Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botritis) in India is also known as ‘Phul Gobhi’. It is an important cole crop of the Brassicaceae family that needs a cool climate for proper growth. India (33.2%) is the second-largest producer of cauliflower in the world after China (40.3%). Cauliflower is one of the important winter-season vegetables in India. In India, it is preferred to make curries, soups, and pickles from cauliflower. Cauliflower has a good amount of vitamin B and a fair amount of protein. In this chapter, you will read in detail about its cultivation.

Other Name:- Phul Gobhi (Hindi), Fulkapi.

Botanical Name: – Brassica oleracea var botrytis

Family: – Crucifereae / Brassicaceae

Chromosome No.: – 2n=18

Origin: – Mediterranean region

Edible part: – Curd

Fruit type: – Siliqua

Important Points

• Cauliflower is a thermo-sensitive crop.
• Cauliflower is a long-day plant.
• It is cross-pollinated.
• Sporophytic self-incompatibility is present in cauliflower.
• The respiration rate of cauliflower is very high.
• India (8.8MT) is the 2nd largest producer of cauliflower in the world after China (10.67MT).
• Cauliflower curding is the intermediate stage of the vegetative and reproductive stages.
• Late or snowball-type varieties have a self-blanching habit.
• Cauliflower was introduced by Dr Jenson from London in 1822.
• It was introduced in India during the Mughal period
• The cauliflower world is derived from the Latin word ‘Cauli’ meaning cabbage, ‘Flaris’ meaning flowers, and ‘Botrytis’ meaning budding. It is also originated from wild cabbage.
• Blanching: – Blanching is a technique to shield curd from reaching yellow shade after their direct exposure to the solar and arrest enzymatic activity.
• Scooping:- Removal of the central portion of curd for the easier initial of the flower stalk in cauliflower.
• Cauliflower contains 91.7 gm of moisture, 2.4gm protein, 4.9 gm of carbohydrates, 0.11 mg of Vitamin B1, 0.10 mg of vitamin B2, 90 IU of Vitamin A, 3.6 mg of Vitamin K and 60.00mg of Vitamin C per 100g edible portion.

Area and Production

Source NHB 2018

Varieties

In India, two groups of cauliflower are grown

1. Indian or Tropical Type: – Originated in India during the last 80 years. This group requires temperatures of 20°C or above and this group is tolerant to waterlogging and heat.
2. Temperate type or Snowball Type: – The snowball type is also known as ‘Erfurt’. This group requires a temperature ranging from 10°-16°C for curd formation and is sensitive to heat.

A) Introduction

• Improved Japanese

B) Selection

• Pusa Himjyoti: – Gown from April to July in hills, self-blanching habit.
• Pusa Snowball K-1: – Black rot, curd and inflorescence blight resistant.
• Pusa Ketki
• Pusa Deepali
• Pusa Aghani
• Pant Gobhi -4
• Pant Shubhra

C) Hybrid

• Pusa Shubhra: – Black rot, curd and inflorescence blight resistant.
• Pusa Hybrid 2
• Candid Charm
• White Flesh
• Cash More
• Himani
• Nath Shweta
• Early Himlata
• Nath Ujwala
• Pusa Snowball K-2S :- Sclerotoria rot resistant

D) Synthetic

• Pusa Early Synthetic
• Pusa Synthetic
• Pant Gobi-3

Synthetic varieties: – When more than one inbred with high GCA is hybridized in all possible combinations and their seeds are mixed in equal amounts, it is called a synthetic variety.

1. Early varieties

• Early Kunwari/Kuari
• Early Patna
• Pusa Early Synthetic
• Pusa Deepali
• Pusa Ketki
• Pant Gobi -2
• Pant Gobi -3

2. Mid Varieties

• Improved Japanese
• Pusa Shubhra
• Pant Shubhra
• Pusa Sharad
• Pusa Aghani
• Pusa Hybrid 2

3. Late Varieties

• Pusa Snowball-1
• Pusa Snowball-2
• Pusa Snowball K-1

Climate

Cauliflower requires a cool and moist climate for its proper growth and production. The optimum temperature is 15°-20°C, with the maximum at 25°C and the minimum at 9°C. Tropical or Indian varieties grown as early require a higher temperature and long-day conditions, whereas, snowball-type or late varieties require low temperatures as compared to tropical varieties and perform better when the days are relatively short.

Soil

Cauliflower is grown in all types of soil but loamy soil deep, well-drained, and rich in organic matter is good. The average soil pH range of 5.5-6.6. Cauliflower is sensitive to highly acidic soils.

Sowing time and seed rate

Seed Treatment

About 350-600 g seeds are required to raise a nursery for one hectare of land according to season.

Before sowing seed is treated with hot water (50°C) for 30 minutes to protect the crop from seed-borne diseases. Seeds are treated with Thiaram or Captan @2-3 gm/kg seeds before sowing to protect the crop from damping off in the nursery bed.

