Yield Of Cauliflower Research Articles

Nitrogen, Magnesium, and Boron Applications Affect Cauliflower Yield, Curd Mass, and Hollow Stem Disorder

The effects of three rates of N, Mg, and B on cauliflower (Brassica oleracea, Botrytis group) yield, average curd mass, and hollow stem disorder were evaluated on sandy and clay loam soils. Cultivars White Empress and Stovepipe were tested on the sandy loam soil and `White Empress' was tested on the clay loam soil. Maximum mean curd mass and maximum yields were obtained with the highest N rates (269 and 381 kg·ha-1) applied to sandy loam and clay loam soils, respectively. Yield response to increased N rates varied with cultivar. Increasing Mg from 22.5 to 90 kg·ha-1 did not affect yield or curd mass on clay loam soil, but increased yield and mean curd mass on sandy loam soil. The Mg effect on curd mass was influenced by N and B rates. On both soil types, the higher Mg and B rates reduced the incidence of hollow stem, but the Mg effect was influenced by N applications. On clay loam soil, increasing B from 2.2 to 8.8 kg·ha-1 reduced hollow stem but had no effect on yield or curd mass. On sandy loam soil, B at 4.4 kg·ha-1 maximized yield and curd mass, but the hollow stem disorder continued to decrease as B rates were increased from 2.2 to 8.8 kg·ha-1.

A COMPARISON OF THREE NITROGEN RESPONSE MODELS FOR CAULIFLOWER

A quadratic, a linear exponential and a linear plateau response model were compared in an analysis of the reaction of cauliflower yield to field applied nitrogen. For the pooled experiments the degree of fit with all three models considerably improved when the amount of mineral nitrogen in the soil layer 0?30 cm or 0?60 cm at planting was taken into account. This indicates that the crop can utilize the mineral nitrogen in the soil layer 0?60 cm at planting. With the linear exponential model, too high optima were estimated for the pooled experiments and no optima could be estimated in five out of the seven individual experiments. Application of the quadratic response model resulted in unrealistically high optimum fertilizer rates for both the pooled experiments and individual experiments. Optimum fertilizer rates in the individual experiments were best estimated using the linear plateau model. Excluding one experiment, a significant linear relationship was found between optimum fertilizer application and the amount of mineral nitrogen in the soil layer 0?60 cm at planting

Economic Responses of Broccoli and Cauliflower to Water and Nitrogen in the Desert

Field studies were conducted to develop water and N response surface models for broccoli and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L., Botrytis Group) produced in the low desert of the southwestern United States and to estimate profit maximizing combinations of water and N over a range of realistic price situations. Marketable broccoli and cauliflower yields were increased by water and N inputs in all experiments. Generalized response equations indicate maximum broccoli yields with 43 cm of water and N at 267 kg·ha–1 and maximum cauliflower yields with 65 cm of water and N at 338 kg·ha–1. Least-cost combinations of water and N changed with the costs of these inputs for yield levels below the economic maximum. However, profit maximizing N and water rates changed little regardless of input or crop prices investigated.

The effect of nitrogen and the method of application on the yield of cauliflower

The effects of nitrogen on cauliflower yields were studied over a period of 3 seasons at several locations. The cultivar used was Fremont in some cases and Plana in others. Different amounts of N fertilizer were applied at planting and were broadcast or band placed. Another treatment consisted of a split application. The number of plants harvested was not consistently influenced by the amount of N or the method of application. N application influenced the size of the marketable curd. At high yields, band placement had no advantage over broadcast application with regard to increasing the yield or reducing the amount of fertilizer supplied. Split application did not increase the yield and sometimes even decreased the yield. The best correlation between yield and N availability was found when the mineral nitrogen (Nmin) in the soil layer 0-60 cm at planting was taken into account. N fertilizer application was optimal when it produced an Nmin value of 224 kg/ha.

