EFFECTS OF ADDED NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM ON YIELD AND STORABILITY OF RUTABAGAS

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out at two different locations in Prince Edward Island each year for 3 consecutive years to determine the effects of added nitrogen and potassium on yields of rutabagas (Brassica napobrassica Mill.) and subsequent losses during a 6-mo period in two storage regimes. Preseeding applications of nitrogen at 120 kg ha−1 compared to 40 kg ha−1 increased marketable yields by 7–18%. Applications of potassium at 180 kg ha−1 compared to 60 kg ha−1 had no effect on marketable yields. Mean weight losses from dehydration of rutabagas held for 6 mo at about 2 °C and 95% RH and at about 5 °C and 90% RH were 5.2% and 10.8%, respectively, and were not affected by the nitrogen and potassium treatments. Also, the nitrogen and potassium treatments had no effect on the proportion of the rutabagas that remained in marketable condition during the storage period. Analysis of leaf tissue collected when the rutabaga roots began to enlarge indicated that nitrogen and potassium concentrations of approximately 5.0–6.0% and 2.1–5.9%, respectively, are within the sufficiency range.Key words: Rutabaga, Brassica napobrassica, yield, storability, nitrogen, potassium