Effect of drought length on the performance of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) in the forest-savannah transition zone, Ghana

Abstract

The drought tolerance of Cabbage, Brassica oleracea var capitata (Oxylus) was investigated by subjecting the initial, development and mid growth stages to varying drought lengths of 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 days in a 7 × 3 factorial experiment to determine the effect of each drought period at each growth stage on growth and yield. Data on number of opened leaves/plant, leaf area index (LAI), leaf chlorophyll content, head size and yield/ha were recorded due to drought effect at each growth stage. Analysis of variance at 5% probability level indicated that drought periods of 5–15 days at the initial stage significantly reduced number of leaves, LAI and head size. Significant reduction in chlorophyll content and yield were due to drought beyond 11 and 5 days respectively at the initial stage. Number of opened leaves increased significantly with increasing drought length at the development stage; critical at 11 days drought. Significant reductions in LAI at the development and mid stages were critical at 11 and 9 days respectively whilst chlorophyll content was significantly reduced at both the development and mid stages by all drought periods. Significant reduction in head size at the development and mid stages was critical at 7 days. Generally, the drought tolerance of cabbage increased from the initial to the mid-stage. To maintain economic yields of cabbage in the forest-savannah transition zone, the initial and development stages could tolerate drought stress up to 5 days whilst the mid stage could tolerate up to 7 days.

Comparative Analysis of Primary Photosynthetic Reactions Assessed by OJIP Kinetics in Three Brassica Crops after Drought and Recovery

“…The influence of drought length on Brassica oleracea var. capitata seedlings was investigated in the forest-savannah transition zone in Ghana on a morphological and physiological level, without insight into photosynthesis [56]. The impact of water deficit on photosynthetic performance and growth was explored in aeroponically grown Tuscan kale (Brassica oleracea) in a tropical greenhouse [57] and also in juvenile Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var.…”

Effect of the Cultivation Systems and Split Fertilizer Applications on the Growth and Yields of Tatsoi (Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa)

“…Limited water availability at the initial stage ceased leaf formation and reduced the leaf number of brassica species [25]. Halted growth of leaf area under water stress conditions was due to a reduction in the total number of cells as mitotic activity of the epidermal cells decreased [26].…”

Varied Mechanisms of Gas Exchange Parameters in Response to Altered Moisture Levels in Drought-Tolerant Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis Tetragonolaba (L.) Taub.] Genotypes

“…Some studies have revealed that water stress experienced during critical growth stages can lead to significant reduction of crop yields [1,2]. To get the enhanced yields the availability of moisture during flowering and pod filling stages more important [3]. Water stress during both flowering and podfilling stages may reduce the crop yields [4].…”