Tillage and Cover-cropping Affect Weed Populations and Yield of Broccoli and Cauliflower

Research was conducted to determine whether tillage in the fall rather than spring could be used to prepare fields for transplanting broccoli and cauliflower crops. Because fall-tilled soils are prone to erosion by winter rains, the effects of a fall-planted barley cover crop were also determined. Trifluralin was applied to the spring-tilled plots, according to grower practice. Herbicide treatments applied to fall-tilled plots were early and/or late applications of glyphosate and napropamide following early and late glyphosate applications. Weed emergence was generally increased by the barley cover crop, but the species depended on which herbicides were applied. Napropamide reduced the emergence of some weed species, whether or not a cover crop was grown. Yield of broccoli was reduced by the cover crop, and was highest in fall-tilled plots that received two glyphosate treatments. Yield of cauliflower was highest in spring-tilled plots that were cover-cropped. In fall-tilled plots, cauliflower response to the cover crop and herbicide treatments was inconsistent.

Clomazone for Weed Control in Transplanted Cole Crops (Brassica oleracea)

Experiments were conducted at Lexington and Quicksand, KY, in 1989 and 1990 to determine the effect of preplant incorporated clomazone on weed control, crop injury, and yield of broccoli, cauliflower, green cabbage, red cabbage, and pak choi. Oxyfluorfen and trifluralin were included as standard treatments. Greater than 80% weed control was observed at both locations with 0.8 kg ai ha−1clomazone, with the exception of smooth pigweed at Lexington. All clomazone treatments caused crop injury 2 WAT. Injury was still evident 8 WAT at clomazone rates of 1.7 and 3.4 kg ha−1, but was minor with rates of 0.8 kg ha−1or less on broccoli, cauliflower, and red cabbage. Injury was less at Quicksand in both years and seasons over all clomazone rates, most likely due to higher soil organic matter content Yields of broccoli and cauliflower treated with 0.8 kg ha−1clomazone were similar to yields with oxyfluorfen on a 3% organic matter soil at Lexington in 1989. However, clomazone at 0.8 kg ha−1at Lexington reduced 1989 spring yields of green cabbage, red cabbage, and pak choi and 1990 spring yields of all cole crops as compared to oxyfluorfen. Clomazone at 0.8 kg ha−1at Quicksand reduced yield of green cabbage and pak choi in spring 1990 only on a 5.2% organic matter soil. Fall yields of broccoli and cauliflower in both years were not reduced by clomazone at 0.8 kg ha−1or less at either location. Our studies indicated potential for utilization of clomazone on cole crops in higher organic matter soils, especially if some early season crop injury and occasional yield loss can be tolerated.

Response of cauliflower to phosphate fertilizer placement and soil test phosphorus calibration on a Karrakatta sand

Abstract The effect of placement (broadcast versus banded) and level of phosphorus (P) applied as superphosphate at 0 to 450 kg P/ha was measured using the yields of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) on newly cleared Karrakatta sands of low natural P fertility. While there was a significant (P<0.01) yield response to level of P, there was no significant response to fertilizer placement. Phosphorus recovery efficiency by curds (P uptake curds/P applied both in kg/ha) decreased from 0.35 at 20 to 0.09 at 320 kg applied P/ha. Phosphorus recovery efficiency by whole plants decreased from 0.58 at 20 kg P/ha to 0.18 at the highest level. Bicarbonate‐soluble P extracted from the top 15 cm of soil was determined on residual P sites from experiments over two years where P was applied from 0 to 450 kg P/ha. These soil test values were related to yield. The critical soil test values required for 95 and 99% of maximum yield were 40 and 55 (μg/g, respectively. The level of freshly‐applied P required for eit...

Effects of CO 2, temperature and their interaction on the growth, development and yield of cauliflower ( Brassica oleracea L. botrytis)

Stands of summer cauliflower were grown within polyethylene-covered tunnels along which a temperature gradient was imposed. Two tunnels were maintained at either normal or elevated CO 2 concentrations. At the last harvest (88 days from transplanting) no interaction between CO 2 and temperature on total biomass was detected. The total dry weight of plants grown at 531 μmol mol −1 CO 2 was 34% greater than those grown at 328 μmol mol −1 CO 2, whereas a 1 °C rise reduced dry weight by 6%. From serial harvests the radiation conversion coefficient was 2.01 g MJ −1 and 1.42 g MJ −1 at 531 μmol mol −1 CO 2and 328 μmol mol −1 CO 2, respectively, but was not greatly affected by differences in temperature. No effect of either CO 2 or temperature on the canopy light extinction coefficient was detected. The rate of progress towards curd initiation increased to a maximum at 15.5 °C, and declined thereafter. Provided the effect of temperature was accounted for, CO 2 enrichment did not affect the time of curd initiation. From serial harvests after curd initiation, the logarithm of curd weight or diameter were negative linear functions of mean temperature from initiation. Increases in curd weight and diameter at 531 compared with 328 μmol mol −1 CO 2 were greater at warmer temperatures (27% at 13 °C compared with 47% at 15 °C, 57 days after initiation). Effects of CO 2 on curd diameter were less than those on curd dry weight because the curd dry matter content was greater at 531 compared with 328 μmol mol −1 CO 2. Thus, the effects of elevated CO 2 concentrations on fresh weight based yield parameters of cauliflower were less than the increase in total dry matter production.

