Effect of time of planting and planting densities on growth, yield and economic production of broccoli [Brassica oleracea (L.) var. italica Plenck] cv. Pusa broccoli KTS-1

The present investigation was conducted at Assam agricultural University, Jorhat with a view to find out optimum sowing time and planting density for yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Seeds of broccoli variety Pusa Broccoli KTS-1 were sown on six different dates at 15 days intervals starting form September 15 to November 30, maintaining six planting distances viz. 30 cm x 30 cm, 45 cm x 30 cm, 45 cm x 45 cm, 45 cm x 60 cm, 60cm x 60cm, and 75cm x 60 cm. The results revealed that sowing on 15^th October recorded the highest total yield of 46.83 q/ha followed by sowing on 30^th September (41.83 q/ha). Among planting densities 45cm x 45cm planting recorded the highest head yield of 40.78 q/ha followed by 60cm x 45cm (39.49 q/ha). Study on economics of cultivation revealed that sowing on 15^th October and planting at a spacing of 45cm x 45cm was the most efficient treatment with a cost benefit ratio of 1:2.35. Therefore, it can be concluded that for profitable cultivation of broccoli var. ‘Pusa Broccoli KTS1’ sowing on middle part of October by maintaining a planting distance of 45cm x 45cm between and within rows is most favourable under the climatic conditions of Jorhat (Assam).