The influence of transplant age and method of plant raising on yield and harvest time of autumn broccoli (Brassica oleracea L var. italica Plenck).

Broccoli cv. Cruiser F (RS) was sown in 10-day intervals in order to obtain transplants at age of 20 30, 40 and 50 days. Transplants were produced in seedbeds at densities of 400 plants/m(2) and in multicell trays (Vefi System) at cell volume of 25, 53 and 90 cm(3). Yield and mean weight of the central head of broccoli was influenced by time of head formation. Earliness induced by period of high air temperatures, resulted in lower yield and lower average head weight. Earliness of broccoli was affected by transplant age and method of plant raising. The earliest, but lowest yield was obtained from the oldest transplants (50 days old) grown on a seedbed and in trays of the large cell size (90 cm(3)). Shorter growing periods of 30 or 20 days delayed harvest but increased yield and head weight. A 20-day growing period was not sufficient for raising well developed transplants on a seedbed. Cells of 53 and 25 cm(3) were more suitable for transplant raising than those of 90 cm(3).