Correlation between broccoli planting density and broccoli plant character, commercial quality and yield

Abstract

In a study of the high yield and high quality cultivation technology of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), a field experiment was conducted using a main broccoli cultivar at various planting densities. To explore the correlation between broccoli planting density with its plant character, commercial qualities and yield, corresponding mathematical models were studied. The results indicate that with increasing planting density, plant height, leaf divergence, leaf number per plant, floret diameter and single floret weight decreased whereas the pass rate of commercial florets, the number of qualified commercial florets per unit area and the broccoli yield showed a characteristic binomial curve ("low-high-low"). A series of corresponding mathematical models were established (see result 2.4), which can be used to predict broccoli growth and development. Safe, high quality and efficient broccoli production can be accomplished by taking certain agricultural measures in advance. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.