ABSTRACT

The cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) plant belongs to the family cruciferae. Its varieties are very responsive to temperature, photoperiod and irrigation. Early varieties if sown late produce “button” head and late varieties if sown early will go on giving leafy growth and will produce curds very late. It is one of the most important winter vegetables of India. India produces 4.694 million metric tons (Mmt) per year of cauliflower from 0.256 million-ha area with an average productivity of about 18.3 mt/ha. The major cauliflower producing states are Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana and Maharashtra. Advance technology for cauliflowers cultivation is use of Hybrid seeds and drip irrigation. In the plains, it is available from September to May. It is consumed as a vegetable in curries, soups and pickles.