Potential for Minimally Tilled, Fall-planted Brassicas in Hill Land Permaculture Sites

Hill lands of the upper mid--southern United States generally receive >100 cm of rain annually and are highly erodible if cultivated. Cow-calf operations, which dominate the area, return about $150/acre annually if conditions are favorable. Integrating high-value cash crops into such systems has economic merit Research objectives were to determine the yield potential of three cultivars of brassicas in minimally and moderately disturbed planting sites to compare the yield of these cultivars to conventionally tilled brassicas and to examine edaphic differences under these tillage systems, On 8 Aug. 1991, the minimum tillage site was sprayed with glyphosate (1,6 lb/acre, a.i,) Two treatments were performed on 3 Sept: 1) chiseling to an 18-inch depth, and 2) strip-rototilling to 4 inches after chiseling, A third treatment was established by conventional discing and forming 8-inch raised beds, Dacthal (chlorothal) and diazinon were applied to all treatments at 6 and 0.38 lb/acre a.i., respectively. Threeweek-old brassica transplants of ‘Snow Crown’ cauliflower (Brassica o/eracea var. botrytis L.), ‘Charmont’ cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata L.), and ‘Packman’ broccoli (B. oleracea var. italica Plenck) were transplanted into the field on 4 Sept. at 18-inch spacings in rows on 3-ft centers. Plot length was 36 ft and each treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design, An initial fertilizer application of 10N–20P–20K at 200 lb/acre was banded over the row centers. Biwall drip irrigation tubing with a discharge of 0.47 gal/100 ft per min was used to supply water and/or supplemental irrigation A 5N-IIP-26K water-soluble fertilizer was added weekly for 7 consecutive weeks to supply a total of 43N-89P-156K (lb/acre) at the end of the 7th week. Broccoli and cabbage yields from killed sod, strip-rototilled pasture compared favorably to yields of conventionally grown plants; unlike cauliflower yields, which were 42% lower in the conservation tillage systems. Minimal tillage systems conserved soil moisture but delayed maturity (in broccoli), reduced the soil NO3-N to NH4-N ratio, and reduced the soil nitrate content in the upper 0 to 6 inches of soil, Soil compaction, as measured by bulk density and penetrometer, were higher in the chiseled system, but only if soil compaction was measured in a nonchiseled area (e.g., 6 inches parallel from the chisel path), Soil temperatures at a 6-inch depth were similar between tillage systems, but the mean daily soil temperatures in the conventionally bedded system were higher earlier in the season and lower late in the season compared to soil temperatures in the minimal tillage systems, Overall benefits of no-till management include less soil disturbance and preparation, better accessibility to fields during inclement weather, and reduced risk of soil erosion, Given adequate weed control, water usage also may be reduced by conservation tillage. With modest fertilizer inputs, broccoli yields of 63 cwt/acre from strip-rototilled grazing lands are possible.

