» » » .» «».■»«».«»«»■«» Please handle this volume with care. The University of Connecticut Libraries, Storrs ■.»...».«a>-»''^-»-»"«»"«>-<» The A. 8/ ■J Connecticut g Agricultural | Experiment | Broccoli and Cauliflower ^3 Station, | New Haven q Trials 1993-1994 BY DAVID E. HILL Bulletin 930 July 1995 SUMMARY In 1993-1994, a total of 19 cultivars of broccoli and 10 cultivars of cauliflower were grown at Windsor on a sandy terrace soil and at Mt. Carmel on a loamy upland soil. For spring harvest, two crops were planted in late- April and mid-May. For fall harvest, three crops were planted mid- July, early-August, and mid-August (1993 only). In spring crops 1993-1994, average yield of broccoli ranged from 9,380-11,980 lb/A at Windsor and 7,600-12,600 lb/A at Mt. Carmel. In fall crops 1993-1994, average yield of broccoH ranged from 8,830-12,360 lb/A at Windsor and 6,700-12,580 lb/A at Mt. Carmel. Low average yield at Mt. Carmel in fall was due to moisture stress in 1 993 and Rhizoctonia in- fection in 1994. In spring, yield of Everest, Arcadia, Eureka, Emerald City, and Mariner exceeded the 1992 national average of 10,300 lb/A and were of excellent quality. In fall, yield of Everest, Eureka, Pinnacle, and Mariner exceeded the national average and were of excellent quality. Only Everest maintained satisfactory yield and quality when planted in mid-August. In spring 1994, average yield of cauliflower cultivars ranged from 8,380-1 1,350 lb/A at Windsor and 7,885-11,350 lb/A at Mt. Carmel. In fall 1994, average yield of cauli- flower ranged from 15,775-16,665 lb/A at Windsor and 6,625-18,795 lb/A at Mt. Carmel. Low average yield at Mt. Carmel was due to an infection of Rhizoctonia. In spring, Fremont was the only cultivar tested that maintained high yield and qual- ity. In fall, yield of Fremont, Rushmore, Incline, and Siria exceeded the national average of 12,700 lb/A and had excellent quality. Days to maturity and harvest spans were determined for all cultivars in successional plantings to allow growers to estimate approximate harvest dates for cultivars grovra in spring and fall plantings. Cultivars with short harvest spans can be selected for single harvests by hand or machine or long harvest spans to maintain daily supply for roadside stands. Broccoli and Cauliflower Trials 1993-1994 BY DAVID E. HILL Perhaps no other vegetable has gained as much notoriety as broccoli in the last 10 years. The American Medical As- sociation and nutritionists have extolled the virtues of mem- bers of the genus Brassica as important components of human diet. Their high sulforaphane content has been iden- tified as an anti-cancer agent. Consumers have responded by increasing their annual consumption of broccoli from 0.5 lb in 1970 to 3.1 lb in 1994 (Karst 1994). Although annual consumption peaked at 3.8 lb in 1988, the apparent small loss in consumption is probably due to the lack of reporting of home-grown broccoli. The area devoted to broccoli in the United States increased from 77,850 acres in 1980 to 118,400 acres in 1992, a 52% increase (USDA 1993). Dur- ing the same period, cauliflower increased from 43,320 acres to 56,400 acres, a 30% increase. Production in Connecticut Traditionally, broccoli and cauliflower have been grown for local consumption from late June through early October. In 1982, 41 acres of broccoli and 117 acres of cauliflower were grown in Connecticut (Stephens 1988). Most was grown for direct marketing through roadside stands. In 1985, the "Broccoli Project" was established by the Con- necticut Department of Agriculture to enlist growers of broccoli to supply two supermarket chains who agreed to sell Connecticut-grown produce. By 1988, broccoli acreage increased to over 100 acres (Hill 1989). The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's role in the Project was testing cultivars (cultivated varieties) to determine those best suited to Connecticut's soil and climate. From 1985 to 1988, 48 cultivars of broccoli and 41 cuhivars of cauliflower were tested (Hill 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989). The trials determined yield and quality for spring and fall production. Current outlook The rapid growth of the food service industry, which encompasses fast-food chains, restaurants, school and corpo- rate cafeterias, and hospitals, has created an ever-increasing demand for broccoli and cauliflower. Although sales of whole heads of broccoli and cauliflower remain dominant, sales of pre-cut produce has greatly increased. Broccoli and cauliflower can now be purchased as loose or packaged flo- rets and broccoli stems reduced to coins and sticks for party snacks and slaw for salads. Since the completion of trials in 1988, plant breeders have developed new cultivars of broccoli that alter the shape of the head, ease harvesting and trimming, and provide dis- ease resistance. New cauliflower cuhivars have improved self-blanching and disease resistance. Since 1988, seed companies have released at least 21 new cultivars of broc- coli and 24 new cultivars of cauliflower. In this bulletin, 1 report yield, quality, and maturity of new cultivars of broccoli and cauliflower grown at Windsor and Mt. Carmel in two spring plantings and three fall plant- ings. 1 shall also discuss strategies to maximize yields through cultivar selection and appropriate planting dates. METHODS AND MATERIALS Soils The broccoli and cauliflower trials were conducted at the Valley Laboratory, Windsor, on a Merrimac sandy loam, a sandy terrace soil with somewhat limited moisture holding capacity, and at Lockwood Farm, Mt. Carmel (Hamden), on a Cheshire fine sandy loam with a moderate moisture hold- ing capacity (spring crop) and Watchaug loam, a moderately well drained, loamy upland soil with a moderate moisture holding capacity (fall crop). Cultivars Seeds were obtained from several domestic suppliers. A total of 19 cultivars of broccoli and 10 cultivars of cauli- flower were grown in 1993-1994 (Table I). Culture Details of management of soils and crops and pertinent dates are listed in Table 2. Seeds for the first and second spring plantings were sown 2 weeks apart in a greenhouse maintained at 50-70F. Four-week-old seedlings were moved to a cold frame for hardening about 10 days before they were transplanted in the field. Seeds for the fall crops were sown outdoors at 2-week intervals in a cold frame. Three fall crops were grown in 1993 and two in 1994. The seedlings of the third fall crop in 1994 lacked vigor and were not planted. Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 930 Table 1. Broccoli and cauliflower cultivars grown at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, 1993-1994. Cultivar Maturity 1993 BROCCOLI Arcadia Late X Barbados Main Season X Baron Early Big Sur Early X Brigadier Early X Emerald City Main Season X Eureka Late X Everest Main Season X FMX-144 Early Galleon Early X Legend Main Season X Leprechaun Early X Mariner Early X Marathon Late X Ninja Main Season X Pinnacle Late X Sprinter Main Season X Sultan Late X Super Dome Late X CAULIFLOWER Amazing Main Season Cashmere Early Fremont Main Season Incline Late Rushmore Early Serrano Main Season Sierra Nevada Late Siria Main Season Solide Late White Bishop Early 1994 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X The seedlings were grown in Promix BX (1993) and Sunshine mix (1994) in standard plastic pots (2 5/8x2 1/4 x 2 5/16 inches) held in packs of 36. Water soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer (1 tbsp/gal) was added to the seedlings 1 week be- fore transplanting. The seedlings were transplanted in rows 36 inches apart with spacing 18 inches within rows (equivalent to 9680 plants/acre). Each planting consisted of five randomized blocks with six plants per cultivar in each replication. Transplanted seedlings that died the first week were re- placed. The soil in the spring and fall crops of cauliflower was sprayed with 5 lb/A boron dissolved in water 1 month fol- lowing transplanting to prevent hollow stem and browning of curds commonly observed in the 1986 trials (Hill 1987). In spring, leaves of cauliflower were tied around the de- veloping curds of all cultivars when they reached about 2 inches diameter. In fall, all plants producing 2-inch curds before October 1 were tied. After October 1, leaves of "self- blanching" cultivars were not tied because the inner leaves remained tightly furled around the curd. Harvest Mature heads of broccoli and cauliflower were harvested at 3 or 4 day intervals. Broccoli heads were weighed and quality was judged for color, evenness and compactness of the head, excessive stalkiness, and leaves protruding from the head. Cauliflower curds were weighed and quality was judged for weight, color, smoothness of the curd, and its protection by the inner wrapper leaves. Rainfall Rainfall distribution throughout the growing season, May-October, is shown in Figure 1 . Each bar represents the departure from the mean monthly rainfall for Hartford and Mt. Carmel reported by the National Weather Service. In 1993, total rainfall during May-October was 18.7 inches at Windsor and 16.2 inches at Mt. Carmel, compared to 30- year averages of 19.1 and 19.9 inches, respectively, at each site. The total rainfall at Mt. Carmel was 3.7 inches below average with water deficits occurring in the soil from May through August. Slow plant growth during this period was somewhat alleviated by irrigation. At Windsor, several local- ized thunderstorms in July provided sufficient water for the crops. Moisture deficits in June and August were alleviated by irrigation. In 1994, total rainfall during May-October was 28.9 inches at Windsor and 20.4 inches at Mt. Carmel. Slight water deficits at Mt. Carmel occurred in May through July and required irrigation. At Windsor, irrigation was only applied after transplanting if the surface soil was dry. YIELD AND QUALITY OF BROCCOLI Spring crops 1993 The average yield of all cultivars, common to both sites, in the first crop was 1 1,980 lb/A at Windsor and 12,660 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 6% difference (Table 3). At Windsor, the yield in 9 of 14 cultivars exceeded the 1992 national average of 10,300 lb/A (USDA 1993). At Mt. Carmel, 10 of 15 cul- tivars exceeded the national average. At Windsor, the yield of Eureka and Marathon exceeded 17,000 lb/A with heads averaging 1.8 lb. At Mt. Carmel, yield of Arcadia exceeded 19,000 lb/A with 2.0 lb heads while yields of Eureka, Ever- est, and Marathon exceeded 16,600 lb/A with 1.8 lb heads. At both sites, the large, domed heads of Arcadia and Eureka were of excellent quality. Marathon's large heads tended to be somewhat lumpy in appearance but could be subdivided into florets or used for processing. Although the heads of Barbados, Emerald City, Everest, Mariner, and Pinnacle Broccoli and Cauliflower Trials 1993-1994 Table 2. Soil and crop management of broccoli and cauliflower and ACTIVITY Soil fertilization (Rates based on soil tests) 10-10-10 Calcium nitrate (sidedress 1 month after transplanting) Lime (Windsor only — to attain pH 6.5) Soluble boron (applied to soil 1 month after transplanting cauliflower) Planting Dates Seeding in greenhouse or cold frame Transfer to cold frame Transplant seedlings to field Pest Control Root maggots Cabbage worms* Flea beetles* Number of irrigations Windsor Mt. Carmel *As needed pertinent dates, 1993- 1994. Spring Crop Fall Crop 1300 lb/A 1300 lb/A 175 lb/A 175 lb/A 2300 lb/A 2300 lb/A 5 lb/A 5 lb/A Crop 1 March 12-14 June 14-16 Crop 2 March 26-28 June 22-30 Crops - July 6-14 Crop 1 April 13-16 - Crop 2 April 25-26 - Crop 1 April 29-May 5 July 15-17 Crop 2 May 14-17 Aug. 2-5 Crop 3 - Aug. 16-17 Lorsban 4E - - Pydr Ln2.4E - Sevin, Pydr in2.4E 1993 4 5 1994 1 4 1993 2 2 1994 2 2 were somewhat smaller (1.0-1.5 lb), their quality was excel- lent and most heads could be sold individually. Smaller heads could be bunched, especially Barbados. Galleon, an early maturing cultivar, flowered early, forming 1-2 inch heads. After removing these small heads, the axillary buds developed into 4-5 inch heads suitable for bunching. Figure 1. Departure from normal rainfall (0) during the growing seasons 1993-1994 at Windsor and Mt. Carmel. In the second crop, the average yield of all harvested cultivars was 9,600 lb/A at Windsor and 7,600 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 