UNIT II: Cole Crops
Cabbage, cauliflower, knoll kohl, sprouting broccoli, Brussels sprout
Subject: HOR-MI201 - Production Technology of Cool Season Vegetable Crops
🥦 CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)
1. Introduction
Cabbage is one of the most important cool-season cole crops grown for its compact, edible heads formed by overlapping leaves. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. Used as a vegetable, salad, and for processing (sauerkraut, pickles).
2. Botany and Taxonomy
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Chromosome number: 2n = 18
- Origin: Mediterranean region
- Plant type: Biennial (grown as annual for head production)
- Inflorescence: Raceme
- Flower: Bisexual, self-incompatible, cross-pollinated
- Edible part: Terminal compact head of overlapping leaves
3. Climatic and Soil Requirements
- Prefers cool and moist climate; optimum for head formation: 15–20°C
- High temperature and drought cause loose heads and bolting
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter
- Optimum pH: 6.0–6.5
- Avoid acidic and saline soils
4. Important Varieties / Hybrids
- Early: Golden Acre, Pusa Mukta, Pride of India
- Mid-late: Pusa Drum Head, Pusa Synthetic
- Late: Late Ball Head, Copenhagen Market
- Hybrids: NS 43, Green Express, Varun, Quisor (private sector)
5. Sowing / Planting Time and Method
- Nursery sowing: August–October (plains); March–June (hills)
- Transplanting: 4–5 weeks after sowing
- Spacing: Early 45 × 45 cm, Late 60 × 60 cm
- Depth: Up to first leaf base
6. Seed Rate and Seed Treatment
- Seed rate: 400–500 g/ha
- Seed treatment: Thiram or Captan @ 2–3 g/kg; hot water treatment at 50°C for 30 min to control black rot
7. Nutrient and Irrigation Requirements
- FYM: 25–30 t/ha
- NPK: 120:80:60 kg/ha
- Apply ½ N + full P + full K as basal; rest N after 30 and 45 days
- Micronutrients: Boron and molybdenum deficiency lead to disorders
- Irrigation: Frequent light irrigations; critical at head formation
8. Intercultural Operations, Weed Control & Mulching
- 2–3 weedings and hoeings
- Mulching: Conserves moisture and reduces soil temperature
- Weed control: Pre-emergence Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i./ha
9. Physiological Disorders
- Tip burn: Caused by Ca deficiency; controlled by Ca(NO₃)₂ foliar spray
- Black speck (pepper spot): High NH₄-N and low Ca soils
- Bursting: Due to delayed harvesting
10. Harvesting
- Ready in 90–120 days depending on variety
- Harvest when heads are compact and firm
- Delay causes splitting and quality loss
11. Post-Harvest Management
- Trim outer leaves and grade heads
- Storage: 0–1°C at 90–95% RH (3–4 months)
- Packing: In bamboo baskets or crates lined with leaves
12. Plant Protection Measures
Pests:
- Diamondback moth: Bacillus thuringiensis or neem formulations
- Cabbage butterfly: Cypermethrin @ 1 ml/l
- Aphids: Imidacloprid @ 0.5 ml/l
Diseases:
- Black rot: Use disease-free seeds, crop rotation
- Downy mildew: Mancozeb or Metalaxyl spray
- Alternaria leaf spot: Copper oxychloride
13. Seed Production
- Type: Biennial, requires vernalization (4–6 weeks at 4–8°C)
- Method: Head-to-seed or seed-to-seed
- Isolation distance: 1000 m (foundation), 500 m (certified)
- Seed yield: 500–700 kg/ha
🥦 CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)
1. Introduction
Cauliflower is one of the most important cool-season cole crops, cultivated extensively across India. It originated in the Mediterranean region and was introduced to India by the British in the 19th century. India is the largest producer of cauliflower in the world, followed by China. The edible part is the fleshy, pre-floral, condensed white curd formed due to proliferation of the apical meristem.
2. Botany and Taxonomy
- Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
- Genus: Brassica
- Species: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.
