EVALUATION OF BROCCOLI VARIETIES FOR NEBRASKA PRODUCTION
Applied Research
Aaron Nygren
Extension Educator
University of Nebraska
Ithaca
Abstract
In recent years there has been an increasing demand for locally grown food in Nebraska. To meet this demand, it is important for producers to select varieties that are suited for their production climate. Unfortunately for producers in Nebraska, there is little to no local variety trial data available to them. This study worked with a vegetable producer in 2012-2013 to conduct an evaluation of commercially available broccoli (Brassica oleracea) varieties in spring and fall production. The study was conducted near Dwight, NE to evaluate nine varieties in the spring of 2012, ten varieties in the fall of 2012, and six varieties in the spring of 2013. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used with eight to ten transplants established per plot. Crowns were harvested when deemed mature for the grower’s market. After harvest, varieties were evaluated for height, width, and weight of the cut crowns, days to harvest, and number of crowns and culls. Upon statistical analysis, significant differences for weight and height were found among varieties in both 2012 and 2013. No statistical differences were found among varieties for width. The study found three varieties that stood out as the best performers for spring or fall planting, while there were two varieties evaluated which performed well either in the spring or in the fall, but not in both. Additionally, one variety was deemed unusable for production in Nebraska based on the poor trial performance.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: A.J.H. Nygren
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Nygren, A. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska, Nebraska, 68661