Yield and Nutritional Value of Swiss Chard Grown for Summer and Autumn Harvest

Abstract

Seeds of 5 Swiss chard cultivars were sown on 20 April or 15 July, and single harvest of leaf rosettes was conducted on early July or half of October, respectively. Results of the study indicate the possibility of growing the Swiss chard both in spring and autumn term, but yield of leaves obtained in the spring was double as high as in the autumn cultivation. Among tested cultivars Green White Ribbed and Bresanne provided the highest, while Vulcan the lowest yield in spring growing. However, the choice of cultivar had not a significant meaning in autumn season cultivation. Spring season culture caused a significant reduction of nitrates accumulation and was preferable for the content of P, while autumn term for dry matter, K and Ca in both parts of leaves, vitamin C in leaf blades, and Mg in petioles. Irrespective of the term of growing and cultivar, leaf blades contained higher level of dry matter and Mg, while leaf petioles - nitrates, potassium and calcium. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]; Seeds of 5 Swiss chard cultivars were sown on 20 April or 15 July, and single harvest of leaf rosettes was conducted on early July or half of October, respectively. Results of the study indicate the possibility of growing the Swiss chard both in spring and autumn term, but yield of leaves obtained in the spring was double as high as in the autumn cultivation. Among tested cultivars Green White Ribbed and Bresanne provided the highest, while Vulcan the lowest yield in spring growing. However, the choice of cultivar had not a significant meaning in autumn season cultivation. Spring season culture caused a significant reduction of nitrates accumulation and was preferable for the content of P, while autumn term for dry matter, K and Ca in both parts of leaves, vitamin C in leaf blades, and Mg in petioles. Irrespective of the term of growing and cultivar, leaf blades contained higher level of dry matter and Mg, while leaf petioles - nitrates, potassium and calcium.