Standardization of agro-techniques to perk up quality and yield of knolkhol (Brassica oleracea var gongylodes L) in southern agro-climatic zone of Andhra Pradesh

Investigations were carried out on standardization of agro-techniques to perk up quality and yield of knolkhol (Brassica oleracea var gongylodes L) test variety White Vienna. The treatments comprised three timings of planting, three spacing and five nitrogen doses. There was no perceptible change in TSS of the knolkhol knobs due to various timings of planting while the effect of staggered timings of planting on other quality parameters was conspicuous. The highest ascorbic acid and protein contents were registered with the crop planted during 1^st fortnight of December and the highest crude fibre content during 1^st fortnight of November. Improved quality of knolkhol knobs in terms of TSS, ascorbic acid content and protein content was with planting geometries of 30 x 30 cm followed by of 45 x 15 cm (S₃) and 30 x 15 cm (S₁) which in turn were on par with one another. The fibre content of knobs was highest with the crop geometry of 30 x 15 cm. A linear increase with respect to quality parameters viz TSS, ascorbic acid content and protein content was noticed from 0 to the highest level of nitrogen of 150 kg N/ha. The trend obtained with respect to fibre content of knobs was reverse to that of other quality parameters studied. With regard to interaction effect the higher crude protein content was at spacing of 45 x 15 cm and 30 x 30 cm coupled with higher nitrogen doses of 150 and 125 kg N/ha. During both the years the highest knob yield was in the crop planted during 1^st fortnight of December. Significantly higher knob yield was observed at spacing of 30 x 15 cm, the highest nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha and spacing of 30 x 15 cm.