their head shape, whereas cauliflower and kai-lan cultivars clustered together into a single group. Furthermore, we identified 18 SSR markers showing 27 unique alleles specific to only one cultivar that can be used to discriminate 22 cultivars from the others. Our phylogenetic and population structure analysis presents new insights into the genetic structure and relationships among 91 B. oleracea cultivars and provides valuable information for breeding of B. oleracea species. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of SSR markers as a powerful tool for discriminating between the cultivars. The SSR markers described herein will also be helpful for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) test of new cultivars.

Thermal-induced changes of kale’s antioxidant activity analyzed by HPLC–UV/Vis-online-TEAC detection

Generally, boiling of vegetables is assumed leading to lower nutritional values because of leaching effects and activity loss of bioactive compounds. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) reveals a great diversity of flavonoids, which have been shown to be good antioxidants. As Brassica vegetables are mainly consumed cooked, the influence of boiling on kale’s flavonoids and their antioxidant activity was investigated. Therefore, three kale cultivars were cooked at 100°C for 2 and 4h prior to analysis. The total phenolic content (TPC) and the total antioxidant activity (TEAC assay and EPR spectrometry) of each cultivar were determined and revealed no change, independent of cooking time, although kale samples visually altered. Using the HPLC–UV/Vis-online-TEAC approach, distinct changes in composition and antioxidant activity of the flavonoids were detectable. Thus, it was observable, that the antioxidant activities of the reaction products compensated the “loss” of the antioxidant activity of the original compounds of the uncooked material.

Quantitative profiling of glucosinolates by LC–MS analysis reveals several cultivars of cabbage and kale as promising sources of sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate well known for its potential health benefits. With the aim of finding sulforaphane supply sources, its precursor, glucoraphanin, was widely searched for among Brassica oleracea varieties. Quantitative profiling of seven glucosinolates by LC–MS analysis was performed on 6 cultivars of broccoli, 32 of cabbage and 24 cultivars of kale. The glucoraphanin levels found in three cultivars of cabbage and six cultivars of kale were comparable with, or even higher than, the highest of broccoli (119.4mg/100g FW). The most promising group belonged to the black kale, Cavolo nero. Use of a C30 column and an ammonium formate buffer in LC–MS and a micro plate solid phase extraction technique was highly effective.

Antiproliferative Effects of Fresh and Thermal Processed Green and Red Cultivars of Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala var. sabellica)

Brassica vegetables contain a diverse range of phytochemicals with biological properties such as antioxidant and anticancer activity. However, knowledge about how biological activities are affected by processing is lacking. A green cultivar and a red cultivar of curly kale were evaluated for water/methanol-soluble phytochemicals before and after processing involving blanching, freeze storage, and boil-in-bag heat treatment. In both kale cultivars, processing resulted in a significant decrease of total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and content and distribution of flavonols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, glucosinolates, and vitamin C. Interestingly, the red curly kale cultivar had a higher capacity to withstand thermal loss of phytochemicals. The extracts of both green and red curly kale inhibited the cell proliferation of three human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HT-29, and HCT 116). However, extracts from fresh plant material had a significantly stronger antiproliferative effect than extracts from processed plant material.

Desenvolvimento e produção de genótipos de couve manteiga

O experimento foi conduzido na casa de vegetação no Centro de Ecofisiologia e Biofísica do IAC, em Campinas-SP, de agosto a dezembro de 2008. As cultivares de couve Manteiga São José, Verde-Escura, IAC-Campinas, Orelha de Elefante e Vale das Garças foram avaliadas a cada quatorze dias até 126 dias após a instalação do experimento. As couves foram produzidas a partir de mudas. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em blocos ao acaso, com oito repetições com parcelas subdivididas para época de avaliação. Foram medidos a altura média de plantas e o diâmetro do caule e colhidas todas as folhas consideradas apropriadas para comercialização. Estas foram contadas, medidas suas áreas foliares e determinadas as suas biomassas frescas e secas. Contou-se ainda o número de brotações e o número de folhas totalmente expandidas que ainda não estavam apropriadas para colheita e determinou-se o número total de folhas. A cultivar Vale das Garças apresentou o maior desenvolvimento vegetativo em todas as variáveis analisadas. A 'Orelha de Elefante', por possuir folhas com área foliar específica maiores, teve biomassas fresca e seca totais semelhantes à da Vale das Garças embora tenha apresentado menor número de brotações, de folhas colhidas e total de folhas. Concluiu-se que essas duas cultivares constituem boas alternativas para a produção de couve.

Classification of Chinese Kale Cultivars by Morphological Characters

Classification of Chinese Kale Cultivars by Morphological Characters