Effect of nitrogen fertilization during raising of cauliflower transplants in cellular trays on plant growth.

Abstract

The effects of N fertilizer applied by overhead irrigation, on cauliflower cv. Andes seedling growth during raising in cellular trays and on plant growth after field transplanting were studied during 1986-87. Increased N concentration (0-1.55 g/litre, applied twice a week) generally increased plant DW, plant height and leaf area, but significantly reduced percentage DM. DM production was greatest at 0.47 g N/litre, but leaf area expansion rate continued to increase beyond this N rate. A linear relationship between leaf area and plant height was observed which was independent of N fertilizer regime and duration of the seedling raising period (6 or 8 weeks). The large differences in plant attributes observed at the end of the seedling raising period had almost disappeared 3 weeks after transplanting in the field. At the final harvest, no significant differences between N treatments was detected for harvesting date, duration of the harvest period, curd quality or yield. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)