On the cover
Broccoli production and consumption in Japan have been increasing annually, with the crop set to receive “designated vegetable” status by 2026. Domestically produced broccoli is primarily shipped for fresh retail markets, with strict shipping standards prioritize a head diameter of 12 cm. Typically, only one head per plant meets this standard; however, new cultivation techniques called “L-shaping” and “V-shaping” now allow for the harvest of two or more heads from a single plant. In processing and food service sectors, inexpensive imported products are commonly used, however, there is growing interest in domestic alternatives. Focusing on the fact that disassembled florets are used for processing, a “large head production system” that is not constrained by conventional shipping standards has been developed and its adaptability has now been confirmed nationwide. Furthermore, since higher head positions are expected to reduce labor during harvest, changes in stem length in response to planting density have also been elucidated.
(Provided by M. Takahashi: Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, NARO)
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