Influence of container size and substrate mineral composition on transplant growth and yield of broccoli cv. Green Duke

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. cv. Green Duke) was sown and grown for 6 weeks in containers with different volumes and substrates and harvested after 8 and 9 weeks after transplantation. The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of container size and the type of substrate on plant growth, in the nursery, and their long-range effects on final yield in the field. In the nursery the variables analysed were the plant height, leaf dry weight and leaf area per plant. In the field, the final yield, the number of plants with head, and the marketable yield at two different harvest dates were assessed. The obtained results suggest that containers with 21–31 mm width and 71–75 mm depth, in combination with richer composition substrates, (N, 180–210 mg L−1; P2O5, 120–240mg L−1, and K2O, 220–270 mg L−1) are more appropriate for transplant growth.