Propagation of Tronchuda (Brassica oleracea var. tronchuda Bailey) from Cuttings

Abstract

A system to propagate tronchuda (Brassica oleracea var. tronchuda Bailey syn. costata L.) from main stem and side shoot cuttings was developed by removing the main stem (three to four leaves) and, later, side shoots from S-week-old plants, transplanting them into small pots, and growing them under a mist system for 4 weeks. New root growth appeared on cuttings within 3 weeks. Rooting frequency varied among cultivars and explant types. For all cultivars, side shoot cuttings rooted better than main stem cuttings (99.7% vs. 84.8%). For all cultivars, seed-propagated plants and side shoot cuttings produced leaves with significantly higher fresh weight than the main stem cuttings for three of the five cultivars. The average number of leaves per plant for four cultivars was, however, not significantly affected by propagation method. Average leaf count and fresh weight per plant were significantly higher for `Portuguesa' than for `Ana Maria'. `Couve Penca'. `Vilinda', and `Penca de Chaves' for all three propagation sources.