Evaluation of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. bortystis L.) Genotypes for quantitative traits, their resistance against diamond back moth and cabbage white butterfly

To formulate an effective breeding programme in late group of cauliflower, the materials comprising twenty two genotypes of cauliflower were evaluated for yield and horticultural traits in Randomized Block Design at Solan (H.P). To test the susceptibility reaction of different genotypes against Diamond Back moth (DBM) and cabbage white butterfly (CWB), experiments were conducted in the laboratory. There were highly significant differences among all the genotypes for all the traits under study. Genotype C-12 recorded maximum net curd weight followed by KJ-47. Non-ricey and snow white curds were observed in C-12, KT-25, Snowball-16 and PSB-1. Poosi was significantly early in maturity than all the other genotypes. C-8 and C-4 were less susceptible to DBM and CWB, respectively. High heritability accompanied with moderate genetic gain recorded for days to marketable maturity, number of leaves, net curd weight and curd compactness pointed towards additive gene action which gave credence for successful breeding of these traits through selection. Net curd weight was positively and significantly associated with days to marketable maturity, gross curd weight, no. of leaves, curd depth and curd compactness.