Determining Suitable Sowing Times and Cultivars for Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.) Grown during Autumn Periods in Samsun, Turkey

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate whether the ecological conditions of Samsun are suitable for the growing of kohlrabi and to determine suitable cultivars. It took place in the autumn growing periods of 2005, 2006. Five sowing times (15th July, 1st August, 15th August, 1st September, 15th September) and seven cultivars ('Korist' F-1, 'Kolibri' F-1, 'Superschmelz', 'Delikate beta Blauer', 'Gigant', 'Blauwe Spek', 'Delikate beta Wei beta er') were evaluated for the autumn season. Research results show that the ecological conditions of Samsun are suitable for the growing of kohlrabi during autumn periods. It was determined that Superschmelz was the most suitable cultivar for this region. Depending years and cultivars, plant weight, tuber weight, tuber diameter, tuber length, leaf number and leaf weight were found 206.0-1043.8 g, 107.5-609.0 g, 58.9-97.4 mm, 53.7-102.9 mm, 8.1-24.3 count and 28.5-559.2 g, respectively. Based on the research results, the highest yield with the 'Superschmelz' cultivar was 4113.3-5241.6 kg/da for one year. The 'Gigant' cultivar followed this (4868.9 kg/da and 3640.5 kg/da for years). Research results also showed that the most suitable time was the 1st August for the autumn growing periods. This research suggested that the hybrid cultivars, 'Korist' F-1 and 'Kolibri' F-1, were suitable cultivars for the production of produce for fresh consumption.