Growth and Yield of Broccoli under Different Rain Protectors During the Rainy Season in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of different rain protectors and varieties of broccoli on their growth and yield during the rainy season in southern Thailand. Split plots in a randomized complete block design were used with four replications. The experiment was undertaken from 28 October 2012 to 7 January 2013. The results showed that broccoli grown under a green shade net or a plastic sheet had higher growth and yield compared with those grown in the open field. The average highest total yields under plastic sheet, green shade net and in the open field were 11.11, 7.54 and 5.61 t.ha-1, respectively. The average highest yields of broccoli were obtained from the Yok Kheo variety (10.22 t.ha-1), followed by the Green Queen (7.56 t.ha-1) and Top Green (6.46 t.ha-1) varieties, respectively. Broccoli grown under the plastic sheet could be harvested 13.25 d after transplanting and 2.50 d earlier than those grown in the open field or under green shade net. The results indicated that broccoli should be grown under a plastic sheet or a green shade net to achieve higher yields than from plants grown in the open field. The Yok Kheo and Green Queen varieties are recommended for Songkhla province and the surrounding area.