Performance Evaluation of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea Capitata) Cultivars in Mid-hills of Nepal for Winter Season Production

Abstract

Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Capitata) is being one of the most popular and demanded vegetables and in Nepal. Five cultivars; Wonder ball, Green voyager, Green challenger, Omphalus and Green coronet were transplanted in first week of October in 2016 and 2017 consequently years in mid-hills (Kathmandu valley, 1300 masl) and grown during winter season with 45X45 cm spacing. Crops were fertilized with 200:120:100 N.P.K Kg/ha and 15 ton FYM/ha. One spray insecticide and fungicide were sprayed in the early season for crop establishment. The main objective of this experiment was to find out suitable high yielding and insect pest and disease field tolerant hybrid cabbage cultivars for commercial growing in mid-hills of Nepal. Crops were evaluated with its vegetative, insect pest and disease, yield and farmers and consumers response in two consecutive years. Result showed that among the tested cultivars Wonder ball was found highly uniform, vigorous, less attack by insect pest and disease, significantly higher yield (71.7 t/ha), higher average head weight (1622 g), early harvestable (95 days), freshness (4.0) and market preference (4.0) as compared to check Green coronet widely grown cultivar Green coronet which has only yield (57.91 t/ha), average head weight (1358 g), days to harvest (114 days), freshness (3.0) and market preference (3.0) respectively. It was followed by Green challenger which had yield (57.77), average head weight (1387), earlier harvestable (95 days), freshness (4.0) and market preference (4.0). Hence, Wonder ball and Green challenger have been selected and recommended for varietal registration and commercial cultivation in mid-hills of Nepal.