Sowing

The seed is sown in a raised nursery bed. Before sowing the nursery, bed soil should be sterilized with formaldehyde. Generally, Seeds are broadcast on nursery beds. Then apply a thin layer of FYM or compost on the bed to cover the seeds. The seedbed is also covered with dry grass mulch. Immediately after sowing light irrigation was given to the bed with a rose cane.

Field Preparation

Land should be plough 3-4 times and make soil tilth better. And at the last ploughing add 20-25 t /ha FYM.

Transplanting

The seedlings are ready to transplant 4-6 weeks after sowing. Planting of cauliflower is done on the flat as well as on ridges. Ridges are more economical and commercially used. Ridges are made 60 cm apart and the seedling is planted at 45 cm spacing. After transplanting crop should be lightly irrigated. The mid or late crop can be grown at wider spacing as compared to early ones.

Manure and fertilizers

Generally, 20-25 tonne/ha FYM should be added along with a full dose of P₂O₅ and K₂O at the time of field preparation. In the early crop, N is given in 2 splits. In mid or late varieties N is given in 3 splits the first dose at the time of sowing, the second 1/3 dose of N 15 days after sowing, and the last 1/3 dose of N 40-45 days after sowing. Medium fertile soil requires about 60-150 Kg N, 50-80 kg P, and 60-120 Kg K.

Sometimes cauliflower shows micronutrient deficiency B, Mo, Mg, etc. So, to correct B deficiency 10-15kg Borax/ha should be added 2 weeks before the curd formation to the soil. Borax spray of 0.1% is also effective. 2.5-5 kg/ha sodium molybdate or 0.05% foliar spray helpful in molybdenum deficient soils. 

Irrigation

Immediately after transplanting irrigate the crop. Due to the monsoon season early and mid-season crops require only protective irrigation. The Cauliflower is requiring a continuous supply of moisture in its entire growth and development period. The crop should be irrigated at 4-5 days intervals depending upon the monsoon showers.

Interculture and Weed Control

As Cauliflower is a shallow-rooted crop frequent shallow cultivation should be given to the soil to kill the weeds and provide soil mulch. The crop should be earthen up after 30-40 days after transplanting. Some herbicides are also used to control weed population like a pre-emergent spray of Oxyfluorfen @ 0.25Kg /ha one day before transplanting, Fluchlorlin @1.2 kg/ha or Alachlore @ 2.50 Kg/ha also effective.

Harvesting

When curd attains full size, white-coloured, and compact it is harvested. If the delay in harvesting compactness and colour of the curd is changed it is not accepted by consumers. Infield all curd does not develop uniformly at the same time, so many cuttings will be essential. Cut curd with a knife or sickle and remove leaves from the bottom.

Yield

The yield of cauliflower varies on the season and variety. The average yield of cauliflower is from early varieties 12-15 t /ha and from mid and late varieties 20 -30 t/ha.

Physiological Disorders

1. Browning:- This disorder of cauliflower occurs due to a lack of boron, in this, water-soaked brown spots are formed on the stem and the surface of the curd. The stem becomes hollow inside. Other symptoms are seen as a change in leaf colour, changes in thickness, and downward curling of foliage.

Management: –

• Before sowing 10-15 kg /ha borax or sodium borate should be added in acidic soils.
• A foliar spray of 0.25-0.50% borax is also beneficial.

2. Whip tail: – This disorder is caused by molybdenum deficiency in cauliflower. The leaf blades do not develop properly, only the midrib develops. The leaves also become irregular like leather. This disorder is found in acidic soils, where there is a deficiency of molybdenum.

Control

• Apply 1 kg/ha of Sodium or ammonium molybdate.
• A foliar spray of 0.1% ammonium molybdate is also beneficial.
• Before sowing add lime in acidic soils to bring pH 6-.6.5

3. Buttoning: – Small flowers are formed on the plants, which are called buttons, The plant does not grow much and the leaves also remain small.

Causes

• Nitrogen deficiency in the field.
• Sowing early variety in the late season or sowing early variety in low temperatures.
• Poor drainage facilities.
• Planting of the old seedling.

Management

• The recommended dose of nitrogen should be applied.
• The field should be well-drained.
• Avoid planting the old seedlings.
• Avoid planting of early varieties in the late season or low.

4. Blindness: – The terminal bud is not formed at all in cauliflower plants. The leaves are leathery and dark green.

Causes

• Due to frost.
• Damage terminal bud due to improper handling.
• Terminal bud injured by an insect pest.

Management

• Protect the plant from low temperatures.
• Protect the plant from mechanical or insect pest injury at the initial stage.

5. Hollow Stem: – Cauliflower stem and flower are hollow internally when cut.

Cause

• Due to high nitrogen in the field.

Management

• The recommended dose of nitrogen should be applied.

6. Chlorosis: The cauliflower plant shows chlorosis in older leaves and veins when it is cultivated in acidic soil. Cauliflower is a heavy feeder of magnesium and it is unavailable in acidic soil. Leaves of cauliflower turn light green to yellow due to magnesium deficiency.

