Effect of plant density on the sequential harvest yield of broccoli

Abstract

Field studies were conducted to determine the spear yield of three hybrid broccoli cultivars at each sequential harvest when the plants were grown at three plant populations - 2.8 (the common commercial density), 8.3 and 16.7 plants/m2. At 2.8 plants/m2, the terminal spears contribute about 60-70% of the total yield, with lateral spears contributing significantly. Almost 70% of the lateral spear yield was available at one pick 2-3 weeks after the first pick. A plant density of 8.3 plants/m2 gave a total yield of 23 t/ha, compared with 12 and 16 t/ha for 2.8 and 16- 7 plants/m2 respectively. This was due to higher yields of both terminal and lateral spears. The increase in yield at 16.7 compared with 2.8 plantdm2 was due mainly to a higher yield of terminal spears. Changing from the traditional low plant density to one of about 8 plants/m2 should increase yield significantly without causing cultural or marketing problems.