CABBAGE PRODUCTION

Cabbage belongs to the crucifer family and is a cool season plant; however it can be grown all year round.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
·         The optimum temperatures for cabbage production range from 15ºC to 20ºC with minimum temperatures as low as 0ºC.
·         Cabbage can handle mild frost but temperatures below –10ºC can cause blind heads to be formed.
·         Higher temperatures and moisture experienced in summer can lead to higher incidence of black rot and club root.
·         The growing period for winter cabbage is approximately 120 days and summer cabbage takes approximately 80 days.
 CABBAGE CULTIVAR CHOICE
There are many factors that determine cabbage cultivar choice. These can vary from the time of year you wish to plant, to the type of market you will be supplying. The size and shape of cabbage also varies according to the variety. Consult your nurseryman for specific details on different varieties. This can either be local varieties or hybrids, or improved varieties.
 CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS
v  Cabbage thrives best during the cooler periods of the growing season.
v  Although the optimal temperature range of Cabbage development is between 13 and 15 °C, certain cultivars tolerate the higher temperatures of midseason providing there is ample soil moisture.
v  Other cultivars which mature during midseason may readily bolt. Late-growing Cabbage can withstand light frosts in the fall, although alternate freezing and thawing may damage leaf tissue.
 SOIL CONDITIONSSoils which possess good structure, fertility and water-holding capacity usually produce a satisfactory crop of Chinese cabbage.Cabbage will grow on soils which have pH values from 5.5 to 7.6, although the ideal pH for growth is near neutral (7.0).  CROP PRODUCTION, TILLAGE
v  As a general rule the number of land operations should be kept to a minimum.
v  The previous crop should be ploughed in followed by ripping (very sandy soils – once a year, soils with clay 20% need only be ripped once every 2 – 3 years) After ripping the land should be ploughed, fertilizer spread, disced and then draw lines with a harrow or some sort of tine implement.
v  To maintain and reduce deterioration of soil structure, at least 5 tons of chicken litter or pig manure can be ploughed in.
FERTILISATIONAs a general rule, complete soil analysis should be done before planting to determine your specific soil requirements. A good general recommendation is as follows:·         N = 150 to 200 kg.ha-1. 70 to 90 kg.ha-1 incorporated pre plant.
·         P = 50 kg.ha-1 incorporated pre plant
·         N = 120 kg.ha-1 incorporated pre plant
The soil pH should be approximately 6 – 6.8SPACING AND PLANT POPULATIONSCabbage plant populations vary according to the target market for that particular crop.The ideal plant population per ha-1 for a crop destined for the bagging market would be40000 – 45 000 plants. This would produce firm heads with an average head mass of 2 – 2.5kg. This would produce larger and heavier heads with an average mass of 2.5 – 3kg.SPACINGThe most popular spacing for cabbage production is 50 cm to 50cm in the row (plant to plant) and, 60 cm to 60cm between the rows. A staggered planting regime is recommended to reduce competition between plants.                                                Staggered Planting TRANSPLANTINGv  The soil should be irrigated before transplanting so as to reduce plant stress.
v  Cutworm sprays and herbicides can be applied pre-= or post-planting depending on the farmers preference.
v  When planting a hole should be made with a sharp tool or stake.
v  The seedling must be placed upright in the hole.
Depth sizeThe hole must be deep enough to allow at least 2 ½ cm of soil to cover the top of the plug. The plug should be covered with soil and tamped down carefully by hand so as not to damage the seedling.CROP ROTATIONGood crop rotation is one of the most important aids to intensive vegetable production. There are many different reasons for crop rotation, the most important being the reduction of carry-over effects of diseases and pests from previous crops.In general the following principles apply:·         Alternate deep and shallow rooted crops
·         Alternate crops supplying organic matter with those that utilize
·         Vegetables should be grown in rotation with field or pasture crops.
·         Never follow up crops of the same family
Beans   → cabbage   → butternut ->   green mieliesDISEASES AND THEIR CONTROLLCabbages are susceptible to a number of bacterial and fungal diseases. Most of the more common problems occur over the summer months where high rainfall is experienced. Some cabbage varieties offer disease resistances against specific problems such as1.      Black rot and Black leg.
There is however no chemicals registered for the control of Club root.Pest controlØ  For the general control of pests such as Diamond back moth or Loopers,
Ø  A parathyroid can be used. . For more information on available chemicals contact your local chemical supplier.