Quality Of Broccoli Research Articles

A Method for Broccoli Seedling Recognition in Natural Environment Based on Binocular Stereo Vision and Gaussian Mixture Model.

Illumination in the natural environment is uncontrollable, and the field background is complex and changeable which all leads to the poor quality of broccoli seedling images. The colors of weeds and broccoli seedlings are close, especially under weedy conditions. The factors above have a large influence on the stability, velocity and accuracy of broccoli seedling recognition based on traditional 2D image processing technologies. The broccoli seedlings are higher than the soil background and weeds in height due to the growth advantage of transplanted crops. A method of broccoli seedling recognition in natural environments based on Binocular Stereo Vision and a Gaussian Mixture Model is proposed in this paper. Firstly, binocular images of broccoli seedlings were obtained by an integrated, portable and low-cost binocular camera. Then left and right images were rectified, and a disparity map of the rectified images was obtained by the Semi-Global Matching (SGM) algorithm. The original 3D dense point cloud was reconstructed using the disparity map and left camera internal parameters. To reduce the operation time, a non-uniform grid sample method was used for the sparse point cloud. After that, the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) cluster was exploited and the broccoli seedling points were recognized from the sparse point cloud. An outlier filtering algorithm based on k-nearest neighbors (KNN) was applied to remove the discrete points along with the recognized broccoli seedling points. Finally, an ideal point cloud of broccoli seedlings can be obtained, and the broccoli seedlings recognized. The experimental results show that the Semi-Global Matching (SGM) algorithm can meet the matching requirements of broccoli images in the natural environment, and the average operation time of SGM is 138 ms. The SGM algorithm is superior to the Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) algorithm and Sum of Squared Differences (SSD) algorithms. The recognition results of Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) outperforms K-means and Fuzzy c-means with the average running time of 51 ms. To process a pair of images with the resolution of 640×480, the total running time of the proposed method is 578 ms, and the correct recognition rate is 97.98% of 247 pairs of images. The average value of sensitivity is 85.91%. The average percentage of the theoretical envelope box volume to the measured envelope box volume is 95.66%. The method can provide a low-cost, real-time and high-accuracy solution for crop recognition in natural environment.

Response of broccoli to USG and prilled urea in shallow red-brown terrace soil under Madhupur tract

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during the period from 2012-13 to verify the effectiveness of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) on the yield and quality of broccoli, to assess the comparative performance of USG and PU on nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency and to evaluate the effect of USG and PU on post-harvest nutrient status in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil of Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block with three replications having 5 treatments as T1: Control, T2: USG-N140, T3: USG-N160, T4: USG-N180 and T5: PU-N180. Result showed that USG performed better than PU. The comparative performance of USG in relation to yield, head quality (ascorbic acid, β-carotene and chlorophyll content), SPAD value, nutrient (NPKS) uptake and N use efficiency was found higher as compared to PU. USG treated broccoli plants gave significantly higher yield where the highest yield (13.49 ton ha-1) was recorded with USG-N160 kg ha-1. Moreover, USG showed higher β-carotene and chlorophyll content over PU and those were increased with increasing levels of N. However, ascorbic acid content was slightly decreased with increasing rate of N fertilizer. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake increased with increasing N rate upto USGN180 but sulphur uptake was increased upto USG-N160. Nitrogen use efficiency was higher in USG treated plots than that of PU having the highest value of 111.71% with USG-N160 kg ha-1. Post-harvest soil nutrient status was not significantly influenced by the treatments although it was slightly higher in USG as compared to PU. Considering all, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) with other recommended fertilizers (@ 53 kg P, 83 kg K, 20 kg S, 2.0 kg Zn, 1 kg B and 0.8 kg Mo ha-1) could be the best USG based fertilizer dose for quality broccoli production in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil of Madhupur Tract.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(4): 557-574, December 2018

Effect of Packaging Films on the Quality of Broccoli

Effect of Packaging Films on the Quality of Broccoli

Research into preservation of broccoli depending on the treatment with antimicrobic preparations before storage

