The experiment was carried out from November/2000 to April/2001, in São Manuel, São Paulo State, Brazil. The effect of cell size of two polyestyrene trays and age of seedling at transplanting date was observed, on the production of cauliflower, hybrid Shiromaru II. Trays with 128 and 288 cells, corresponding to 34.6 and 9.7 cm³/cell, respectively, were used with seedlings transplanted at 27; 34; 41 and 48 days after sowing date. The treatments were arranged in a factorial 2 x 4, in a randomized block design, with five replication. Leaf number and area, fresh and dry weight of the seedlings at transplanting date was evaluated. The experimental plot was represented by ten plants. The commercial curd production (%), leaf number, curd weight and diameter were evaluated after harvest. Total yield represents the sum of the fresh weight of all commercial curds. Seedlings produced in 128 cells tray resulted in greater commercial curd percentage (64%) when compared to trays with 288 cells (45%), greater curd weight (337 g and 247 g when produced in trays with 128 or 288 cells, respectively) and greater total commercial curds (36.9 t/ha and 19.9 t/ha when produced in 128 or 288 cells trays). Seedlings transplanted 32 days after planting date resulted in plants with the greatest curd weight (319 g). Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to produce cauliflower seedlings in trays with 128 cells.
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis; tray; cell size
