Winter 2023 - 21

YOUNG PLANT HEALTH
" These cultivars were grown under Iowa
conditions, " Carey said. " The results may not be
exactly the same in your area. "
Only try this planting system on a small scale.
There were differences between cultivars even if
they weren't statistically significant. Green Magic
appeared to best fit the planting system with the
largest number of marketable heads and low rates of
non-marketability.
Imperial also produced a large number of
marketable heads but didn't reach marketable size
until the last two weeks of the trial. Covina also
produced a large number of marketable heads but had
higher rates of unmarketable heads.
There were no statistically significant differences between
the different cultivars for the number or weight of marketable
heads per plot. The diameter of marketable heads was also not
significantly different between cultivars.
There were no statistically significant differences between
cultivars for the number and weight of nonmarketable
heads. Heads were determined to be nonmarketable by the
presence of yellow eyes, brown discoloration, loose head,
heading or bolting.
Predicting how broccoli cultivars will perform in the summer
heat is challenging. The speed of growth, head diameter, other
factors and, of course, the number of nonmarketable heads are
all affected by hot weather.
Emerald Crown's longer harvest window of four
weeks was an issue. This was also an issue with Gypsy,
which, after its peak in the first two harvests, still had significant
production in the third.
Belstar produced the lowest weight and number of
marketable heads, had a significantly higher rate of bolting and
appeared to be the least suitable.
" Spring is one of the busiest seasons on the farm, " Nair said,
and broccoli isn't easy to grow. Events may limit growers' ability
to transplant at the ideal time.
Predicting when the weather will get hot isn't easy, but
selecting heat tolerant cultivars with a plan of successive
harvests can make it easier to extend harvest and sell broccoli
later in the summer.
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Winter 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Winter 2023