We studied the effect of antimicrobial preparations on the preservation and quality of broccoli. We established that antimicrobial preparations such as Baikal EM-1, 0.5 % citric acid solution, 0.2 % benzoic acid solution, 0.05 % sorbic acid solution, 0.5:0.5 % solution of vitamins C and P (ascorutin) ‒ contribute to prolonging the storage life of broccoli for 5‒20 days depending on the hybrid. The treatment with preparations reduces losses per day by 1.2‒3.0 times, it provides the yield of commercial products at 76.8‒86.2 %. The treatment of broccoli with antimicrobial preparations, with ascorutin especially, provides a dry matter content of 1.1‒2.6 times higher than in the control variant, which contributes to a decrease in the intensity of consumption of dry soluble substances and vitamin C. At the end of storage, the content of total sugar and disaccharides is equal to the level of the control variant, or exceeds its content by 1.2 and 1.5‒2.0 times, respectively. The variants with acids and ascorutin have more of them. The content of monosaccharides remains at the initial level. The loss of mass due to evaporation of water is 1.3‒1.8 times higher. Baikal EM-1 and ascorutin inhibit intensity of expansion of pathogenic microorganisms better than other drugs for 10‒15 days. Ascorutin provides 0.8‒2.2 % lower loss of weight due to diseases and physiological disorders and a 4.1‒7.6 % larger yield of commercial products at prolonged storage. Ascorutin, citric acid, sorbic acid and benzoic acid inhibit development of pathogenic microorganisms on broccoli more actively. The proposed method for the treatment of broccoli with antimicrobial preparations before storage makes it possible to use antiseptics, such as Baikal EM-1, 0.5 % citric acid solution, 0.2 % benzoic acid solution, 0.05 % sorbic acid solution, 0.5:0.5 % solution of vitamins C and P (ascorutin) ‒ for the post-harvest treatment of vegetable raw materials. This is an important technique for the development of new, low-cost, environmentally friendly and affordable storage technologies.

Stalk length affects the mineral distribution and floret quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) heads during storage

Broccoli stalks have almost the equivalent nutrient components as the florets of the broccoli head but they are usually discarded in home use or industrial processing. Moreover, little information is available regarding the effects of stalk length on the storage characteristics of broccoli heads. In this study, the effects of different stalk lengths, i.e., 1 cm, 3 cm, 6 cm, and 9 cm on the mineral content including N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and B of the stalks and florets of broccoli heads during storage at 10 °C were determined. The chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents of the broccoli florets were also measured for determining the postharvest quality of the broccoli heads. The results showed that the stalk length significantly affected the mineral content and the distribution in the stalks and florets of broccoli heads during storage. Very short (1 cm) or very long (9 cm) stalk lengths had adverse effects on the broccoli floret quality during storage. A suitable stalk length (6 cm) maintained a balance in the mineral content and the nutritional content between the florets and stalks during storage and ensured that the broccoli florets, which are the metabolism center, had better postharvest quality during longer storage periods. The stalk length should be considered for better storage quality of the broccoli heads.

Influence of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on the Shelf Life and Quality of Broccoli During Storage

