The influence of planting date on growth rate of Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) in agro-ecological conditions of the Zeta Plain

Abstract

This paper presents the results of examination of influence of planting dates (10th of April, 10th of May, 10th of June, 10th of July) on growth rate of Brussels sprouts and the yield achieved. The growth rate of Brussels sprouts was analyzed through monitoring of the following parameters: the height of the plant in the field, the height and mass of the stalk and the number and mass of leaves. The results show that planting at a later date accelerates the vegetative mass yield when compared to earlier planting dates, but it also stops earlier (taken from the number of days that passed from the planting date), which results in lower height of the plant, less leaves and hence lower yield. The highest yield was achieved in the first and the lowest in the last planting date.