Enlarging Broccoli (<i>Brassica oleracea</i> L. var. <i>italica</i>) Heads by Extending the Growing Period and Sparse Planting to Increase Floret Yield

The demand for broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) is rapidly growing in Japan, and a new production system to increase yield required. During processing, florets are separated from the head, floret may be increased by enlargement of heads beyond existing retail standards. Therefore, we conducted four cultivation tests over two years investigated yields 10 cultivars during spring autumn cropping. We sought identify high-yielding when enlarged via either an extension period or sparse planting. In control plots, were harvested at approximately 12 cm diameter, following normal extended was limits marketable quality. plant density these plots 3,125 plants per a. half other 1,563 a, as plots. 560–958 kg/10 905–2,504 Head diameter 15–21 cm. head 15–25 cm, fresh weight tended increase, but only 657–1,870 due number plants. Across seasons years, ‘Grandome’ cultivar had consistently high yields, suggesting that it suitable harvesting. Compared ‘Pixel’ cultivar, photoassimilates more concentrated main shoot fewer side shoots. Moreover, there several immature floral shoots which explain large size. harvest index also with size, so enabled efficient compared conventional cropping methods.