25% difference. The average yield for the second crop was much lower at both sites compared to the flrst crop because of moisture deficits in the soil due to below-normal rainfall, especially at Mt. Carmel. At Windsor, yield of 7 of 16 cultivars exceeded the national average of 10,300 lb/A. The yield of Super Dome, Eureka, Pinnacle, and Arcadia was above 13,500 lb/A, with heads averaging over 1.7 lb. All provided excellent quality except Super Dome whose heads were somewhat lumpy with unevenly maturing flower buds and small leaves protruding the head. The heads of Emerald City averaged more than 1 .3 lb, and were of excel- lent quality and the heads could be sold individually. At Mt. Carmel, yield of 4 of 16 cultivars exceeded the national av- erage. Yield of Everest and Emerald City exceeded 12,200 lb/A and the heads were of excellent quality. Although the yield of Super Dome exceeded 13,000 lb/A, its unevenly developed heads were of poor quality. The smaller heads of Barbados and Mariner were of excellent quality, but bunch- ing would be required. Galleon again formed very small heads, but once removed, the axillary buds formed 4-5-inch heads early in July. Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 930 Table 3. Yield of broccoli at Windsor and Mt. Carmei, Spring 1993. Windsor Cultivar Heads Avg. Total Hvst. Head" Yieldy % lb lb/A 93 1.6a 14,225 97 l.Obc 9,295 100 G.8bc 7,940 100 1.5ab 14,135 100 1.8a 17,810 97 1.4ab 13,335 100 0.4d 4,260 100 1.4ab 13,840 100 0.8bc 8,035 100 1.3ab 12,390 100 1.8a 17,810 100 1.4ab 13,165 97 l.Obc 9,200 100 1.3ab 12,295 90 1.6a 13,590 93 O.Sbcd 7,650 97 0.6d 5,730 90 0.7cd 6,445 97 1.4ab 12,865 87 1.7a 14,485 100 1.3b 12,585 100 0.2e 1,840 100 1.2b 11,615 100 0.5d 5,035 90 0.9c Very poor quality 7,930 97 1.0c 8,920 87 1.7a 14,230 100 0.6d 6,195 100 0.9c 8,615 100 1.6a 15,875 First Crop Arcadia Barbados Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest Galleon Legend Leprechaun Mariner Marathon Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Second Crop Arcadia Barbados Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest Galleon Legend Leprechaun Mariner Marathon Ninja Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Super Dome " Mean separation within columns by Tukey's HSD muhiple comparison test at P = 0.05. Values in columns followed by the same letter did not differ significantly. y Based on 1.5' x 3.0' spacing or 9680 plants/A. Mt. Carmei Heads Avg. Total Hvst. Head" Yieldy % lb lb/A 100 2.0a 19,360 100 l.Obc 10,065 100 0.7c 6,775 93 1.2bc 10,715 100 1.5bc 14.905 97 1.8ab 16,620 100 1.8ab 17,520 97 0.2d 2,065 100 1.5bc 14,135 100 0.6c 5,325 100 1.6ab 15,005 100 1.8ab 17,620 100 1.6ab 15,005 97 l.lbc 10,045 100 1.3bc 12,780 60 1.1b 6,620 100 1.0b 9,970 100 0.3d 3,100 80 0.8bc 6,350 97 1.3a 12,205 53 1.0b 5,385 100 1.3a 12,390 100 O.le 680 83 1.4a 11,170 100 0.3d 2,615 100 1.0b Very poor quality 9,195 100 1.0b 10,165 30 1.1b 3,135 97 0.9bc 8,075 97 0.9bc 8,730 100 1.4a 13,070 Fall crops 1993 The average yield of all cultivars in the first fall crop was 10,885 lb/A at Windsor and 10,090 lb/A at Mt. Carmei, an 8% difference (Table 4). At Windsor, the yield of 10 of 17 cultivars exceeded the national average of 10,300 lb/A. Yield of Pinnacle, Marathon, Emerald City, and Everest exceeded 12,300 lb/A with heads averaging 1.3-1.6 lb. The quality of these cultivars was excellent except Marathon whose heads developed slight to moderate brown beading. Other cultivars with excellent quality were Arcadia, Barba- dos, Eureka, and Sprinter with heads exceeding 1.1 lb. All except Barbados could be marketed individually. Brown Broccoli and Cauliflower Trials 1993-1994 Table 4. Yield of broccoli at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, Fall 1993. Cultivar FIRST CROP Arcadia Barbados Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest Galleon Legend Leprechaun Mariner Marathon Ninja Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Super Dome SECOND CROP Arcadia Barbados Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest Galleon Legend Leprechaun Mariner Marathon Ninja Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Super Dome Third crop Arcadia Barbados Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest Galleon Legend Leprechaun Mariner Marathon Ninja Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Super Dome " Mean separation within columns by Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test at P -- did not differ significantly. y Based on 1.5' x 3.0' spacing or 9680 plants/A. Windsor Mt. Carmel Heads Avg. Total Heads Avg. Total Hvst. Head'' Yieldy Hvst. Head" YieldV % lb lb/A % lb lb/A 100 1.2ab 11,715 100 l.lab 11,035 100 Lib 10,455 97 l.lab 10,515 100 Lib 10,745 100 l.Oab 9,875 90 Lib 9,585 97 0.9b 8,730 97 L3ab 12,395 100 L3a 12,295 97 1.2ab 11,175 97 1.3a 12,395 100 L3ab 12,680 100 1.3a 12,195 100 l.lab 10,260 100 l.lab 10,650 87 I.lab 9,600 100 l.lab 10,455 90 1.0b 8,800 100 l.Oab 9,970 90 1.2ab 10,890 100 l.Oab 9,485 83 1.6a 13,175 90 1.3a 11,410 97 L2ab 10,985 90 0.9b 8,015 100 1.5a 14,520 97 1.3a 12,115 97 1.2ab 10,800 100 0.8b 8,230 87 1.2ab 10,445 70 1.2ab 8.200 53 1.3ab 6,825 60 l.Oab 5,980 97 l.Oab 9,765 100 1.2ab 11,325 90 0.9b 7,755 100 1.2b 9,665 97 l.lab 10,420 97 1.4a 12,865 97 l.Oab 9,390 100 1.2b 11,325 87 l.Oab 8,255 100 1.2b 12,100 90 l.Oab 8,365 97 1.2b 11,175 100 1.3a 12,485 100 1.2b 11,520 80 0.8b 6,580 100 1.0c 9.195 57 l.lab 5,905 97 1.3a 12,160 77 0.9b 6,485 97 0.9c 8,825 100 1.2a 11,420 100 l.lbc 11,035 80 0.8b 6,195 97 1.0c 9,670 87 1.2a 10,275 93 1.3a 11,435 100 l.Oab 10,165 97 1.2b 11,645 97 l.Oab 9,485 93 l.lbc 10,265 Extensive head rot 73 1.2b 8,620 83 l.Oab 8,355 100 1.3a 12,680 60 0.6ab 3,370 60 0.6ab 3,485 67 0.5b 3,435 40 0.7ab 2,865 70 0.7ab 4,745 57 0.8ab 4,360 90 0.6ab 5,140 57 0.8ab 4,415 67 0.7ab 4,410 80 0.8ab 5.965 73 0.7ab 4,805 Undeveloped heads 97 0.9a 8,730 93 0.8ab 7,380 90 0.7ab 5,835 90 0.8ab 7,320 60 0.6ab 3,660 83 0.7ab 5,785 90 0.7ab 5,925 93 1.0a 9,090 97 0.7ab Undeveloped heads 6,575 87 0.8ab Undeveloped heads 6,990 53 0,6ab 3,180 90 0.7ab 6,185 87 0.6ab 4,800 77 0.6ab 4,325 93 0.6ab Extensive frost injury Undeveloped heads 5,670 77 0.5b