EFFECT OF VARIETIES AND PLANT DENSITY ON THE PHYSICAL QUALITY OF BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Abstract

Eight and twelve broccoli cultivars were evaluated respectively, during 2005 and 2006, in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, México. They were transplanted in three plant densities (55, 65, 75 thousands plants ha^-1) in 48 m² plots. At harvest, floret diameter, diameter of the stem hollow, and number of branchlets were recorder, while ambient temperature weight loss (18-25 ºC) was followed during 40 h after harvest. Results showed that density has an inversely proportional effect on floret diameter and stem hollow. At 55000 plants ha^-1 floret diameter and hollows reached their peak while the 75000 plants ha^-1 density produced the smallest floret diameter. Cv. ‘Monaco’ had the largest floret diameter whereas cv. ‘Ironman’ presented the smallest hollow diameter. Branchlet number was not influenced by plant density yet it depended on variety. Cvs ‘Grandísimo’ and ‘Avenger’ had the largest number of branchlets. The smallest weight loss was registered in florets from a plant density of 65000 plants ha^-1.