- Chromosome number: 2n = 18
- Pollination: Cross-pollinated, self-incompatible, entomophilous (bee-pollinated)
- Cauliflower differs from broccoli mainly by its white curd (lack of chlorophyll)
3. Climate and Soil Requirements
- Optimum temperature: 15–20°C for curd formation
- Early varieties tolerate 20–27°C; late varieties need 12–16°C
- High temperature or low humidity causes riceyness or loose curd formation
- Soil: Fertile loam or clay loam, rich in organic matter, pH 6.0–7.0
- Avoid acidic soils and poor drainage
4. Commercial Varieties / Hybrids
- Early (Tropical) Varieties – Pusa Katki, Pusa Deepali, Pant Gobhi 2, Early Kunwari (June–Sept)
- Mid-Season Varieties – Pusa Sharad, Pusa Himjyoti, Pant Gobhi 3 (Oct–Dec)
- Late/Winter Varieties – Pusa Snowball K-1, K-25, K-16, Pusa Synthetic (Jan–March)
- Hybrids: Pusa Hybrid 2, Pant Hybrid 1, NS-60, Indam-9801, Snow Mystique (private sector)
5. Sowing and Planting
- Sowing time: Early May–July, Mid Aug–Sept, Late Oct–Nov
- Transplanting: 4–5 week-old seedlings
- Spacing: Early 45 × 45 cm, Late 60 × 60 cm
- Seed rate: 400–500 g/ha
- Seed treatment: Thiram or Captan @ 2.5 g/kg seed for damping-off
6. Nutrient and Irrigation Requirements
- FYM: 25–30 t/ha
- Fertilizers: 120–150 kg N, 80 kg P₂O₅, 60 kg K₂O/ha
- Apply half N and full P, K as basal; remaining N in two equal splits at 30 and 45 DAT
- Regular irrigation is essential, especially during curd initiation
- Maintain uniform moisture; water stress causes poor curd quality
7. Intercultural Operations and Weed Control
- Earthing-up: 25–30 days after transplanting
- Weed control: Manual weeding or pre-emergence Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha
- Blanching: Tie outer leaves over curd to protect from sun and maintain whiteness (non-self-blanching varieties)
8. Physiological Disorders
| Disorder | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Buttoning | Transplanting over-aged seedlings, N deficiency | Use young seedlings (4–5 weeks) |
| Riceyness | High temperature, excess N | Maintain optimum temperature and balanced nutrition |
| Blindness | Growing point damage | Avoid mechanical injury |
| Fuzziness | High humidity and low temp | Maintain proper drainage and spacing |
| Browning | Boron deficiency | Apply Borax @ 10 kg/ha |
9. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management
- Harvest when curds are compact, white and firm, before they become loose or discoloured
- Use a sharp knife with a few wrapper leaves intact
- Yield: 150–300 q/ha
- Storage: 0°C, 90–95% RH for 2–4 weeks
- Packaging: Perforated crates or polythene-lined cartons
10. Plant Protection
Insects:
- Diamondback moth, cabbage caterpillar, aphids → spray spinosad 0.3 ml/L or neem seed kernel extract 5%
Diseases:
- Damping-off – Thiram 2.5 g/kg seed
- Downy mildew – Mancozeb 0.25%
- Black rot – Crop rotation + hot water seed treatment (50°C, 30 min)
11. Seed Production
- Biennial in temperate, annual in hills
- Isolation distance: 1,600 m
- Vernalization (4–6°C for 6–8 weeks) required for flowering in temperate types
- Seed yield: 400–500 kg/ha
🥬 Knol Khol / Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.)
1. Introduction
Known as German Turnip, originated in Northern Europe. Cultivated for its swollen, turnip-like edible stem, consumed as salad or cooked. It is a quick-growing cool-season vegetable of the cole group.
2. Botany and Taxonomy
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Species: Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.