Broccoli consumption in India is increasing due to the presence of many health promoting compounds along with the presence of glucosinolates, flavonoids, vitamins and free radical scavenging properties. However, bioactive compounds appreciably decrease due to existing poor post-harvest management scenario in India. The present studies have been undertaken to package the broccoli in 30 μ Flexfresh™ biopolymer of small size (300 g ± 10%, 205 mm width and 250 mm height, oxygen transmission rate (OTR) 1250 cc/24 h/500 g) and 30 μ Flexfresh™ biopolymer of big size (900 g ± 10%, 255 mm width and 350 mm height, OTR 2500 cc/24 h/500 g) and stored at 3 and 10 °C with relative humidity 90–95% under modified atmospheric (MA) storage. Colour and appearance sensory score decreased from 8.5 to 6.16 and from 8.5 to 6.0 in small and big size broccoli after 49 days of MA storage at 3 °C. However, fully control broccoli spoiled after 7 days of MA storage at 10 °C due to complete change from green to yellow colour. Atmospheric oxygen in small size polymer decreased from 20 to 5.66% and from 20 to 5.2% during initial 2 days of storage at 3 and 10 °C, respectively. In comparison to decrease of oxygen in small size polymer, the decrease of oxygen in big size polymer was of lesser magnitude and decrease was from 20 to 14.5% and from 20 to 12.8% during initial 2 days of storage at 3 and 10 °C, respectively. However, the gaseous composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide remained in the range of 20–21% after 49 days of MA storage in small and big size polymer at 3 °C. The increase in physiological loss in weight (PLW) was from 1.11 to 9.11% and from 1.63 to 7.67% after 14 days of storage at 10 °C in small and big size broccoli, respectively. However, the increase in PLW of small and big size broccoli was from 0.74 to 13.87 and 0.52 to 19.02%, respectively, after 49 days of MA storage at 3 °C. The firmness in broccoli florets also decreased from 3.84 to 3.02N and from 3.84 to 3.12N in small and big size broccoli, respectively, after 49 days of MA storage at 3 °C. The decrease of ascorbic acid varied from 44.70 to 49.87% in small and big size broccoli florets after 49 days of MA storage at 3 °C. Total phenol content decreased 62.6–89.5% during storage at 3 and 10 °C in small and big size broccoli florets.

Decontamination of fresh-cut broccoli with a water–assisted UV-C technology and its combination with peroxyacetic acid

The effectiveness of a water-assisted UV-C (WUV) technology for the decontamination of fresh-cut broccoli from conventional and organic agricultural practices was evaluated as an alternative to chlorine sanitation. Several WUV doses (0.3–1.8 kJ m−2) were tested alone or combined with peroxyacetic acid (PAA). Results showed that 0.5 kJ m−2 was sufficient to reduce natural total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms by 2 log10 in conventional broccoli without negative consequences on the physical quality. However, in order to achieve the same effect on organic broccoli, a combined application of at least 0.3 kJ m−2 and 50 mg L−1 PAA was required. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was enhanced by 42, 90 and 81% in conventional broccoli 24 h after treatment with 0.3, 0.5 and 1.8 kJ m−2, respectively, compared to water-control. A similar trend was observed in organic broccoli, although the increase in TAC (by 22%) compared to the water-control was only significant when a dose of 1.8 kJ m−2 was used. Similarly, 0.5 kJ m−2 enhanced the sulforaphane content in conventional broccoli by 1.5 and 4-fold compared to water and chlorine-controls, respectively. WUV is a promising alternative technology to improve the microbiological and nutritional quality of fresh-cut broccoli.

Quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) in modified atmosphere packaging made by gas barrier-gas promoter blending materials

This work aimed to prepare a blend of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to develop a modified film suitable as a modified atmosphere package (MAP) for broccoli. The miscibility between SPEEK and PVDF was determined by homogeneous micro-morphology and single glass transition temperature (Tg). Results revealed that the blended material had good antifouling ability, moderate porosities and appropriate gas selectivity. Films prepared by the blended material were used as equilibrium MAP to maintain quality of broccoli samples during storage. With ∼ 300 g of broccoli in ∼ 2.1 L of internal volume, films prepared with 50% (w/w) SPEEK and 50% (w/w) PVDF maintained an internal atmosphere of 8.2% CO2 and 2.0% O2 in MAP. In this atmosphere, acceptable sensory score of the broccoli was maintained for 25 d, compared with only ∼ 15 d for control samples. The MAP also reduced loss of green color and maintained texture and chemical composition of broccoli. The results of this study reveal that the prepared gas promoter-gas barrier blending packaging has promise for preservation of harvested fresh vegetables.