Management

• Avoid cultivation of cauliflower in acidic soils.
• Before sowing add lime in acidic soils to bringing pH 6-.6.5.
• 300 kg Magnesium oxide mix in the soil at the time of field preparation.

7. Fusiness: – Flower pedicels are enlarged and due to this curd looks fussy. The surface of the curd is not leveled and compact. This disorder appears due to the untimely growing of the varieties of cauliflower. This disorder may be hereditary and non-hereditary.

Management

• Varieties should be grown according to the time viz early, mid, late.

8. Riceyness: – The surface of the curd is loosened and enlarged pedicels with a velvety appearance. Small whitish-coloured flowers are seen on the surface which is known as ‘ricey’.

Causes

• Fluctuations in temperature.
• Abnormal temperature
• High nitrogen in the field
• High Humidity

Management

• Varieties should be grown according to the time viz early, mid, late.
• Grow resistant varieties.
• The recommended dose of nitrogen should be applied.

9. Leafyness: – In this disorder, small-sized leaves are formed in between the curd flowers. The high temperature at the time of growing cause this disorder.

Management

• Varieties should be grown according to the time viz early, mid, late.

Insect pest management

1. Cabbage and turnip aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae):- This insect is more serious during the late season of the crop when it is left for seed production. Insects suck sap from tender plant parts. Later wrinkled, downward-curling leaves, yellowing of leaves, growth of the plant is reduced, and contamination with aphid honeydew is seen on affected plants.

Control

• Spay the crop with Malathion or Parathion in seed production or the early stage of plant growth, if the curd is ready to harvest then nicotine sulphate is used to control.

2. Diamond Black Moth (Plutella xylostella):- This is a most damaging pest of cole crops. Larvae of the pest feed on foliar tissue except leaf veins due to this photosynthesis process is checked and plant growth is stopped. The dropping of leaves is also starting.

Control

• Grow mustard with the crop as a trap crop
• Spray 4% Neem seed carnal oil.

3. Cabbage head borer or stem borer (Hellula undalis):- Caterpillar bore the stem, leaves, and head. It makes curd unfit for consumption.

Control

• Spray the crop with Fenvalerate 20 EC or Cypermethrin or Deltamethrin 28 EC 250 ml.
• Biological control using Microbracon mellus and Apanteles crocidolmiae.

4. Gram Caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera): The hairy caterpillar of this insect bores the flowers and makes curd unfit for consumption.

Control

• Collect the larvae and destroy them.
• Spray the crop with endosulfan 0.1%.

Disease management

1. Damping off (Phythium Or Rhizoctonia sp. Or Fusarium sp.):- Damping off is a nursery bed disease. In this disease collar region of the seedling starts to rot and the seedling falls on the nursery bed resulting death of the seedling.

Control

• Seed should be treated with thiaram or captan 3gm/kg seeds before sowing.
• Drench the soil of the nursery bed around the seedling with captan 200 gm/100 litres of water twice.
• Before sowing seeds should be treated with hot water (50°C) for 30 minutes.
• Nursery bed should be sterilized with formaldehyde before sowing.

2. Downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica):- Initial symptoms are shown on the lower surface of the leaf as purplish-brown spots. Later stage dark sunken spots are seen on the stem.

Control

• Follow crop rotation.
• Kept field weed-free.
• Before sowing seeds should be treated with hot water (50°C) for 30 minutes.
• Seed should be treated with thiaram or captan 3gm/kg seeds before sowing.

3. Blackleg or Black rot (Xanthomonas campestris):- The initial symptom is V-shaped yellow lesions on the edges of leaves which turn dark and brown later. Malformation of leaves, blacking of veins which are latterly dry up and die.

Control

• Seeds should be healthy and taken from healthy plants.
• Before sowing seeds should be treated with hot water (50°C) for 30 minutes.
• Seed should be treated with thiaram or captan 3gm/kg seeds before sowing.
• Spray the crop with 1 g of streptocycline.

4. Soft rot (Erwinia cavotovora):- The symptoms of soft rot are usually seen after the attack of black rot or any mechanical injury.

Control

• Seed should be treated with thiaram or captan 3gm/kg seeds before sowing.
• Avoid mechanical injury to the curd.

5. Club rot (Plasmodiphora brassicae):- The first symptoms shown on above-ground parts as yellowing and wilting of foliage on sunny days. The roots of the infected plant are larger swellings forming ‘club’ that attain different sizes and shapes.

Control

• Soil should be alkaline because in acidic soil this is prevalent.
• Follow long crop rotation.

6. Leaf Spot (Alternaria brassicicola):- Small black spots on leaves, and stems are seen. The disease is seed as well as soil born.

Control

• Before sowing seeds should be treated with hot water (50°C) for 30 minutes.
• Seed should be treated with thiaram or captan 3gm/kg seeds before sowing.
• Nursery bed should be sterilized with formaldehyde before sowing.