ROLE OF PLANT SPACING AND SOWING ORIENTATION IN CABBAGE GROWTH AND HEAD FORMATION

Abstract

A field experimentation was piloted at Lasbela University, Balochistan, Pakistan, to evaluate the influence of different plant spacings and sowing orientations on the growth and yield performance of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). The study included six treatment combinations involving three plant spacings (45×45, 60×45, 60×60 cm) and two sowing orientations (north-south and east-west). Data were recorded on plant tallness (at 30, 60 days after transplanting and at maturity), leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, head initiation (days), diameter & weight, marketable & unmarketable yield. Results showed that wider spacing, particularly the 60×60 cm configuration combined with north-south orientation (S3O1), significantly enhanced the growth of cabbage plants. This treatment also delayed head initiation slightly but produced significantly larger and heavier heads. Consequently, it resulted in the maximum marketable yield (29.0 Mg ha⁻¹) and the lowermost unmarketable yield (2.5 t ha⁻¹). The improved performance under wider spacing and favorable orientation is attributed to reduced interplant competition and better resource utilization. These results provide useful recommendations for farmers in Balochistan and similar agro-ecological zones aiming for efficient cabbage cultivation.