Effect of plant density on the growth, development and yield of brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea L. var. gemmifera L.)

Plant density is an important variable for achieving maximum yields and uniform vegetable maturity. Optimal plant density can be achieved by establishing appropriate distances both between the rows as well as in the rows of plants. The experiment was carried out between 2010–2012 at the experimental field of the Crimean Agrotechnological University in Simferopol, Ukraine. The experiment was established as randomised blocks with four replications. This study aimed to determine the effect of plant density on the growth, development and yield of Brussels sprouts. Increasing the area per plant resulted in a shortening of the time to the beginning of head formation, technical maturity and harvest. In all study years, increasing the distance between plants caused an increase in leaf assimilation area, stalk diameter and the number of heads per plant, however, the height of plants was lower. The most favourable parameters characterising marketable yield were found at an area per plant of 0.56 m<sup>2</sup>, however, the maximum yield from 1 ha (determining the profitability of the cultivation) was found at an area of 0.49 m<sup>2</sup> per plant.