- Chromosome number: 2n = 18
- Edible part: Fleshy, swollen stem (modified hypocotyl)
- Pollination: Cross-pollinated, self-incompatible
3. Climate and Soil Requirements
- Cool and moist climate (optimum 15–20°C)
- Hot conditions cause woody, cracked bulbs
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam rich in humus, pH 6.0–7.0
- Sensitive to acidity and waterlogging
4. Commercial Varieties
- Early: White Vienna, Purple Vienna, Early White Short Top
- Mid/Late: White Vienna Improved, Early Purple Vienna, Palam Tender Knol Khol, Pusa Virat
- Hybrids: Snow White, G-40, King of Market
5. Sowing and Planting
- Plains: September–November
- Hills: March–July
- Transplanting: 25–30 days old seedlings
- Spacing: 30 × 30 cm
- Seed rate: 1–1.5 kg/ha
- Seed treatment: Thiram 2.5 g/kg seed
6. Nutrient and Irrigation Requirements
- FYM: 20–25 t/ha
- Fertilizers: 100 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅, 60 kg K₂O/ha
- Half N + full P, K at transplanting; rest N after 30 days
- Irrigation: Maintain consistent moisture for uniform knob development
7. Intercultural Operations
- Weeding: Two weedings at 20 and 40 days
- Earthing-up: After 30 days to support knobs
- Mulching: Improves bulb tenderness and prevents cracking
8. Physiological Disorders
- Woodiness: Due to delayed harvesting, high temperature, or N deficiency
- Cracking: Uneven watering after drought
- Hollow stem: Rapid growth due to excessive nitrogen
9. Harvesting and Post-Harvest
- Harvest when knobs are tender and 5–7 cm in diameter, before becoming fibrous
- Use a sharp knife to cut just above the roots
- Yield: 150–200 q/ha
- Storage: 0°C, 90% RH for 2–3 weeks
10. Plant Protection
Insects: Diamondback moth, aphids, flea beetles → Neem-based sprays or spinosad
Diseases:
- Damping-off – Carbendazim 0.1%
- Club root – Liming of soil + crop rotation
- Downy mildew – Mancozeb 0.25%
11. Seed Production
- Grown as biennial in temperate regions
- Vernalization (5–10°C for 6 weeks) required
- Isolation distance: 1,600 m
- Seed yield: 300–400 kg/ha
🥦 Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck)
1. Introduction
Broccoli originated in the eastern Mediterranean region and was introduced into India during the British period. It is gaining popularity due to its high nutritional value — rich in vitamins A, C, minerals, and anti-cancer compounds (sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol). It is cultivated mainly in the cool season and is similar to cauliflower in growth habit, but produces green, tender edible flower heads.
2. Botany and Taxonomy
- Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
- Scientific name: Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck
- Chromosome number: 2n = 18
- Edible part: Fleshy immature green flower buds with tender stalks
- Pollination: Cross-pollinated; insect-mediated (mainly bees)
- Broccoli has a central head and smaller lateral heads that develop after the main one is harvested
3. Climate and Soil Requirements
- Prefers cool and moist climate (15–20°C)
- High temperatures (>25°C) cause loose, poor-quality heads
- Requires full sunlight and uniform moisture
- Grows best in well-drained, fertile loam soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–6.5
4. Commercial Varieties/Hybrids
- Open-pollinated: Palam Samridhi, KTS-1, Pusa Broccoli KTS-2
- Hybrids: Green Magic, Fiesta, Marathon, Lucky, Premium Crop
- Exotic varieties: Calabrese, Green Duke, Packman
5. Sowing Time and Planting Method
- Nursery sowing: Hills May–June, Plains September–October
- Transplanting: 4–5 week-old seedlings transplanted on ridges or beds
- Spacing: 45 × 45 cm (compact types) or 60 × 45 cm (spreading types)
- Seed rate: 300–400 g/ha
- Seed treatment: Thiram or Captan @ 2.5 g/kg of seed for damping-off prevention
6. Nutrient and Irrigation Management
- FYM: 20–25 t/ha incorporated before transplanting
- Fertiliser dose: 120–150 kg N, 80 kg P₂O₅, 60 kg K₂O/ha
- Apply half N and full P, K at transplanting; rest N after 30 and 45 days
- Regular irrigation is essential; avoid water stress during head initiation and growth
7. Intercultural Operations & Weed Control
- Earthing-up after 3–4 weeks to support plants
- Manual weeding or pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha
- Mulching with organic materials helps with moisture retention and weed suppression
8. Physiological Disorders
- Buttoning: Formation of small heads due to nitrogen deficiency, high temperature, or early planting
- Browning/Purple discolouration: Due to boron deficiency or low temperature
- Hollow stem: Caused by boron or calcium deficiency, and rapid growth after drought
9. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management
- Harvest when heads are fully developed but before flowers open
- Use a sharp knife to cut 10–15 cm of the stem with the head
- Yields: 80–120 q/ha
- Storage: 0°C and 90–95% RH for 10–15 days
- Packaging: Perforated polythene bags or crates
10. Plant Protection
- Insect pests:
- Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) – Spray spinosad or chlorantraniliprole;
- Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) – Spray dimethoate 0.05%
- Diseases:
- Damping-off- Thiram;
- Downy mildew - Mancozeb 0.25%;
- Alternaria leaf spot - Captan 0.25%
11. Seed Production
- Isolation distance: 1,000 m
- Vernalization required (temperature <10 4="" for="" li="" weeks="">
- Seeds are harvested when the pods turn brown and dry
- Seed yield: 300–400 kg/ha
🥬 Brussels Sprout (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)
1. Introduction
Brussels sprout is a unique cole crop producing miniature cabbage-like buds (sprouts) on the stem axils. Originated in Belgium and is widely grown in Europe and North America. Rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals; valued for salads and cooked dishes.
