Work

Effect of nitrogen fertilization on head size, vitamin C content and storage life of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)

Year: 1994

Type: article

Abstract: Broccoli quality in British Columbia can vary with season and with the farm site on which it is grown. One major management difference between farms is nitrogen fertilization rate. This work was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilization (0, 125, 250, 375, 500 and 625 kg N ha−1) and growing season (three plantings in 2 consecutive years) on vitamin C content, head size and storability of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica, 'Emperor'). The climatic conditions during crop growth and development had a greater overall effect on vitamin C content, head diameter and head weight than nitrogen fertilization. Weight and vitamin C losses during storage in the first year were not affected by nitrogen fertilization rates. Moderate nitrogen application rates of 125 and 250 kg N ha−1 in all three plantings produced a head size considered optimal for marketing. Key words: Postharvest, vegetable quality, climatic conditions

Source: Canadian Journal of Plant Science

DOI: 10.4141/cjps94-109

Authors: Peter M. A. Toivonen, B. J. Zebarth, P. A. Bowen

Institutions: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz Research and Development Centre

Language: English

Topic: Nitrogen and Sulfur Effects on Brassica

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W1963480924

FWCI:

Cites: 12

Cited by: 39

Related to: 10