Strategic broccoli cultivation reduces field losses

Faced with challenges in the field, such as climate variations and disease pressure, horticulturists have sought more resilient, productive, and economically viable materials. In broccoli cultivation, a single-head hybrid has been gaining market recognition for adding value at all stages of production. 

According to TSV Sementes Technical Sales Consultant, Lavoisier Neto – who serves the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará, Maranhão, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Pará, Amapá, Amazonas and Roraima –, Master hybrid broccoli is a reference in quality and productivity, with good post-harvest conservation, strong plants and year-round planting. 

"If the producer's area is 100% Master-grade, he or she will benefit from a planting cycle, with increased productivity and savings on fertilizers and pesticides, due to its one-week earlier maturity than the market. And during rainy periods, he or she will have higher harvest yields and no losses, because our material is highly tolerant to lateral branch formation, hollow stem formation, and high tolerance to cruciferous black rot (Xcc). It is a product that currently leads planting in the Ibiapaba Mountains (CE), a prominent region for broccoli cultivation," emphasizes Lavoisier.  

With compact plants and good root aggressiveness, the hybrid has an early growth cycle, between 50 and 60 days, approximately 450g in weight, and tightly closed heads with medium grain size and dark green color. "Its high hardiness and stability, combined with the excellent shape and commercial quality of the head, are characteristics that are winning over markets in various regions and planting seasons, offering security and income to the producer. One tip is to anticipate topdressing and manage irrigation well," adds the technical consultant. 

"Master F1 is an excellent product for winter and summer. It's a very good size; we can produce up to 800g. The cycle is short, averaging 52 days, and it's a broccoli that can withstand the rainy season. I'm part of a group of producers, and we ship our product to several Brazilian states," says producer Francisco Reginaldo Leitão Silva, from Guaraciaba do Norte, Serra da Ibiapaba, Ceará.