Extensive frost injury Undeveloped heads 3,950 ^ 0.05. Values in columns followed by the same letter Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 930 Table 5. Yield of broccoli at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, Spring 1994. Windsor Mt. Carmel Heads Avg. Total Heads Avg. Total Hvst. Head" Yieldy Hvst. Head" Yieldy Cultivar % lb lb/A % lb lb/A First Crop Arcadia 90 2.0a 17,600 93 1.9a 16,835 Barbados 100 0.8c 7,560 100 0.6d 6,290 Baron 90 0.3d 2,790 97 0.3e 2,910 Emerald City 93 1.2b 10,805 97 1.3c 12,020 Eureka 77 2.2a 16,325 100 2.0a 19,555 Everest 100 1.6ab 15,200 100 1.7b 16,845 FMX-144 93 0.6ab 5,490 100 0.6d 5,520 Legend 100 1.2b 11,520 97 1.2c 10,800 Mariner 90 l.Obc 8,625 100 0.7d 7,165 Pinnacle 90 1.8a 15,335 83 1.6b 12,775 Sprinter 87 0.7c 6,065 100 0.7d 6,970 Second Crop Arcadia 97 1.9a 18,120 90 1.2ab 10,195 Barbados 100 1.3c 12,485 97 1.0b 9.670 Baron 97 l.Ocd 9,015 93 0.8c 7,200 Emerald City 93 1.7b 15,035 97 1.3a 12,300 Eureka 90 1.9a 16,290 87 1.3a 10,695 Everest 90 1.4c 11,935 100 1.2ab 12,100 FMX-144 100 0.9e 8,615 93 1.0b 8,550 Legend 40 l.Ocd 3,835 97 1.1b 10,330 Mariner 100 1.2c 12,005 100 1.0b 10,065 Pinnacle 57 1.7b 9.325 43 1.2ab 5,120 Sprinter 90 0.7e 7,635 93 0.8c 6,930 ^ Mean separation within columns by Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test the same letter did not differ significantly. y Based on 1.5' x 3.0' spacing or 9680 plants/A. at P = 0.05. Values in columns followed by beading was also observed in Brigadier and Ninja; corky stem occurred in Legend. At Mt. Carmel, yield of 9 of 17 cultivars exceeded the national average. Yield of Emerald City, Eureka, Everest, and Pinnacle exceeded 12,000 lb/A with heads averaging 1.3 lb and of excellent quality. The quality of Arcadia was also excellent, but heads were slightly smaller. Mariner and Ninja displayed some brown beading and unevenly devel- oped heads. In the second fall crop, the average yield of all cultivars was 8,830 lb/A at Windsor and 1 1,055 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 20% difference. Increased yield at Mt. Carmel in fall com- pared to spring reflected a more favorable moisture supply. At Windsor, yield of 4 of 16 cultivars exceeded the national average; 11 of 16 at Mt. Carmel. At Windsor, Everest, whose heads averaged 1.3 lb, had the greatest yield and quality. Although yielding less, Barbados, Emerald City, Eureka, Mariner, and Pinnacle provided excellent quality. All except Barbados could be sold without bunching. At Mt. Carmel, the greatest yield was from Big Sur, Legend, and Super Dome. Their heads, however, matured unevenly and their quality was only fair. Excellent quality was provided by Arcadia, Emerald City, Eureka, Everest, and Sprinter whose yield exceeded the national average. Head rot was observed in Sultan at both sites. In the third fall crop, planted in mid-August, average yield of all cultivars was 5,025 lb/A at Windsor and 5,150 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 2% difference. Yield at both sites was dramatically reduced as days shortened and temperatures cooled. At both sites and for all cultivars, the average head weighed 0.4 lb. The quality was good for most cultivars and their heads were suitable for bunching. Everest produced the Broccoli and Cauliflower Trials 1993-1994 Table 6. Yield of broccoli at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, Fall 1994 Windsor Mt. Carmel Heads Avg. Total Heads Avg. Total Hvst. Head'' Yieldy Hvst. Head" Yieldy Cultivar % lb lb/A % lb lb/A First Crop Arcadia 97 1.5a 13,710 93 1.5a 13,145 Barbados 100 L2b 11,810 97 1.2ab 11,270 Baron 100 L2b 11,230 97 1.4a 12,675 Emerald City 97 1.5a 13,895 87 1.5a 12,970 Eureka 97 1.4a 13,145 93 1.5a 13,145 Everest 100 1.4a 13,550 100 1.5a 14,715 FMX-144 97 1.2b 10,800 93 1.3ab 11,345 Legend 93 1.4a 12,875 90 1.4a 12,195 Mariner 97 1.2b 11,175 100 1.4a 13,360 Pinnacle 97 1.4a 13,615 87 1.5a 12,800 Sprinter 97 l.lbc 10,140 100 1.1b 10,745 Second crop Arcadia 100 L4a 13,070 70 1.2a 8,400 Barbados 100 1.1b 10,455 50 l.lab 5,225 Baron 100 0.9c 9,000 70 1.0b 6,710 Emerald City 100 1.2ab 12,100 73 1.3a 8,975 Eureka 100 1.3a 12,585 37 1.4a 4,905 Everest 97 1.0b 9,515 40 l.lab 4,145 FMX-144 97 1.0b 9,860 73 0.9b 6,570 Legend 100 1.0b 9,970 57 1.2a 6,400 Mariner 100 1.3a 12,485 80 1.2a 9.680 Pinnacle 97 1.4a 13,050 87 1.3a 10,780 Sprinter 97 0.9c 8,075 30 0.8b 2,350 ^ Mean separation within columns by Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test at P = 0.05. Values in columns followed by the same letter did not differ significantly. y Based on 1.5' x 3.0' spacing or 9680 plants/A. largest heads at both sites and could be marketed individu- ally. The quality of Everest was not affected by early light frosts (30-32F). Sultan was severely injured by light frosts at both sites. The late-maturing cultivars Eureka, Marathon, and Super Dome did not develop heads large enough for bunching. Spring crops 1994 In the first spring crop, average yield of 1 1 cultivars was 10,665 lb/A at Windsor and 10,700 lb/A at Mt. Carmel (Table 5). At Windsor and Mt. Carmel, yield of 6 of 1 1 cul- tivars exceeded the national average. At Windsor, yield of Arcadia, Eureka, Pinnacle, and Everest exceeded 15,300 lb/A. All these cultivars had excellent quality with high- domed to semi-domed heads exceeding 1.8 lb. Baron, FMX- 144, and Sprinter, early-maturing cultivars, formed small heads, 1-3 inches diameter. At Mt. Carmel, yield of Eureka, Arcadia, and Everest exceeded 16,800 lb/A with excellent quality. Arcadia had numerous axillary buds along the main stem and required greater trimming effort. Axillary buds are absent along the main stem of Everest. The upper leaves were easy to trim but no secondary shoots were produced for later harvest. Although the yield of Emerald City and Pinnacle exceeded 12,000 lb/A, their quality was diminished by uneven matu- ration of the heads that appeared lumpy. These large heads would be more suitable for dividing into florets or process- ing. Baron and FMX-144 produced small heads due to pre- mature formation. In the second spring crop, the average yield of 1 1 culti- vars was 11,300 lbs/A at Windsor and 9,380 