DETERMINATION OF TRANSPLANTING DATES OF BROCCOLI (BRASSICA OLERACEA L. VAR. ITALICA PLENCK) UNDER ANTAKYA CONDITIONS

The objective of this study was to determine the most suitable transplanting dates of broccoli under Antakya conditions. Seed of ‘Jade’ F1 broccoli cultivar was used as the experimental material. Seed sowing was conducted approximately one month prior to transplanting date. The seeds were planted on viols having peat. The experiments were repeated for two years; the transplanting was done on four different dates i.e. 1st, 10th and 20th September and October during first 1st year, 10th, 20th September, 1st and 12th October during second year. The seedlings were at their three-five- leaf stages at the time of transplanting. The highest total yield was recovered from 10th September transplanting during first year (1978kg/da) and the second year (1863kg/da), respectively. In both l years, the days from transplanting to harvest were longest for 1st October. The results indicated that the first two weeks of September is a most suitable period for broccoli transplanting for Antakya conditions. The transplanting dates earlier or later than this period resulted in lower yield and longer maturation dates thus not recommended.