Optimisation of Transplant Age in Combination with Dark-chilling to Enhance the Biological Quality of Broccoli Cultivated in Summer

Under field conditions, crops are exposed simultaneously to more than one environmental stress factor. Controlled abiotic stress applied at the transplant stage can be used as a tool for inducing stress memory, improving stress tolerance after transplanting, and enhancing the nutraceutical value of the yield. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of dark-chilling at 2 °C for 1 and 2 weeks on the tolerance of broccoli seedlings of various ages against adverse conditions in the field and the chemical composition of the inflorescences. Two separate planting programmes were undertaken in the summer. In general, planting delay by about 1 month resulted in an increase in dry weight of about 3%, ascorbic acid (38%), soluble sugars (18%), K (14%), P (13%), Zn (12%), Fe (8%), and Mn (9%) in broccoli inflorescences. Planting of young, 4-week-old seedlings resulted in higher ascorbic acid content in broccoli inflorescences of about 15%, soluble sugars (7%), K (5%), P (6%), Mg (4%), Na (11%), and Zn (3%) in broccoli inflorescences as compared to 10-week-old ones. Chilling of seedlings for two weeks caused an increase in dry weight in broccoli inflorescences of about 6%, ascorbic acid (15%), soluble sugars (12%), K (2%), P (2%), Mg (5%), Zn (3%), Fe (4%), and Mn (6%) as compared to the non-chilled control. The results indicated that the age of the seedlings and dark-chilling influenced the level of chemicals related to taste and biological value of broccoli inflorescences in a complex way. There was no general superiority or interaction of any of the experimental factors affecting all health-related compounds. Dark-chilling can be considered as a practice of broccoli seedling management before transplanting, positively affecting some yield parameters through stress memory induction.

Effect of Different Levels of Urea Super Granule and Prilled Urea on the Crop Quality, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Nutrient Status of Broccoli

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during the period 2010-2011 to assess the effect of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) on the quality attributes (Compactness coefficient, Vitamin C, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents) of broccoli, to assess the comparative performance of USG and PU on nutrient uptake and uptake efficiency of broccoli plant, to assess the effect of different forms and levels of urea N on the post harvest soil nutrient status of broccoli field and to select the better doses of USG and PU for quality broccoli production in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil under Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications having 17 treatments constituted with different levels of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) as- T1: N-control, T2: PU-N80, T3: PU-N100, T4: PU-N120, T5: PU-N140, T6: PU-N160, T7: PU-N180, T8: PU-N200, T9: PU-N220, T10: USG-N80, T11: USG-N100, T12: USG-N120, T13: USG-N140, T14: USG-N160, T15: USG-N180, T16: USG-N200, T17 and USG-N220 kg ha-1. Results revealed that the comparative performance of USG in relation to head quality (compactness coefficient, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and chlorophyll content), nutrient (NPKS) uptake and N uptake efficiency was found better as compared to PU. The compactness coefficient, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents were increased with increasing rate of N as well as USG and PU, but ascorbic acid content was slightly decreased with increasing rate of USG and PU. The maximum compactness coefficient (18.61) was found from the treatment USG-N180 that was followed by USG-N160 (18.24) and the highest β-carotene content (0.401 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N160 followed by PU-N180 (0.40 mg/100gFW). Similarly the highest chlorophyll-a content (0.818 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N180 followed by USG-N160 (0.814 mg/100gFW) and the highest chlorophyll-b content (1.141mg/100g FW) was recorded from USG-N180. The higher nutrient uptake and N uptake efficiency (108.531%) was obtained from USG treated plots over that of the PU. But N uptake efficiency was decreased with increasing rates of N fertilizer. But post harvest soil nitrogen status did not show any systematic trend although it was found higher in USG over PU. Similarly no remarkable changes were observed in post harvest soil P, K, S and B status for the crop. However, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) followed by USG-N140 and PU @ 180 kg N ha-1 (PU-N180) with other recommended doses of fertilizer could be suggested as USG and PU based fertilizer recommendation for a good quality broccoli production in terms of yield and quality in Silty Clay Loam Soil of Madhupur Tract.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(2) 24-39

全有机施肥方式对芥蓝、西兰苔生长性状及品质影响试验

全有机施肥方式对芥蓝、西兰苔生长性状及品质影响试验

Thermal processing affecting phytochemical contents and total antioxidant capacity in broccoli (Brassica oleraceaL.)

