Influence of Planting Date on Performance of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) Varieties at Terai Region of West Bengal, India

Abstract

An experiment was undertaken to find out the most suitable time for planting of mid late season cauliflower and to identify the best performing variety/varieties under terai zone of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Sub plot consists of five cauliflower varieties viz. Girija, White Excell, Remi, Pushpa and White Marvel and main plot covered three planting dates viz. 15^th November, 30^th November and 15^th December. The pooled results indicated that duration for curd initiation as well as days to curd maturity differ significantly for different varieties as well as different planting dates. Significantly highest curding percentage (75.67%) was observed from 2^nd planting date (30^th November) whereas among the varieties, Remi gave significantly highest curding percentage (83.97%). The highest net curd weight (620.67 g) was produced by the 15^th November planting where White Excell recorded highest net curd weight (820.22 g). Maximum curd yield was recorded by White Excell (26.39 t ha^-1) followed by Remi (16.13 t ha^-1) and Girija (15.06 t ha^-1). White Excell also performed best in all the planting date, whereas  Remi performed best in 30^th November planting date. The vitamin-A content and ascorbic acid content of cauliflower curd did not differ with the changes of planting dates.  Considering the yield and quality parameters it may be concluded that first planting date (15^th November) was most suitable for cultivation of the cauliflower varieties viz. Girija, White Excell, Remi, Pushpa and White Marvel except Remi.