Effect of planting dates on production of broccoli under different agro-climatic conditions

A field experiment was conducted with an objective to determine the effect of planting dates on growth and yield of broccoli variety ‘Palam Smridhi’ under different environments. The experiment was laid out with 3 factorial randomized block design comprising of two planting seasons (February-June and July-November) two locations (L1-Bajaura 1000m above msl and L2-Kais 1400m above msl) and three planting dates under each season with 3 replications in each treatment combination. Variety ‘Palam Smridhi’ gave highest marketable head yield of 121.3 q/ha when planted during 25–28 July at L2 with maximum head weight of 339.9 g/plant and maximum number of leaves/plant (22.5). Maximum head diameter (18.6cm) was observed at L2 under 21–25 March planting of the crop. The planting date 21–25 March gave earliest first harvest of broccoli heads 68.4 days after transplanting whereas 20–25 August planted crop was able to give first harvest 96.8 days after transplant. Individually irrespective of the location and seasons the planting date of 25–28 July was found to be the best as it gave maximum head yield of 109.74 q/ha, 95.12 days after planting with maximum head weight of 305.69 g/plant. July November season was found to be better time for getting maximum green head yield broccoli and L2 as the best location for production of broccoli heads.