707 (PS 6) CAULIFLOWER YIELD AND TIPBURN INCIDENCE; EFFECT OF A HYGROSCOPIC SOIL AMENDMENT AND IRRIGATION IN SANDY SOILS

Cauliflower grown in hot and dry summer conditions is susceptible to a Ca and water-related physiological disorder known as tipburn. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of several cultural practices influencing plant water relations on cauliflower yield, stomatal conductance and tipburn occurrence. `Snow Crown' seed was sown in field seedbeds on 21 Apr 1992 and seedlings transplanted to the production field on 10 June 1992. The experimental design was a split-plot with 4 replications. Main factor treatments were: a hygroscopic polymer, AquaMend, applied at 33.6 kg/ha in bands and rototilled before transplanting, night misting of plants beginning at head formation, and night covering of plants with a plastic tent, and a non-treated control. Plants in sub-plots were irrigated to field capacity when soil matric potential (SMP) reached a minima of -20, -50, or -80 kPa. Occurrence and severity of tipburn was rated as well as stomatal conductance. Marketable yields without wrapper leaves were measured on 2 harvest dates. Neither tipburn nor stomatal conductance were significantly effected by treatment although stomatal conductance showed a tendency to increase with decreasing SMP values Decreasing SMP also significantly increased yields, which is consistent with the simultaneous increase in stomatal conductance, and probably associated with the excessive rainfall and frequent flooding in 1992. The use of Aquamend significantly increased yield and head weight as SMP decrease. Among the cultural practices. Aquamend produced the greatest and tents the lowest yields. The use of Aquamend shows potential for increasing yields and decreasing irrigation requirements in cauliflower production in sandy soils.

Impact of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. shelterbelts on crops

The economic yield of chickpea, lentil, wheat, cauliflower, barseem, and toria in a 12-m-wide strip to the south of 8 ± 1-year-old Eucalyptus tereticornis shelterbelts (three different locations) was reduced by more than half. Among all the crops under study, the yield of chickpea was reduced by the maximum extent. The content of soil phytotoxins was maximum in the litter-free top soil surface, compared to that at 30 or 60 cm depths, at all distances from the Eucalyptus. Maximum content of phytotoxins was found at 1 m from the tree line for all depths. These soil phytotoxins impaired the germination of Lens esculentum, thus indicating an allelopathic effect. It is included that the poor perfornce of crops in the sheltered area is related to an allelopathic effect of the Eucalyptus.

Effect of different mulch materials on soil temperature and yield of Cauliflower

Effect of different mulch materials on soil temperature and yield of Cauliflower

Effects of gibberellic acids on time of maturity and on yield and quality of cauliflower.

Gibberellic acid (GA4+7) was applied to cauliflower crops of the cultivars Delira and Elgon, grown in spring and summer of the years 1984, 1985 and 1986. Observations were made on the timing of the end of the juvenile phase and of curd initiation, the final number of leaves and the total length of growing period. In most crops the period between transplanting and harvest was shortened when GA4+7 was applied twice after the end of juvenility at a concentration of 80 mg/litre. The extent of shortening of the growing period increased with increasing difference between the number of leaves initiated at the time of application and the final number of leaves of the untreated crop. GA4+7 reduced the final number of leaves. Quality of the curds was unaffected by the treatment in most harvests, but the bracting incidence was reduced. In crops of cv. Delira with a low final number of leaves, size and quality of the curds was reduced. The results are discussed in relation to harvest planning of cauliflower. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

Systems

Abstract The unique climatic and soil conditions in west‐central Florida require specific nutrition and water management methods for cole crops. High day and night temperatures in spring and early fall and rapidly fluctuating temperatures in the winter, create stress conditions for the plants. Soil is an EauGallie fine sand (sandy, silicaceous, hypothermic Alfic haplaquod) with a spodic horizon at 86 cm and a native pH of 3.9–4.2. With the conventional full‐bed polyethylene mulch and seepage (modified furrow) sub‐irrigation system, large amounts of fertilizer and water are applied for the crops. Cabbage and cauliflower yields were highest with banded fertilizer placement and 256 N, 37 P and 296 K kg‐ha‐1. Broccoli yields increased with increasing N rates but were not affected by K rates. With the trickle irrigation system, fertilizer placement, source and rate were studied to reduce production input. High fertilizer rates were required for high yields, but irrigation was reduced by 50–60% compared to the seepage system.

Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts Responses to Concentrated Superphosphate and Potassium Chloride Fertilization

Abstract Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L. ‘Imperial 10-6’), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck ‘El Centro’), and brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera Zenk. ‘Jade Cross’) were grown at 0, 84, 336, and 1344 kg of concentrated superphosphate (CSP) (0, 17.5, 70, and 280 kg P) and 0, 67, 268, and 1072 kg of potassium chloride (KC1) (0, 35, 140, 560 kg K) fertilizers per hectare, per application in a long-term plant nutrition experiment. Increasing the rate of CSP increased the concentrations of P, Ca and Mg but decreased K and Zn in leaf blades at midseason. Increasing the rate of KC1 increased the concentrations of K and Zn but decreased Ca and Mg in leaf blades. Increasing the rates of CSP and KC1 hastened maturity and increased yields of cauliflower and broccoli in harvest sequences, whereas brussels sprouts were less responsive to CSP or KC1 at one harvest. High rates of CSP without KC1 reduced the yield of cauliflower compared to the lower rates. Increasing the rate of KC1 increased the incidence of hollow stem, a quality defect, in cauliflower and broccoli. Best production of uniform maturity and yield was obtained with a combination of the CSP at 336 kg·ha−1 and KC1 at 268 to 1072 kg·ha−1 per application in a long-term rotation.

