Effect of stage of harvesting on seed yield and quality of cauliflower

The cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) cultivar Kibo Giant wa s sown in two consecutive seasons of 1994-95 and 1995-96 to determine the i nfluence of stages of harvesting on seed yield and quality. Six stages of h arvesting revealed that maximum seed yield and quality parameters were obta ined 283 and 290 days after sowing, respectively. The high temperature and relative humidity along with frequent and considerable rainfall during the period of seed development, and heavy rainfall just prior to harvesting red uced seed viability, vigour, cell membrane integrity, protein and oil conte nts. The harsh weather conditions had also caused lodging of plants and sha ttering of siliques. The results suggested that the cauliflower cultivar Ki bo Giant could safely be harvested from 283 to 290 days after sowing withou t significant reduction in seed yield and quality.