Sprout density for the production of organic mini-cabbage from mother plant regrowth

Densidade de brotos para a produção de mini-repolho orgânico do rebrota da planta mãe

ABSTRACT:

The method of producing organic mini-cabbages from regrowth of mother-plant was initiated at the Unidade de Referência em Agroecologia of the Incaper in 2013, possibly acting as an efficient alternative for the obtainment of cabbages with a more adequate average weight for the desires of the modern consumer. The aim of this study was to define sprout density in the mother plant, which allows better productivity and commercial standards for organic mini-cabbages. The experiment was developed during the period from September to November 2015, using the F₁ Shinsei hybrid, in a design with randomized blocks, with five replications. Sprout density was determined following thinning, constituting the following treatments: two, three, four, five and six sprouts per plant. Best management of sprouts was the technique with four sprouts per plant, since it allowed greater productivity (52,997kg ha^-1) and a greater number of commercial heads, together with a commercial standard of heads with average weight (414g) and median diameter (8.8cm) adequate for the standards demanded by the consumer.

Key words:
Brassica oleracea; var. capitata; organic cultivation; mini-vegetables; plant density