The influence of spacing, leaf picking frequency, initial time of first harvest levels and splits of Nitrogen on leaf yield of Kales (Brassica Oleracea Var Acephala D.C.).

Abstract

The influence of spacing,leaf picking frequency, initial time of first harves,levels and splits of nitrogen application on leaf yeiId of kales (Brassica oleracea var.acephala D.C.) were studied during the 1978 short rains and 1979 long rains. During the 1978 short rains the Thousand-headed variety was used but Collards,Dwarf-siberian and Marrow-stem varieties were included in spacing and picking frequency study during the 1979 long rains. Levels and split nitrogen application studies were continued on half plot portions at the Field Station during the 1979 long rains. Leaf yield was assessed in both total number and total weight.

Close spacing increased leaf yield significantly because of increased number of plants per unit area. Frequent picking yields more leaves than less frequent because kale plants replace the removed source of photosynthates hence more leaves. Initial time of first harvest of six weeks yielded slightly more leaves because leaves were picked over a longer period than that of eight since transplanting.

Increasing amounts of C.A.N.did not increase leaf yield in both sites during the 1978 short rains. In plant portions where C.A.N.was applied,increasing the amount did not increase leaf yield at the Field Station during the 1979 long rains. The levels of nitrogen used might have been above the optimum under the conditions studied even at the highest number of splits. This explains why there was no response in both sites.