Performance of Fresh-market Cabbage Hybrids during the Cool Season in a Subtropical Region

Abstract

A field study was conducted in the Constanza Valley [1234 m (4048.6 ft) above sea level, loam soil, average temperature 14.7 to 25.0 °C (58.46 to 77.00 °F), photoperiod 11.2 to 12.6 hours] in the Dominican Republic, to compare the head characteristics, damage caused by diamondback moth larvae (Plutella xylostella), yield, and earliness of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Group Capitata) hybrids `Bravo', `Blue Vantage', `Express', `Genesis', `Green Cup', `Head Start', SW 2007, `Hildur' (SW 2008), `Gretania' (SW 2010), `Hampus' (SW 2011), and XPH 847, to the industry standard `Izalco'. `Genesis' had the highest yield among all the hybrids tested, including `Izalco'. The yield of `Izalco' did not significantly differ from the yield of `Blue Vantage', `Green Cup', `Express', XPH 847, SW 2007, and `Bravo'. However, `Bravo' and `Express' were more damaged by diamondback moth larvae. `Head Start', XPH 847, SW 2007, `Gretania', `Hildur', and `Hampus' were either significantly less productive or more susceptible to damage by the diamondback moth larvae than `Izalco'. In terms of yield, earliness, head shape, and losses due to the diamondback moth larvae, `Green Cup', `Blue Vantage' and `Genesis' were comparable or superior to `Izalco'.