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 20% difference. The lower average yield at Mt. 10 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 930 Carmel was due to slight moisture deficits in May through July compared to moisture surpluses at Windsor. At Wind- sor, yield of 6 of 11 cultivars exceeded the national average. The yield of Arcadia and Eureka exceeded 16,200 lb/A but their quality was fair because uneven head growth created a lumpy appearance. The yield of Everest exceeded the na- tional average and its quality was excellent with 6-7 inch compact, semi-domed heads. The early-maturing Baron and FMX-144 grew larger heads than in the first crop but their 3-4 inch heads required bunching. At Mt. Carmel, yield of 4 of 1 1 cultivars exceeded the national average. The yield of Everest and Emerald City was greater than all other cultivars but only Everest had excellent quality. The low yield of Pinnacle was due to extremely uneven development of the heads rendering many unmar- ketable. Fall crops 1994 In the first fall crop, the average yield of 1 1 cultivars was 12,360 lb/A at Windsor and 12,580 lb/A at Mt. Carmel (Table 6). This crop was uniform in yield and quality at both sites. Ample rainfall created 6-8 inch heads in most culti- vars. At Windsor, yield of 10 of 11 cultivars exceeded the national average. Yield of Arcadia, Emerald City, Eureka, Everest, and Pinnacle exceeded 13,000 lb/A. The quality of Eureka, Everest, and Pinnacle was excellent with large com- pact heads. Although the yield of Arcadia was great, some plants developed corky stem. This stem defect was also ob- served on Legend. At Mt. Carmel, yield of all 1 1 cultivars exceeded the national average. Yield of Arcadia, Eureka, Everest, and Mariner exceeded 13,000 lb/A and all were of excellent quality. Slight brown beading was observed on Emerald City and corky stem on Legend. The early-maturing cultivars, Baron and FMX-144, produced 1.2-1.4 lb heads of good quality in contrast to small heads produced in spring. In the second fall crop, the average yield of 1 1 cultivars was 10,925 lb/A at Windsor and 6,740 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 62% difference. The low yield of all cuhivars at Mt. Carmel was due to the development of wire stem {Rhizoctonia) in newly-planted seedlings which killed or severely stunted 39% of the crop. At Windsor, yield of 6 of 1 1 cultivars exceeded the na- tional average. Yield of Arcadia and Pinnacle exceeded 13,000 lb/A and quality was excellent. Lower yielding Em- erald City, Eureka, Everest, and Mariner also had excellent quality. Corky stem was observed on Legend and Arcadia. At Mt. Carmel, only the yield of Pinnacle exceeded the national average. Surviving plants exceeded 70% in Arcadia, Baron, Emerald City, FMX-144, Mariner, and Pinnacle with average head weight of 1.0-1.4 lb. Good to excellent quality was found in all cultivars except Baron, FMX-144, and Sprinter whose heads varied in size due to uneven maturity of the heads. YIELD AND QUALITY OF CAULIFLOWER Spring crops 1994 In the first spring crop, the average yield of 10 cultivars was 11,350 lb/A at Windsor and Mt. Carmel (Table 7). At Windsor, yield of 4 of 10 cultivars exceeded the 1992 na- tional average of 12,700 lb/A for cauliflower (USDA 1993). Yield of Fremont, Serrano, Solide, and Amazing exceeded 14,000 lb/A. Only Fremont had excellent quality with dense, semi-domed curds averaging 1.8 lb. Despite fairly good protection from wrapper leaves, the curds were tied to en- sure blanching. The quality of Serrano was poor. Its large curds had many small leaves protruding. The curds of Amazing were irregular, and premature flowering created a fuzzy surface. The curds of Solide were insufficiently pro- tected by outer leaves despite efforts to tie them. The quality of Rushmore was good although the curds were smaller (1.3 lb) and less dense than Fremont. At Mt. Carmel, the yield of 3 of 10 cultivars exceeded the national average. Fremont had the greatest yield with curds averaging 1.8 lb. The leaves were tied to blanch the large, dense, semi-domed curds. Amazing, Serrano, and Solide also produced large curds but displayed the same defects noted at Windsor. White Bishop, an early-maturing cultivar, produced curds that were small and irregular in shape. In the second spring crop, average yield of 10 cultivars was 8,380 lb/A at Windsor and 7,885 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 6% difference. At Windsor, only 2 of 10 cultivars exceeded the national average. Yield of Rushmore and Cashmere ex- ceeded 12,000 lb/A but their curds were not compact. Al- though the yield of Fremont did not exceed the national av- erage, the curds were dense with excellent quality. The quality of remaining cultivars was poor with loose, irregular curds, protruding leaves and premature flowering. At Mt. Carmel, no cultivars had yields exceeding the national average. Although the dense curds of Fremont were of medium size (1.0 lb), their quality was excellent. In the remaining cultivars, quality was diminished by lack of com- pactness, protruding leaves and premature flowering. Fall crops 1994 In the first fall crop, the average yield of 10 cultivars was 16,665 lb/A at Windsor and 18,795 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, an 1 1% difference (Table 8). Yield of all cultivars exceeded the national average at both sites. At Windsor, yield of Cash- mere, Fremont, Incline, and Rushmore exceeded 18,000 lb/A with curds averaging 1.9-2.2 lb. The quality of Fre- mont, Incline, and Rushmore was excellent. The quality of Cashmere was diminished by rot in some curds and prema- ture flowering in others. Fremont, Incline, Rushmore, and Siria had excellent curd protection from wrapper leaves and did not require tying. Sierra Nevada and Solide had poor head protection and required tying. At Mt. Carmel, yield of Cashmere, Fremont, Incline, Broccoli and Cauliflower Trials 1993-1994 11 Table 7. Yield of cauliflower at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, Spring 1994 Windsor Mt. Carmel Curds Avg. Total Curds Avg. Total Hvst. Curd" Yieldy Hvst. CurdX Yieldy Cultivars % lb lb/A % lb lb/A FIRST Crop Amazing 93 1.6a 