NEW AGROTECHNIQUES TO PROMOTE BROCCOLI PICKING

Different cultivars, transplant times, growing techniques and harvest methods were tested.

New agrotechniques were provided for the cut of the plant terminal shoot in different times: at transplant or 15 to 30 days after transplant, to stimulate the growth of secondary stems and to obtain a better and more simultaneous ripening.
The results showed that the single mechanical harvest of inflorescences, these latter obtained from plants topped in different times, compared to the graduate traditional hand-harvest (6–8 times), produced a yield reduction ranging from 49 to 60%. A combination of hand harvest (primary inflorescence) and mechanical picking (secondary inflorescence) can reduce yield losses to about 23%.

Nevertheless plant topping performed at transplant and particularly in August, resulted in the best and earlier yield in inflorescences having a relatively high weight (about 140 g), better firmness and smaller stem diameter in comparison with the ones harvested by hand in 6–8 times.
The XPH4142 hybrid (Asgrow) averaged the highest yields and inflorescence weight both in the early and late transplant.