Nitrogen Rates and Nitrapyrin Influence on Yields of Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Celery

Abstract In field experiments using brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea L., Gemmifera Group), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., Capitata Group), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L., Botrytis Group), and celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce L.), the application of nitrapyrin with ammonium sulfate fertilizer at planting produced higher yields than ammonium sulfate alone, at planting, or in split applications. Tissue levels of NO3-N of cabbage, cauliflower, and celery were usually significantly higher in nitrapyrin-treated plots than in those receiving comparable rates of Ν without nitrapyrin. Tissue levels of NO3-N in brussels sprouts did not increase significantly as Ν rate and yields increased.

Container Size Influences Broccoli and Cauliflower Transplant Growth but not Yield

Abstract Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var italica) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis) were seeded and grown for 4 weeks in containers ranging from 3.8 to 30.5 cm3 in volume, 2.0 to 4.3 cm wide, 3.2 to 7.2 cm deep, and at densities of 540 to 2500 plants/m2. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of container size on growth of 4-week-old plants and on their subsequent yield. The number of leaves/plant, leaf dry weight/plant, plant height, and leaf area/plant of 4-week-old broccoli and cauliflower plants generally increased with increasing container width, volume, and decreasing plant density. Container depth did not affect these variables, except to increase plant height as depth increased. Container volume, width, and depth and density did not affect marketable yields of broccoli and cauliflower. Earliness, length of harvest season, and cull yields of broccoli and cauliflower generally were unaffected by container size. Small containers (2.0 cm wide, 3.2 to 4.5 cm deep, 3.8 to 5.9 cm3 in volume, and 2500 plants/m2) are economical and appropriate depending on seedbed conditions.

Interaction of Nitrogen Fertility and Plant Populations on Transplanted Broccoli and Cauliflower Yields

Abstract As broccoli populations increased from 24,000 to 72,000 plants/ha at N rates of 112, 168, or 224 kg/ha, head weight decreased linearly. Increasing the N rate from 56 to 224 kg/ha at any population linearly increased broccoli head weight and marketable yields, and decreased cull yields. Broccoli yields were highest at 72,000 plants/ha and 224 kg N/ha. No marketable cauliflower curds were produced at 56 kg N/ha at any population evaluated. As populations increased from 24,000 to 72,000 plants/ha with N rates held constant at either 112 or 224 kg/ha, marketable curd weight decreased linearly and cull production increased linearly. Increasing the N rate from 112 to 224 kg/ha did not increase marketable curd weight or yields at any population. Increasing the N rate to 112 kg/ha or higher reduced cull production at 24,000 plants/ha, but not at populations of 36,000 or higher. Cauliflower yields were optimized at 24,000 plants/ha and 112 kg N/ha based on reduced cull production, satisfactory curd weights, and transplant economy.

The influence of variation in soil copper on the yield and nutrition of cauliflower grown in organic soil microplots

Abstract Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Botrytis cv. Snow Crown) was grown in field microplots of an organic soil containing residual fertilizer Cu varying from 81 to 1063 ppm (w/w) as a result of three levels of Cu applications made in the previous two seasons. The variation in soil‐Cu was found to have no significant influence on the yield, nutrition or copper status of the crop.

Effects of textural amendment of coarse soils on crop growth and water use

AbstractThe incorporation of pulverised fuel ash and two similar fine‐particle amendments, fluidised combustor ash and ground silica sand, to the Ap horizon of coarse‐textured soils increased the available‐water capacity by up to 70% but had little effect on the yield of lettuce and cauliflower grown in the field. Plants grown on amended soils extracted more water from the surface horizon and less water from depth compared with extraction from unamended soil. As a result total water use by plants from amended and unamended soils was similar. This difference in distribution of water extraction, together with greater evaporation from the soil surface of amended soils, probably explains the poor crop responses to the fine particle amendments.