14,135 93 1.6a 14,135 Cashmere 93 1.3ab 11,345 87 1.5ab 12,465 Fremont 97 1.8a 16,620 100 1.8a 17,520 Incline 50 1.2b 5,810 43 1.0c 3,995 Rushmore 93 1.3ab 11,795 87 1.4b 11,620 Serrano 80 1.9a 14,945 97 1.6a 15,210 Sierra Nevada 93 1.1b 9.995 83 0.9c 7,470 Siria 93 1.2b 10,715 87 1.4b 11,620 Solide 93 1.6a 14,495 93 1.4b 12,515 White Bishop 100 0.4c 3,620 100 0.7c 6,970 Second crop Amazing 80 1.3ab 10,145 70 0.8b 5,285 Cashmere 100 1.4a 13,165 100 1.1a 10,445 Fremont 90 1.3ab 11,240 87 l.Oab 8,085 Incline 33 1.2b 3,770 Undeveloped curds Rushmore 97 1.4a 12,930 83 1.1a 9,265 Serrano 70 1.3ab 8,605 93 l.Oab 9,450 Sierra Nevada 30 0.9c 2,495 Undeveloped curds Siria 80 1.2b 9,680 87 1.1a 8,925 Solide 23 1.0c 2,340 33 0.8b 2,585 White Bishop 87 1.0c 9,420 97 l.Oab 9,015 ^ Mean separation within columns by Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test at P ■■ same letter did not differ significantly. y Based on 1.5' x 3.0' spacing or 9680 plants/A. 0.05. Values in columns followed by the Rushmore, and Serrano exceeded 20,000 lb/A with curds averaging 2.1-2.3 lb. The quality of Fremont, Incline, and Rushmore was excellent. The curds of Cashmere were not compact and some flowered prematurely. Some curds of Serrano developed a pinkish cast. The smaller curds of Siria also had excellent quality. The semi-domed curds of White Bishop were somewhat irregular in shape and not compact. Sierra Nevada and Solide had poorly developed wrapper leaves. In the second fall crop, the average yield in 10 cuhivars was 15,775 lb/A at Windsor and 6,625 lb/A at Mt. Carmel, a 138% difference. The large decrease in average yield at Mt. Carmel was due to the development of wire stem in newly- planted seedlings that killed or severely stunted 64% of the crop. At Windsor, yield in 7 of 10 cultivars exceeded the national average. Yield of Fremont and Rushmore exceeded 21,600 lb/A with curds averaging 2.2-2.4 lb. The quality of Fremont, Rushmore, Incline, and Siria was excellent. All had well-developed wrapper leaves which not only blanched the curds but also protected them from early frosts. Curds of Incline, a late-maturing cultivar, were harvested in mid-to- late November without frost injury. At Mt. Carmel, no cuhivars exceeded the national aver- age. Cashmere and Fremont had the greatest yield. Plants of most cultivars, unaffected by wire stem, produced curds exceeding 1.5 lb. Quality of Fremont, Incline, Rushmore, and Siria was good. Other cultivars had defects in curd uni- formity, density, and protruding leaves. MATURITY AND HARVEST SPAN Knowing the time to produce a mature plant from seed or transplant allows the grower to schedule planting for har- vest at a specific tune. In Tables 9 and 10, the average days to maturity between Windsor and Mt. Carmel were calcu- lated from the day of transplanting to the day when half of the heads were harvested; i.e. the harvest date of the 15th 12 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 930 Table 8. Yield of cauliflower at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, Fall 1994 Windsor Mt. Carmel Curds Avg. Total Curds Avg. Total Hvst. Curd" Yieldy Hvst. Curd" Yieldy Cultivars % lb lb/A % lb lb/A First Crop Amazing 93 1.5b 13,505 93 1.7b 15,485 Cashmere 100 1.9ab 18,390 97 2.3a 21,785 Fremont 97 2.0ab 18,405 100 2.3a 21,975 Incline 87 2.2a 18,695 100 2.2a 21,490 Rushmore 100 1.9b 18,490 97 2.1a 20,000 Serrano 97 1.7b 16,245 100 2.2a 21,395 Sierra Nevada 100 1.6b 15,875 97 1.4c 13,615 Siria 97 1.8b 16,805 93 1.9b 17,375 Solide 93 1.7b 15,575 93 1.8b 15,845 White Bishop 93 1.6b 14,585 97 2.0ab 18,965 Second CROP Amazing 83 0.8d 6,830 20 1.8ab 3,425 Cashmere 100 2.0b 19,360 47 2.0a 9,280 Fremont 100 2.2ab 21,685 47 2.0a 9,145 Incline 97 2. lab 19,810 37 1.8ab 6,485 Rushmore 100 2.4a 22,940 47 1.9a 8,645 Serrano 97 2. lab 19,810 43 2.1a 8,740 Sierra Nevada 67 1.1c 7,460 27 1.4b 3,555 Siria 97 2.0b 18,310 40 1.7ab 6,430 Solide 77 1.0c 7,605 30 1.5ab 4,500 White Bishop 100 1.4c 13,940 37 1.7ab 6,230 ^ Mean separation within columns by Tukey's HSD muhiple comparison test at P ■■ same letter did not differ significantly. y Based on 1.5' x 3.0' spacing or 9680 plants/A. 0.05. Values in columns followed by the head from a population of 30 plants. The difference in ma- turity between sites for each cultivar was seldom more than 3 days. Maturity of broccoli In the first and second spring crops 1993, the range in maturity among all cultivars at both sites was 37-60 days (Avg. 50 days) and 26-60 days (Avg. 46 days), respectively (Table 9). Average maturity shortened in response to warmer temperatures and increasing day length. Galleon, Big Sur, and Leprechaun, with maturities shorter than 40 days, produced very small heads. In three plantings for fall harvest, the range in maturity among all cultivars at both sites was 48-90 days (Avg. 62 days), 51-95 days (Avg. 74 days), and 72-102 days (Avg. 74 days), respectively. In fall, days to maturity progressively increased as daylength and temperatures decreased. In the third planting, mid-August 1993, only cultivars with early maturities produced satisfac- tory yields. Those with later maturities produced smaller heads and were most affected by damaging frosts. In the first and second spring crops of 1994, the range in maturity among all cultivars was 34-58 days (Avg. 45 days) and 38-61 days (Avg. 45 days), respectively (Table 9). Baron and FMX-144, with maturities less than 40 days, pro- duced very small heads. In two plantings for fall harvest in 1994, the range in maturity of all cultivars at both sites was 56-72 days (Avg. 64 days) and 68-84 days (Avg. 77 days), respectively. Again, the shortening of maturity in spring and lengthening of maturity in fall was due to the plant's response to changes in temperature and daylength and was consistent with obser- vations in multiple plantings of Chinese cabbage and lettuce (Hill 1991, 1993). Variations in maturity of cultivars within the crop were due to selected genetic variations. The se- quential harvesting of cultivars within a crop was always the same irrespective of changes in daylength and temperature. Broccoli and Cauliflower Trials 1993-1994 13 Table 9. Average maturity (days) of broccoli at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, Spring and fall 1993-1994. 