Cauliflower qualities in two irrigation levels with the using of hydrophilic agent

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of a hydrophilic agent (Agrisorb), added to a substrate for seedling cultivation (3 g Agrisorb/1 of substrate), on the weight of roots, weight, and height of the aboveground part, the number of leaves and root collar diameter of precultivated cauliflower seedlings (cultivar Chambord Fl). Seedlings were planted under two different irrigation levels: optimal with available water capacity 80%, and reduced with 50%. The influence of Agrisorb on the following characteristics of cauliflower edible parts was evaluated after harvest: weight, diameter, percentage representation of marketable parts, market yield, content of ascorbic acid, nitrates and dry matter, and total antioxidative capacity value. The addition of Agrisorb significantly increased the weight of the aboveground parts by 17.3%, the root weight by 28.1%, and the number of leaves by 7.9%. After harvest, it was noted that Agrisorb significantly increased marketable yield (by 17.5%) and decreased total antioxidative capacity (by 19.9%) in the treatment with a reduced irrigation level.