Abstract:

To select the broccoli cultivars with excellent morphological and quality traits, and provide material basis for the quality improvement, 19 domestic broccoli cultivars commonly used were taken as materials, and the morphological and quality indexes of flower head were determined, including quality, diameter, stem diameter, shape, size, color, chlorophyll, water, soluble protein, total soluble sugar and vitamin C. The results showed that the morphological and quality traits of these broccoli cultivars had significant differences, and most cultivars were relatively circular in shape and dark green in color. The diameter of flower head of ‘Saliao 55’ was the largest (18.50 cm); while the stem diameter of ‘Lvguan 308’ was the largest (3.97 cm). Both the quality and the water content of ‘Lvguan 90’ were the highest (286.82 g and 79.62% respectively). The shape of ‘Yilv’ was circular and its color was grey green, and the content of chlorophyll, total soluble sugar and vitamin C were all the highest (2.35 mg/g, 9.71% and 29.17 mg/100 g respectively), but the soluble protein content was the lowest (10.28 mg/g). The shape of ‘Biqing’ was relatively circular and its color was light green, and it had the highest level of soluble protein (11.32 mg/g) and the lowest level of chlorophyll and water content (1.31 mg/g and 47.13% respectively). It is found by the comprehensive comparison that three cultivars including ‘Lvguan 90’, ‘Biqing’ and ‘Yilv’ are of outstanding quality traits which could be used for further genetic improvement of broccoli.

Key words: broccoli, cultivars, morphological trait, quality trait, comprehensive characters, comparison