Performance Evaluation of English Cabbage Varieties for Main Season Production in Fiji

Abstract

English cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop in Fiji, playing a significant role in local food security and the livelihoods of farmers. However, there is limited information available on the adaptability and performance of different cabbage varieties under the main season growing conditions in Fiji. A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of six English cabbage varieties under field conditions in Fiji, assessing variability in germination, growth, maturity, morphological traits, and yield during the main growing season. The aim was to identify high-performing and adaptable cultivars suitable for local cultivation. The experiment consisted of six varietal treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates under field conditions. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among varieties for germination percentage, days to 50% heading, days to maturity, and most vegetative and yield components. Germination ranged widely from 30.07 % to 91.31 %, with V4 (Taiwan 228), V1 (FS Cross), and V6 (Taiwan No. 2) showing the highest establishment. Days to 50% heading and maturity also varied significantly, indicating clear differences in crop duration among varieties. Morphological traits such as plant height, plant width, leaf number, and leaf damage showed significant variation, reflecting strong genetic influence. Yield performance differed markedly, with V6 (Taiwan No. 2) producing the highest head weight (3.39 kg) and yield per hectare (52.04 t/ha), followed by V5 (Taiwan 493) and V4 (Taiwan 228). The V6 (Taiwan No. 2) variety demonstrated superior and stable performance, making it the most suitable variety for cultivation under the given conditions.