Broccoli is increasing consumed with phytochemicals level. Thermal processing may alter food antioxidant properties by initiating destruction, release or transformation of antioxidant components. Effects of thermal processing methods (boiling, steaming, stir-frying, microwaving, and baking) and duration on antioxidants and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in broccoli florets have been estimated. Boiling 2 min, steaming 4 min, stir-frying 6 min, microwaving 2 min, and baking 25 min were optimized according to sensory quality evaluation and total ascorbic acids (TAA) retention. Stir-frying resulted in highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) with increasing by 47.56 and 67.93%, respectively, followed by boiling (increasing by 28.25 and 44.93%, respectively) and steaming (increasing by 24.90 and 27.49%, respectively). Boiling, steaming, and stir-frying significantly elevated TAC values. Strong positive correlations between TAC and TPC and TFC were found. TAA drastically deteriorated regardless of processing methods. Microwaving and baking displayed destructive effect on broccoli quality. Practical applications Most vegetables have to be thermal processed before eating. It is important to optimize processing methods and duration to promote beneficial effects and to counteract, to the best possible, undesired effects. This study has optimized five common thermal processing methods (boiling, steaming, stir-frying, microwaving, and baking) and duration of broccoli florets. Meanwhile, the effect of these thermal processing methods at defined duration on antioxidants and total antioxidant capacity was estimated. Data obtained are expected to offer both modern food industry and consumers optimum conventional processing methods with the highest nutrients retention in vegetables.

Temperature abuse timing affects the rate of quality deterioration of postharvest broccoli during different pre-storage stages

Abstract In this study, the changes in weight loss, color, tissue electrolyte leakage rate (REC), sensory (overall visual quality, off-odor and tightness), total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid (Vc) levels in broccoli heads were examined during three pre-storage stages and at three storage, simulating temperature abuse from retail organizations to the customer. Packed broccoli heads were pre-stored for 1 day, 30 days or 60 days at (1 ± 0.5) °C and then stored for 13 days at 4 °C, 10 °C or 25 °C with 60%-70% relative humidity in the dark. All the measured indicators in broccoli heads during storage were significantly affected by temperature and were demonstrated to deteriorate together with increasing storage temperature. The color, REC, overall visual quality, off-odor, chlorophyll and Vc contents of broccoli were significantly affected by the pre-stored stages, and the broccoli pre-stored for 60 days deteriorated faster and a shorter shelf life than the broccoli pre-stored for 1 day and 30 days. The results indicate that lower retail temperatures and shorter pre-storage time can prolong the shelf life of postharvest broccoli heads.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleraceae var. italica L.) cv. Calabrese under foothill condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 to find out the response of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of broccoli cv. Calabrese under the foothill condition of Nagaland. Results revealed that integrated application of 50% NPK + 50% vermicompost + Biofertilizers recorded significantly higher plant height (70.33 cm), number of leaves (20.45), stem diameter (3.25 cm), plant spread (74.25 cm), equilateral head diameter (16.97 cm), polar head diameter(18.37 cm), head size (310.59 cm2), gross head weight (956.0 g), net head weight (330.86 g), yield ha-1 (11.96 t ha-1), protein content (3.77%), vitamin C content (132.50 mg 100 g-1), total soluble solids (5.52) and pH of the head (5.12). While treatment T16- 50% NPK + 50% Pig manure + Biofertilizers gave the highest net return (¹ 260450) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.48) and was found to be significantly at par for all growth, yield and quality parameters with treatment T18 (50% NPK + 50% vermicompost + biofertilizers).

Effect of liquid manure and fish oil emulsion on the growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) cv KTS-1

Effect of liquid manure and fish oil emulsion on the growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) cv KTS-1

Effect of reactive oxygen species on quality maintenance of broccoli florets with electrostatic atomized water particle treatment

The effect of electrostatic atomized water particle (EAWP) treatment on quality maintenance during postharvest storage was determined to clarify a physiological role of reactive oxygen species in broccoli florets. The EAWP treatment suppressed the floret yellowing of broccoli during storage. The hydrogen peroxide content increased immediately after EAWP treatment but then remained at a low level during storage. Catalase (CAT) activity increased rapidly with EAWP treatment and was higher than that in the control for the first 4days of storage. The BoCAT gene expression level with EAWP treatment also showed a high trend as compared to the control. The gene expressions of BoRboh, BoCu/ZnSOD, and BoAPX showed almost the same tendency with or without EAWP treatment. These findings suggested that hydrogen peroxide formed by EAWP treatment and regulated by CAT could be relevant to maintaining the quality of broccoli.

