Yield and Nutritional Quality of Several Non-heading Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) Cultivars with Different Growing Period and Its Modelling

The aims of the experiment, conducted over three years in the Central Europe field conditions, were (1) to investigate the effect of growing period (plantings in the middle and at the end of August: 1st and 2nd term, respectively) on yield and chemical composition of the non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) cultivars 'Taisai', 'Pak Choy White', and 'Green Fortune', and (2) to develop regression models to evaluate the changes in crop yields as a function of weather conditions. A highest marketable yield was obtained from 'Taisai' (65.71 and 77.20 t.ha(-1)), especially in the 2nd term of production. Low yield, observed for 'Pak Choy White' was due to its premature bolting. Almost 39% (1st term) and 70% (2nd term) of plants of this cultivar formed inflorescence shoots before harvest. The highest dry matter level was observed in the leaf petioles of 'Taisai', while 'Green Fortune' was the most abundant of carotenoids and L-ascorbic acid. The content of soluble sugars was the lowest for 'Pak Choy White'. In a phase of harvest maturity, more of the analyzed constituents were gathered by plants from earlier plantings, and differences were as follows: 4.7% (dry matter), 26.3% (carotenoids) and 22.1% (L-ascorbic acid), in comparison to 2nd term of production. Significant increase of soluble sugars level was observed for plants from later harvest. The regression model for marketable yield of Chinese cabbage cultivar 'Taisai' as a function of maximum air temperature can predict the yield with accuracy 68%. The models for yield or bolting of 'Pak Choy White', based on extreme air temperatures and sunshine duration, were more precise (98%). It should be pointed out that Taisai could be recommended for later growing period in Central Europe conditions with regard to maximum yield potential. 'Green Fortune' was notable for its uniform yielding. To obtained plants of higher nutritional value, earlier time of cultivation should be suggested. Described models can be successfully applied for an approximate simulation of Chinese cabbage yielding.