1993 Harvest Midpoint Days Cultivar FIRST CROP Arcadia Barbados Baron Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest FMX-144 Galleon Legend Leprechaun Marathon Mariner Ninja Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Super Dome SECOND CROP Arcadia Barbados Baron Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest FMX-144 Galleon Legend Leprechaun Marathon Mariner Ninja Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Super Dome THIRD CROP Arcadia Barbados Baron Big Sur Brigadier Emerald City Eureka Everest FMX-144 Galleon Legend Leprechaun Marathon Mariner Ninja Pinnacle Sprinter Sultan Super Dome ... * Average transplanting dates between both sites for all crops. 1994 larvest Midpoint Days Harvest Span Days Spring Fall Spring Fall 4/31* 7/16* 60 69 5 14 48 62 6 12 37 58 16 11 50 62 7 13 50 62 10 15 60 71 8 14 52 54 6 4 34 50 7 4 52 60 10 14 38 48 11 2 60 90 5 3 50 60 6 10 - 56 - 9 57 74 4 23 50 54 6 7 52 60 10 10 - 69 - 10 5/16* 8/2* 56 84 7 16 46 75 7 10 35 70 12 13 46 75 18 14 49 75 8 14 56 86 6 18 49 63 7 12 26 52 4 12 48 70 6 16 33 51 9 6 - 95 - 6 44 74 9 13 48 68 8 12 56 84 8 14 46 66 7 20 46 70 9 19 49 77 8/18* 12 13 - 98 - 16 - 94 - 20 _ 87 _ 12 - 90 - 16 - 84 - 16 - 102 - 16 - 78 - 18 _ 72 _ 20 - 84 - 18 - 69 - 8 _ 84 _ 18 - 91 - 21 - 98 - 24 - 90 - 14 Harvest Midpoint Days Harvest Span Days Spring Fall Spring Fall 5/3* 7/16* 56 70 3 11 40 64 8 7 34 64 3 11 46 64 14 12 54 68 5 9 51 56 12 8 36 56 10 12 42 40 42 42 61 35 62 64 76 76 84 68 12 10 4 7 10 58 72 7 8 40 60 11 6 5/17* 8/4* ~ " 56 84 7 16 42 81 5 12 35 76 7 18 44 81 6 24 52 84 8 16 44 70 10 28 38 70 10 24 26 21 18 14 14 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 930 Maturity of cauliflower In the first and second spring crops of 1994, the range in maturity among all cultivars at both sites was 38-64 days (Avg. 54 days) and 50-64 days (Avg. 54 days), respectively (Table 10). White Bishop, with a maturity of 38 days in the first crop, produced very small curds. In the first and second fall crops, 1994, the range in ma- turity among all cultivars at both sites was 73-90 days (Avg. 80 days) and 92-104 days (Avg. 94 days), respectively. Suf- ficient time was available to harvest all cultivars in the sec- ond crop even though late-maturing cultivars were subjected to early frost without damage to the curds. Average maturity of the second planting for fall harvest was 40 days longer than either of the spring plantings in response to shorter daylength and cooler temperatures. Harvest span Another important facet of maturity is harvest span which 1 define as the days between the harvest of 95% of the crop. Single heads or curds that matured very early or very late in comparison to the whole population within the culti- var were excluded. Short harvest spans favor a single har- vest by hand or machine. Longer harvest spans require mul- tiple pickings by hand. In general, hybrid cultivars have greater genetic uniformity and maturity is more closely con- trolled. Open pollinated cultivars have greater diversity in maturity and tend to have longer harvest spans. The harvest span of individual cultivars was observed to be shorter in spring crops than in fall crops for many cultivars. For ex- ample, in 1993, the average harvest span for spring crops of broccoli was 8-9 days; in fall, the average harvest span at both sites for three successive crops increased to 10, 13, and 16 days, respectively (Table 9). As daylength and tempera- ture decreased, growth of individual plants decreased and the maturity of individual plants became more diverse. Among the spring crops, Arcadia, Barbados, Pinnacle, and Sprinter had shorter harvest spans than other cultivars. In fall. Leprechaun and Marathon had the shortest harvest spans in all three crops. In 1 994, the average harvest span for both crops of broc- coli in spring was 7-8 days; in fall it increased from 9 days in the first crop to 20 days in the second crop (Table 10). Arcadia, Baron, and Pinnacle had the shortest harvest spans in spring; in fall, Barbados and Sprinter. In 1994, average harvest span of all cauliflower cultivars was 8-10 days in spring, and increased to 14-15 days in fall. In spring and fall, Fremont consistently had a shorter harvest span compared to others. MANAGEMENT Selection of cultivars The 1993-1994 trials demonstrated that several new cul- tivars of broccoli and cauliflower, released since 1988, have desirable yield and quality characteristics that are consistent with profitable commercial production and enjoyment by home gardeners in Connecticut. These new cultivars (Table 11) can be added to those reported earlier (Hill 1989) for Connecticut for broccoli: Premium Crop, Green Comet, Symphony, Packman, Cruiser, Emperor, and Green Valiant, and for cauliflower: Andes, Polar Express, White Knight, White Fox, White Rock, Taipan, Candid Charm, and Snow King. As a group, the new broccoli cultivars have been bred for dome-shaped heads which shed water to lessen the prob- ability of head rot. Many new cultivars also have heads which rise above the main canopy of leaves to facilitate har- vest with a minimum of trimming. Those with excellent yield and consistent quality are listed in Table 11. Planting strategies can be developed to satisfy objectives for a series of single harvests to supply a supermarket chain or multiple harvests to maintain a daily supply for retail at roadside stands. For single-harvests, cultivars with short harvest spans are desirable. Among the broccoli cultivars tested in spring, Everest, Arcadia, Mariner, and Barbados had excellent yield and quality, and harvest spans less than 1 week. In fall, only Everest had a short harvest span when planted by mid- July. Multiple harvests of single cultivars with harvest spans lasting up to 2 weeks, were provided by spring-planted Arcadia or Barbados. In fall, multiple pickings, lasting 2 weeks, were provided by all cultivars planted mid-to-late July except Everest. If planted in early August, harvest of most cuhivars lasted about 3 weeks. Multiple harvests in spring were also attained by planting