Effect of Different Micronutrients on Plant Growth, Yield and Flower Bud Quality of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea Var. Italica)

A field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of different micronutrients on plant growth, yield and flower bud quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. Italica) cv. – Green Bud” during rabi season of 2014-15 Research field, Department of Horticulture, Allahabad School of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Allahabad. The experiment consists of 10 treatment viz, T0 (control), T1 (B), T2 (Mo), T3 (Mn), T4 (B + Mo), T5 (B+ Mn +Zn), T6 (Mo +Mn), T7 (B +Mo +Mn +Zn), T8 (B +Zn), T9 (Zn) laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The micronutrients (B, Mo, Mn and Zn) were applied at the rate of 2 kg (B), 0.5 kg (Mo), 2.5 kg (Mn), 3 kg (Zn) per hectare significantly increased the plant height (51.30 cm), number of leaves(22.92), Plant spread (52.83 cm), diameter of bud or head (16.90 cm), average bud weight of per plant (303.69 gm), yield ha-1(121.48q), vitamin ‘C’ (93.92 mg), TSS (0Brix) (8.37) content, Plant fresh weight (908.28 gm), dry plant matter(95.61 gm), root weight (45.02 gm) and dry weight(11.65 gm) were maximum in treatment T5 and lowest in T0 (control) under Allahabad agro climatic condition.

Sulphur (S) topdressing and organic compost in production, quality and nutrients accumulation of broccoli seeds at planting time

Sulphur (S) topdressing and organic compost in production, quality and nutrients accumulation of broccoli seeds at planting time

Influence of foliar fertilization of boron on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) in boron deficient soil of Doon Valley, India

Boron deficiency is widespread in Indian soils. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of foliar application of B on growth, yield and quality of broccoli through field experiment during winter season for two consecutive years in boron deficient soil of Doon Valley. Foliar application of all treatments of B had no significant effect on growth characters viz. plant height, number of leaves per plant and average plant spread. However, the days taken to curd initiation and curd maturity were minimum with the application of disodium octaborate @ 0.1% followed by borax @ 0.2%. Curd formation and curd weight per plant were maximum with di-sodium octaborate @ 0.1%. Other quality parameters like curd diameter and curd depth were also maximum with disodium octaborate @ 0.1%. All the B treatments significantly affected curd yield. The maximum curd yield was obtained with the application of disodium octaborate @ 0.1% which was 95.64% higher than the control. Thus, foliar application of B as disodium octaborate @ 0.1% was found most effective in the present investigation for maximization of yield and quality of broccoli.

Combined effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron on yield and quality of broccoli [Brassica oleraceae (L.) var. italica

An experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm and in the laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron on yield and quality of broccoli [Brassica oleracea (L.) var. italica]. A total of 15 treatment combinations, including three levels of fertilizers i. e. NPK (100% recommended dose of NPK, 75% recommended dose of NPK and 50% recommended dose of NPK) and four levels of boron (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 kg B/ha) were laid out in a split plot design with four replications. Experiment revealed that plant yield and quality characters were significantly influenced by NPK, boron and their interaction. It was observed that out of the three fertilizer effects i. e. F1, F2 and F3, the highest head diameter, head weight, total yield (19.29 t/ha), protein, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, leaf and soil NPK and boron were obtained in F1 (100% Recommended dose of NPK). Regarding the boron effect, B4 (2.0 kg B/ha) exhibited the highest head diameter, head weight, total yield (20.73 t/ha), protein, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, leaf and soil NPK. Among the interaction effects of NPK and boron, the yield and quality characters like the highest head diameter, head weight, total yield (25.37 t/ha), protein, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, leaf and soil NPK and boron were recorded in fertilizer F1 with boron (B4) combination. Thus, it can be suggested that the application of 200 kg N, 80 kg P2O5, 60 kg K2O and 2 kg B/ha was found to be suitable for profitable cultivation of broccoli with optimum quality under the agro-climatic conditions of Assam.