Abstract

In order to research the effect of harvesting methods on the yield in some broccoli varieties, four varieties as: V1 (Shogun F1); V2 (Pirate F1); V3 (Sultan F1); and V4 (Marathon F1) and three sowing times as: July, August and September were used in the study. For single harvest, the weight of primary shoots and for continuous harvest; besides the primary shoot weight, the weight and quantity of secondary shoot and the length of the plant were also marked. As a result, while the effect of varieties and characteristics of the plant were not, the sowing time was significant on harvesting methods. The weights of primary and secondary shoots, the number of secondary shoots and plant length were significant in continuous harvesting for which the yield changed between 550.17 - 68.34 g plant^-1. However, the weight of primary shoot was significant in single harvest where the yield varied between 526.11 - 68.21 g plant^-1. Total yield varied between 3,173.8 - 24,356.7 kg ha^-1 in the single harvest and between 3,163.8 - 25,470.6 kg ha^-1 in the continuous harvest. The head diameters and harvest times showed uniformity though their effects were low in the single harvest. Although the yield was high in the continuous harvest, approaching to the end of harvest the observation of decreasing marketable product quality and the requirement of more labour and time in the harvest stated that the single harvest would be preferred.

Key words: Broccoli, harvesting methods, yield.