Varietal evaluation of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under Prayagraj agroclimatic conditions

Introduction

India has long been recognized as an agriculturally driven nation, supported by a dynamic and resourceful farming community. The country's vast range of agro-climatic zones provides favorable conditions for cultivating an impressive diversity of horticultural crops. Thanks to its varied natural environments and multiple growing seasons, India has the unique advantage of being able to produce over a hundred different types of vegetables throughout the year (Thakor, 2008; Tejaswini et al., 2018) [13,12] . Agriculture remains the largest private-sector industry in the country, contributing over 25% to the national GDP. It continues to be the main source of livelihood for nearly two-thirds of the population and forms the backbone of many agro-based industries.

One crop that has recently gained traction in Indian agriculture is broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica), a cool-season vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Commonly referred to in Hindi as Hari Gobi, broccoli was once considered an uncommon cole crop in India. However, its popularity has been steadily rising in recent years, both among farmers and health-conscious consumers (Singh et al., 2023; Yadav et al., 2013) [11,15] . In international markets, around 40% of broccoli is sold fresh, while the remaining 60% is distributed in frozen form. The word "broccoli" originates from the Italian broccolo, meaning "the flowering crest of a cabbage," derived from brocco, which means "sprout" or "small shoot." Botanically, broccoli falls under the Cruciferae family and the Papaverales order, with a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 18. It is widely appreciated for its exceptional nutritional value, being rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and dietary fiber. Notably, broccoli contains approximately 130 times more Vitamin A than cauliflower and 22 times more than cabbage. According to Prashanthi et al. (2022) [9] , the nutritional composition of broccoli per 100 grams includes 89.3 g moisture, 141 kcal energy, 6.64 g carbohydrates, 1.7 g sugar, 2.6 g dietary fiber, 0.37 g fat, and 2.82 g protein. It also provides 47 mg calcium, 0.73 mg iron, 66 mg phosphorus, along with essential vitamins such as thiamine (0.071 mg), riboflavin (0.117 mg), niacin (0.639 mg), and Vitamin C (89.2 mg). The cultivation of broccoli has seen notable growth in India in recent years. As reported by Singh and Deepanshu (2023) [11] , it is now cultivated over an area of approximately 3,776 acres, producing an annual yield of around 26.6 million pounds, with an average productivity of 7.04 thousand pounds per acre. This growth reflects the crop's increasing acceptance in Indian agriculture due to its high market value and significant health benefits.

Materials and Methods

The present study, titled "Varietal Evaluation of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under Prayagraj Agroclimatic Conditions," was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-2025 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. Located in the southeastern part of Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj district falls under the subtropical climatic zone, characterized by extremely hot summers and moderately cold winters. During the growing season, maximum temperatures in the region ranged between 32°C and 34°C, while the lowest temperatures dipped to around 4°C to 5°C. The relative humidity varied from 20% to 94%, and the area receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1013.4 mm. In this experiment, seeds were sown in nursery beds on 23rd October 2024, and transplanting was done on 1st December 2024. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications to ensure statistical reliability. The total experimental area was divided into plots, each measuring 2.4 m × 1.5 m (3.6 m²). The plant spacing maintained was 60 cm between rows and 45 cm between plants, accommodating 12 plants per plot.

The experiment evaluated ten broccoli varieties

To assess varietal performance, data was recorded on various growth, yield, and quality traits. These included plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf length and width (cm), stem diameter (cm), plant spread (cm), days to first curd formation, total duration from planting to harvest, curd diameter (cm), total plant weight without roots (g), fresh curd weight (g), curd yield per plot (kg), total yield (t/ha), ascorbic acid content (mg/100g of edible portion), and total soluble solids (%). All the recorded data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) under the two-way classification system as per the methodology described by Panse and Sukhatme (1985), to determine the significance of treatment effects.

