Cabbage Hybrid Performances Under Different Planting Methods

Abstract

Two identical experiments were conducted to study the effect of direct seeding and transplanting on the yield, quality, and general performance of head cabbage at Fortuna and Isabela, Puerto Rico. In these experiments the hybrid varieties Market Prize, Market Topper, King Cole, and Head Start were tested under direct seeding and transplanting bare-rooted and banded seedlings. The results indicated that the effect of planting methods on variety performance was largely influenced by soil conditions. At Fortuna, where the soil could be tilled to provide a good seedbed, the mean marketable yields of all hybrids was higher from direct seeding than from transplants. Also, the hybrids matured earlier and their maturity was more uniform when direct seeded. However, at Isabela, where the soil was not appropriate to obtain a good tilth, the transplanting methods significantly outyielded direct seeding. The highest yields of marketable cabbage, both from direct seeding and transplanting methods, were obtained from the hybrid Head Start. Good yields of excellent quality were obtained, however, regardless of variety, planting method, and location.