Factors causing small curds in cauliflower crops

Abstract

SummaryVigorous cauliflower plants sometimes bear abnormally small curds, yet this common problem has received little recognition or attention from research workers. Curd size is often reduced towards the end of the harvesting period of a crop, and this is more marked if environmental conditions reduce mean curd size and lengthen the time to maturity. Small late curds may be a consequence of their slow growth rather than their late initiation. Cultivars differ in their tendency to produce plants with late maturity and small curds. This may not be due to genetic differences within cultivars. Moreover, breeding to eliminate or reduce this condition may not be possible without affecting overall maturity time and curd size.