Evaluation of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) varieties with respect to growth and yield in Chitwan, Nepal

A field experiment was carried out during October, 2021 to March, 2022 with an objective to evaluate growth and yield parameters of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) varieties in the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments were six broccoli varieties viz. two open pollinated (Calabrese and Green Sprouting) and four hybrid varieties (Centauro, Century, Delight, Everest Green). Data were collected for biometrical, phonological, yield and yield attributing characteristics. Results revealed significance for growth and yield parameters.  Calabrese had the tallest plant (100.60 cm), the highest leaf number per plant (15.75), the longest leaf (73.90 cm), higher canopy diameter (101.75 cm) and earliness in head initiation (54.50 days) as well as head maturity (60.25 days). Highest head diameter (30.13 cm) and economic yield (22.52 mt/ha) was observed in Century. Thus, Century was found more profitable for commercial production in the environment conditions of Chitwan, Nepal.