Temperate Vegetables (1+1)

CHINESE CABBAGE

AIM: Chinese cabbage is an important crop of temperate region. It is an important leafy cum salad vegetable of South East Asian countries. Its cultivation is possible only under moderate to cool countries (15-20⁰C). All cultural operations Chinese cabbage are same as those for cabbage except that the seeds of Chinese cabbage can also be produced under North Indian plains. The study of present chapter will make the students understand regarding its importance, production technology, seed production techniques and plant protection measures.

BOTANICAL NAME:

• Brassica compestris var. pekinensis (Heading type)
• Brassica compestris var. chinensis (Non-heading type)

FAMILY : Cruciferae
CHROMOSOME NUMBER : 2n=18

ORIGIN :

• It is native of China
• Originated from hybridization of “Pak choi’’ (non-heading Chinese cabbage) and “turnip’’ when they were grown together in the city of Young-chou.
• It is not a member of cole group but regarded as very closely allied crop due to
• Similarity in breeding systems,
• Cultivation practices,
• Season of growing and other features besides being a member of Brassica vegetables.

NUTRITIVE VALUE (per 100 g of edible portion)

Water	95 %	Ca	43 mg
Calories	14 k cal	P	40 mg
Carbohydrates	3.0 g	K	235 mg
Proteins	1.2 g	Na	44 mg
Fat	0.1 g	Mg	13 mg
Fiber	0.57 g	Fe	0.6 mg
Vitamin C	25 mg	Carotene	625 IU
Niacin	0.6mg

SOIL AND CLIMATE

• Fertile soil with sufficient moisture supply and good physical condition of soil is required
  
• Soil pH 6.8-7.8.
• Because of its sensitivity to high temperature, chinese cabbage cultivation in low land areas is confined to winter months.
• During summer, this crop is grown in high altitudes on a limited scale.
• It thrives best at temperature ranging from 15-21⁰C, below which seed stalk may emerge before the production of heads.