2. Botany and Taxonomy
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Species: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Chromosome number: 2n = 18
- Edible part: Axillary buds formed along the stem
- Pollination: Cross-pollinated, self-incompatible
3. Climate and Soil Requirements
- Prefers cool temperate climate, optimum 15–18°C
- High temperature causes loose sprouts and poor flavor
- Well-drained loam soils with pH 6.0–7.0
- Sensitive to waterlogging and soil acidity
4. Commercial Varieties/Hybrids
- Open-pollinated: Jade Cross, Oliver, Long Island Improved, Cambridge No. 5
- Hybrids: Igor F1, Fortress F1, Diablo F1
5. Sowing and Planting
- Nursery sowing: May–June in hills, August–September in plains
- Transplanting: 4–5 week-old seedlings
- Spacing: 60 × 45 cm
- Seed rate: 400–500 g/ha
- Seed treatment: Thiram or Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg seed
6. Nutritional and Irrigation Needs
- FYM: 25 t/ha
- Fertilisers: 150 kg N, 100 kg P₂O₅, 60 kg K₂O/ha
- Apply half N + full P, K as basal; rest N in two splits
- Regular irrigation, especially during the sprout formation stage
7. Intercultural and Weed Control
- Earthing-up 25–30 days after transplanting for stability
- Weed management: Pre-emergence pendimethalin 1 kg a.i./ha or manual weeding
8. Physiological Disorders
- Bursting of sprouts: Due to over-maturity or excess nitrogen
- Loose sprouts: High temperature or delayed harvesting
- Internal browning: Boron deficiency
9. Harvesting and Post-Harvest
- Harvest lower sprouts first when firm and 2.5–4 cm in diameter
- Sprouts are hand-picked sequentially upwards
- Yield: 80–100 q/ha
- Storage: 0°C and 90–95% RH for up to 3 weeks
10. Plant Protection
- Insects: Cabbage caterpillar, diamondback moth, aphids- managed by neem-based sprays or selective insecticides
- Diseases:
- Black rot – Crop rotation, resistant varieties;
- Downy mildew – Mancozeb 0.25%
11. Seed Production
- Isolation distance: 1,000 m
- Vernalization (low temperature exposure) is essential for flowering
- Harvest mature, dry pods and thresh
- Seed yield: 250–350 kg/ha
✅ Summary Table of Cole Crops
| Crop | Opt. Temp (°C) | Spacing (cm) | Seed Rate (g/ha) | Maturity (days) | Yield (q/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabbage | 15–20 | 45×45 | 400–500 | 90–120 | 300–500 |
| Cauliflower | 15–20 | 45×60 | 400–500 | 90–120 | 200–400 |
| Knol-khol | 15–20 | 30×30 | 400–500 | 60–90 | 150–200 |
| Broccoli | 15–20 | 45×45 | 300–400 | 80–100 | 80–120 |
| Brussels sprout | 15–18 | 60×45 | 400–500 | 120–150 | 80–100 |