Results and Discussion

The evaluation of different broccoli varieties revealed significant differences in terms of growth, yield, and quality parameters. The detailed results are presented in Table 1 and 2 and illustrated in Figures 1 and2. Among the ten varieties tested, the tallest plants were observed in V10 (Palam Vichitra), which recorded a plant height of 56.42 cm. This was followed closely by Shishir and Green Magic, which also showed comparatively greater plant height. In contrast, the shortest plants were recorded in V3 (Romanesco), with an average height of 42.26 cm. The variation in plant height across varieties can likely be attributed to differences in genetic potential, as well as longer crop duration in Palam Vichitra, which allowed for extended vegetative growth before curd formation. These results are consistent with earlier studies conducted by Nooprom et al. (2013) [8] , El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] , Singh et al. (2014) [10] , Hafiz et al. (2015) [6] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] , who reported similar varietal effects on plant height in broccoli. The maximum number of leaves per plant have been recorded with the treatment V 10 (Palam Vichitra) was 35.00. Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Whereas the minimum recorded number of leaves per plant was (19.97) with the treatment V 3 (Romanesco). In this study, the variation observed in the number of leaves per plant among different broccoli varieties can be attributed primarily to their inherent genetic potential and adaptability to the prevailing climatic conditions of the region. Varieties producing fewer leaves may have exhibited a slower rate of leaf initiation, which could explain their lower leaf count. These results are in close agreement with earlier research conducted by El-Magd et al. (2006) [3] , El-Magd et al. (2013) [4] and Thapa and Rai (2012) [15] , who also reported similar varietal differences in broccoli. The maximum leaf length (cm) have been recorded with the treatment V 10 (Palam Vichitra) was 49.48. Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Where as the minimum recorded leaf length (cm) was (31.33) with the treatment V 3 (Romanesco). The variation in leaf length observed among the broccoli varieties is likely influenced by their genetic makeup as well as the local agro-climatic conditions during the growing season. Varieties with longer leaves may possess genotypic traits that promote enhanced vegetative growth under favorable conditions. These results are consistent with the findings reported by Hafiz et al. (2015) [6] and further supported by the observations of Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] in similar studies on broccoli.The maximum leaf width (cm) have been recorded with the treatment V 10 (Palam Vichitra) was 25.57. Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Where as the minimum recorded leaf width (cm)was (17.39) with the treatment V 3 (Romanesco). The differences in leaf width among the broccoli varieties could be attributed to their genetic traits and how well they respond to the prevailing agro-climatic conditions. Varieties that showed broader leaves may have had a better genetic predisposition for vegetative growth under these specific environmental factors. These observations are in line with the results reported by Hafiz et al. (2015) [6] and are further supported by the findings of Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] in their studies on broccoli. The maximum stem diameter (cm)have been recorded with the treatment V 10 (Palam Vichitra) was 5.34. Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Where as the minimum recorded stem diameter (cm) was (3.07) with the treatment V 3 (Romanesco). the maximum plant spread (cm) have been recorded with the treatment V 10 (Palam Vichitra) was 75.75. Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Where as the minimum recorded plant spread (cm) was (55.74) with the treatment V 3 (Romanesco). The observed variation in plant spread (both East-West and North-South directions) among the different broccoli varieties is likely influenced by their genetic characteristics, the duration taken to reach head maturity, and their adaptability to local climatic conditions. Varieties that took longer to mature or had more vigorous vegetative growth tended to exhibit a wider plant spread. These results are consistent with the findings of El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] , Singh et al. (2014) [10] , Hafiz et al. (2015) [6] , Thakur et al. (2016) [14] , and are further supported by the observations of Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] in similar broccoli evaluations. The minimum days of first curd formation was recorded (50.05days) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Whereas the maximum days of first curd formation was found (61.70) in V 3 (Romanesco).The variation in earliness to edible maturity among the broccoli varieties can likely be attributed to genetic differences inherent to each cultivar. These findings are in agreement with earlier studies conducted by Gogoi et al. (2016) [5] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] , who reported similar trends in broccoli. These findings are in accordance with the findings reported by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] . The minimum total duration from planting to harvesting was recorded (70.34days) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Whereas the maximum total duration from planting to harvesting was found (97.54) in V 3 (Romanesco). The significant differences observed in fresh head weight, head yield per plot, and head yield per hectare across the broccoli varieties are likely due to their distinct genetic traits and how well each variety adapted to the prevailing agro-climatic conditions of the region. Some varieties demonstrated better performance because they were more suited to the environmental conditions, which positively influenced their yield potential. These findings are in line with the results reported by El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] in cabbage, and by Thapa and Rai (2012) [15] , El-Magd (2013) [4] , Nguille et al. (2014), Singh et al. (2014) [10] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] in broccoli. Similar outcomes were also observed in the study by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] . The maximum curd diameter (cm) was recorded (15.46) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Whereas the minimum curd diameter (cm) was found (11.30) in V 3 (Romanesco). However, Shishir and green magic are found statistically at par to V 10 (Palam Vichitra). The noticeable variation in