Rhythmic growth phenomena in brussels sprout plants.

Bud cuttings taken at regular intervals from brussels sprouts plants grown under different environmental conditions were rooted in peat moss, transplanted and grown under controlled conditions. Twelve weeks after striking plant heights of each series were measured. A marked periodicity in growth was observed, wih maxima (normal growth) and minima (retarded growth) 8-16 weeks apart. Differences in plant heights varied between 1 and 9 cm. The cause of these phenomena was considered to be endogenous. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission

Sprout uniformity in growing brussels sprouts.

The effects of planting distance (60 X 60 or 60 X 30 cm), topping early in the season and pre-picking on the quality (size and distribution of size) of brussels sprouts were determined. The wider planting distance gave the better results. Topping and pre-picking had hardly any influence on crop uniformity in plants spaced at 60 X 60 cm. Combinations of closer planting, topping and pre-picking were always unfavourable. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission

A crop geography of late brussels sprouts.

The producing areas of late brussels sprouts are restricted by the prevailing temperatures, which determine the first possible planting date, duration of the growing season and growth during this season, sprout formation and frost damage in autumn and winter. In Europe 2 partly overlapping sprout growing areas can be distinguished: a large area of medium/late sprouts in north-western Europe (growing period May/June-October) and a smaller area of late sprouts near the Atlantic Ocean in southern England and western France, and in northern Italy (July-November). Crop statistics show production in these areas. Outside Europe sprouts can be grown in parts of the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission

Growth retardation in side shoots of brussels sprout plants.

In 2-year studies bud cuttings were taken from Sandra brussels sprouts plants at 2-week intervals from 19 May to 6 October and grown in continuous light at 15 degrees C. The stem length of 12-week-old plants declined progressively with successive plantings up to 11 August and thereafter increased progressively. With field-grown plants (planted on 10 May) the growth rate of a long side shoot (assessed at intervals between 14 July and 15 December) was slow until the end of July, increasingly rapid until 22 September and thereafter progressively slower.-Agric. Univ., Wageningen. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission

Influence of temperature and light on the growth of young brussels sprout plants.

In 1-year trials young brussels sprouts plants from cuttings or seed were grown in a growth chamber at temperatures between 9 deg and 25 deg C and harvested after 4, 8 or 12 weeks after receiving varying amounts of total radiation. Plants from cuttings grew best at 21 deg and those from seeds at 17 deg . The optium radiation after 4 weeks was 33,000 J/cm2. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission

Het risicodragende karakter van de tuinbouwproduktie

Production in horticulture is always uncertain with many climatic hazards over normal production risks. Climatic conditions in the Netherlands were analysed. These conditions could be improved by greenhouses and shelter screens. The problems and risks were studied in apple, carrot and chrysanthemum. With apples night frost during blossoming reduced the crop once in three years by up to 70 %. Hail too may cause serious damage. The fruit-grower had a chance of a serious loss of at least 8.8 % every year.Winter carrots in frames had 10 % change of a 50 % loss. Storing carrots in the open as 'underthatchers' (under straw in the open) was never safe and the loss may be 20 to 100 %.In open ground average day temperature and the minimum night temperature influenced the chrysanthemum crop. Excess rain may detract from the bloom quality.It was difficult to calculate or estimate possible losses in horticultural production; a grower cannot foretell weather conditions. Detailed knowledge of growth conditions was also lacking.A skilled man limits his risks. But skill is both an economic as well as a technical conception; it is possible to eliminate risks but costs can be too high. Practical horticulture seldom takes precautions against rare events which cause slight damage: such damage is considered normal. If, however, an event occurs only seldom but can cause great damage a grower should lay store for such occasions.</p