a combination of cuhivars with different maturities. Everest, Barbados, or Mariner planted with Arcadia or Eureka pro- vided a 2-week harvest from a single planting. With similar combinations of cultivars in fall, the harvest span was extended to 3 weeks. For ease of harvest, Everest, Barbados, and Pinnacle were satisfactory choices. Their heads were exerted well above the foliage, and axillary buds were not well devel- oped. Although these cultivars were easy to trim, they did not provide sprouts for subsequent harvest. The heads of Arcadia, Eureka, and Mariner were well developed but prominent axillary sprouts along the upper portion of the main stem required more time and effort to trim. These cul- tivars developed excellent side shoots for subsequent har- vest. For cauliflower, choices are fewer. The only new culti- var that consistently had high yield and quality in spring was Fremont. Although Fremont had good wrapper leaves, its curds were tied in spring to prevent exposure to sunlight. Since Fremont's harvest span in spring is short, multiple harvests could be accomplished by using White Fox as a companion. White Fox's maturity in spring was about 61 Broccoli and Cauliflower Trials 1993-1994 15 Table 10. Average maturity (days) of cauliflower at Windsor and Mt. Carmel, Spring and fall 1994 Harvest Midpoint Spring Fall Cultivar Days Days First crop 5/3* 7/16* Amazing 54 89 Cashmere 54 75 Fremont 54 75 Incline 64 87 Rushmore 54 73 Serrano 54 78 Sierra Nevada 63 90 Siria 51 76 Solide 58 90 White Bishop 38 70 Second crop 5/17* 8/4* Amazing 59 95 Cashmere 50 86 Fremont 58 92 Incline 57 100 Rushmore 50 93 Serrano 58 88 Sierra Nevada 64 104 Siria 56 92 Solide 63 104 White Bishop 44 90 Harvest Span Spring Fall Days Days 3 16 12 12 8 10 11 23 10 14 6 10 12 22 12 13 10 19 8 10 11 16 10 12 5 14 7 18 16 15 12 16 7 10 16 16 6 12 10 14 "Average transplanting dates between both sites Table 11. Selection of cultivars with uniform yield and quality of broccoli and cauliflower for transplanting at specific times during the growing season. Late April- Mid-May Mid-July Early Aug. Mid-Au Early May Broccoli Everest Everest Everest Everest Everest Eureka Eureka Eureka Eureka Baron* Arcadia Arcadia Pinnacle Pinnacle Barbados* Emerald City Mariner Emerald City Mariner* Barbados* Baron Mariner Mariner* Barbados* Baron Cauliflower Fremont Fremont Fremont Rushmore Incline Siria Fremont Rushmore Incline Siria "Suitable for bunching days in spring with a 2-week harvest span (Hill, 1989). In fall, Rushmore, Incline, or Siria with Fremont provided a 3-week harvest. In choosing the best cultivars to use for a specific plant- ing, there are a few general rules to be considered based on observations. For April transplantings, cultivars with early Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 930 maturities seldom produced as well as those with mid-to-late maturities. For late spring transplantings, cultivars with late maturities were more prone to head deformity due to en- croachment of summer heat compared to cultivars with early-to-mid maturities. In fall, most cultivars transplanted in late July through early August produced satisfactory yields irrespective of maturity. For transplanting in mid- August, only cultivars with early-to-mid maturities produced satisfactory yields. Those with late maturities did not form saleable heads or curds before frost damaged the crop. Planting dates The transplanting window in spring was more restrictive than in fall. In the Connecticut Valley and along the shore- line, transplanting between April 20 and May 15 was suc- cessful. In the Eastern and Western Highlands, where the soil and air temperatures in spring rise more slowly, trans- planting should be delayed until May I. At this time there is still a I in 10 chance of a late spring frost (Brumbach 1965). In cooler areas of the state, transplanting should be com- pleted by May 20. In fall, transplanting for early fall harvest can commence July 15 and continue through August 15 in the Connecticut Valley and shoreline. In cooler areas of the Eastern and Western Highlands, transplanting for fall harvest of broccoli and cauliflower should be completed by August I. REFERENCES Anon. 1993. Agricultural Statistics 1993. USDA. 517p. Brumbach, J.J. 1965. Climate of Connecticut. Conn. Geol. and Nat. Hist Surv. Bull. 99. 215p. Hill, D.E. 1986. Broccoli trials — 1985. The Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta., New Haven. Bull. 830. 7p. Hill, D.E. 1987. Broccoli and cauliflower trials — 1986. The Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta., New Haven. Bull. 845. I5p. Hill, D.E. 1988. Cauliflower and broccoli trials — 1987. The Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta., New Haven. Bull. 857. I8p. Hill, D.E. 1989. Cauliflower and broccoli trials— 1988. The Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta., New Haven. Bull. 869. 18p. Hill, D.E.. 1991. Chinese cabbage and pak choi tri- als— 1990. The Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta., New Haven. Bull. 887. 13p. Hill, D.E. 1991. Crisphead lettuce (Iceberg) trials — 1991- 1992. The Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta., New Haven. Bull 912. 1 Ip. Karst, T. 1994. Allegations of broccoli's demise are greatly exaggerated. The Packer, Business Newspaper. Sept. 12, 1994. Stephens, G.R., Fleming, J.G., Gacoin, L.T., and Bravo- Ureta, B.E. 1988. Better nutrition in Connecticut: opportu- nities for expanding fresh produce production and con- sumption. The Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta., New Haven. Bull. 852. 29p. l| The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station , founded in 1875, is the first experiment station in America. It is chartered by the General Assembly to make scientific inquiries and experiments regarding plants and their pests, insects, soil and water, and to perform analyses for State agencies. The laboratories of the Station are in New Haven and Windsor; its Lockwood Farm is in Hamden. Single copies of bulletins are available free upon request to Pub- lications; Box 1 106; New Haven, Connecticut 06504. ISSN 0097-0905 University of Connecticut Libraries 39153028611624