fresh head weight, yield per plot, and overall yield per hectare among the different broccoli varieties is likely due to a combination of their inherent genetic potential and how well each variety adapted to the specific agro-climatic conditions of the region. Some varieties demonstrated superior performance, suggesting they were more suited to the local environment in terms of growth and productivity. These results are consistent with previous research findings by El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] in cabbage, and by Thapa and Rai (2012) [15] , El-Magd (2013) [4] , Nguille et al. (2014), Singh et al. (2014) [10] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] in broccoli. Similar outcomes were also reported by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] , further supporting these observations. The maximum total weight of plant without roots (g) was recorded (983.14) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Whereas the minimum total weight of plant without roots (g) was found (673.86) in V 3 (Romanesco). The significant differences observed in fresh head weight, head yield per plot, and yield per hectare across the various broccoli varieties can be attributed to their distinct genetic characteristics and how well each variety responded to the climatic conditions of the region. Some varieties were naturally better adapted, resulting in improved growth and yield performance. These results are consistent with earlier research by El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] in cabbage, as well as studies by Thapa and Rai (2012) [15] , El-Magd (2013) [4] , Nguille et al. (2014), Singh et al. (2014) [10] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] in broccoli. The findings also align with the observations made by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] . The maximum curd weight (g) was recorded (631.41) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Whereas the minimum curd weight (g) was found (331.27) in V 3 (Romanesco). The notable variation in fresh head weight, yield per plot, and yield per hectare across the different broccoli varieties can largely be attributed to their genetic diversity and how well each variety was able to adapt to the prevailing climatic conditions of the region. Certain varieties performed better, likely due to a natural compatibility with the environmental factors of this zone. These results are in line with the findings of El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] in cabbage, and similar studies conducted by Thapa and Rai (2012) [15] , El-Magd (2013) [4] , Nguille et al. (2014), Singh et al. (2014) [10] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] in broccoli. Comparable outcomes were also reported by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] , reinforcing the observed trends. The maximum Curd yield plot (Kg) was recorded (7.58) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Whereas the minimum Curd yield plot (Kg) was found (3.98) in V 3 (Romanesco). The observed variation in fresh head weight, yield per plot, and yield per hectare among the broccoli varieties is likely a result of their distinct genetic traits and their adaptability to the local climatic conditions. Some varieties showed better yield performance due to a more favorable response to the agro-environmental factors of the region. These outcomes are supported by earlier studies conducted by El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] in cabbage and by Thapa and Rai (2012) [15] , El-Magd (2013) [4] , Nguille et al. (2014), Singh et al. (2014) [10] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] in broccoli. Similar results were also reported by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] , confirming the consistency of these findings across different studies. The maximum curd yield (t ha -1 ) was recorded (21.05) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Followed by Shishir and Green magic. Whereas the minimum curd yield (t ha -1 ) was found (11.04) in V 3 (Romanesco). The notable differences observed in fresh head weight, yield per plot, and yield per hectare among the broccoli varieties can be attributed to their unique genetic makeup and how well each variety adapted to the local climatic conditions. Some cultivars naturally performed better due to their compatibility with the environment in this particular agroclimatic zone. These results are consistent with previous research conducted by El-Bassiony et al. (2014) [2] in cabbage, and by Thapa and Rai (2012) [15] , El-Magd (2013) [4] , Nguille et al. (2014), Singh et al. (2014) [10] , and Thakur et al. (2016) [14] in broccoli. Similar patterns were also noted in the findings of Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] . The maximum Ascorbic acid (mg/100g of edible portion) was recorded (118.52) in V 10 (Palam Vichitra). Followed by Shishir and Green magric. Whereas the minimum Ascorbic acid (mg/100g of edible portion) was found (107.12) in V 3 (Romanesco). These results align with the observations made by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] . Among the varieties tested, the highest total soluble solids content (measured in °Brix) was recorded in V 10 (Palam Vichitra) with a value of 4.28, followed by the varieties Shishir and Green Magic. On the other hand, the lowest total soluble solids content of 3.16 °Brix was observed in V 3 (Romanesco). These patterns are consistent with previous findings reported by Changkiri et al. (2022) [1] .

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, the variety V 10 (Palam Vichitra) emerged as the best performer among all the tested broccoli varieties in terms of growth, yield, and quality. This variety showed the greatest plant height (56.42 cm), number of leaves per plant (35), leaf length (49.48 cm), leaf width (25.57 cm), stem diameter (5.34 cm), and overall plant spread (75.75 cm). It also had the earliest curd formation at around 50 days and a total growing period of about 70 days from planting to harvest. Additionally, Palam Vichitra produced the largest curd diameter (15.46 cm), highest total plant weight excluding roots (983.14 g), heaviest curd weight (631.41 g), and greatest yield per plot (7.58 kg), translating to 21.05 tons per hectare. This variety also had the highest ascorbic acid content (118.52 mg/100g edible portion) and total soluble solids (4.28 °Brix). Meanwhile, the variety Shishir recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio of 6.07. However, since this study was conducted over a single season, additional trials across different seasons and locations are recommended to confirm these results.

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