SEED PRODUCTION TECHNOLGIES OF KNOL-KHOL

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) is known by many names in India. It is popular in
Kashmir, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and some parts of south India, but it is
not cultivated commercially. It is characterized by the formation of knob (tuber) which arises from a
thickening of the stem tissue above the cotyledons. The fleshy turnip-like enlargement of the stem develops
entirely above the ground. This knob is harvested for human consumption as raw or cooked vegetable,
though in some parts, young leaves are also used.

Floral biology

Inflorescence: It is usually racemose or corymb type. It may be simple or sometimes branched. In corymb
(Iberis) inflorescence the bracts and bracteoles are usually suppressed.
Flower: The flowers complete, hermaphrodite, actinomorphic or sometimes zygomorphic (Iberis). Flowers
may be tetramerous and hypogynous.

Calyx: The calyx consists of 4 sepals which are free and imbricate in nature. The two outer lateral sepals are
often larger and saccate at the base whereas the inner two sepals are usually slimmer.
Corolla: The corolla consists of 4 distinct, diagonally placed petals. Petals are usually long-clawed. In Iberis
corolla is zygomorphic. Two anterior petals are much larger than the posterior petals. Petals are rarely absent
as in case of Coronopus.
Androecium: Stamens are six in number which are tetradynamous. The filaments of the two inner pairs of
stamens are occasionally connate. Sometimes as in Alyssum, the filaments are winged or with tooth like
appendages. Anthers are dithecous, introse and open lengthwise. Some species have four stamens
(Nasturium) and some have only two lateral stamens (Didymus).
*Tetradynamous- Two outer stamens are opposite to the lateral sepals and four inner stamens are opposite
to the petals. Inner stamens have longer filaments than the outer stamens.
Gynoecium: Gynoecium consists of bicarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary. Ovary has two parietal
placentae each with one or many ovules. A false septum extending from one parietal placenta to the other
divides the cavity of the ovary into two locules. The style is simple or absent. Stigma is two lobed or
discoid.
Pollination: The members of this family are both self-pollinated and insect pollinated. As the flowers are
very small, the nectar is not easy available. So the flowers can only be visited by few small insects.
Fruit: The fruit is a pod which dehisces by two valves, break away from below upwards. Seeds remain
attached to the persistent placentae. If the pod is cylindrical it is called siliqua (Brassica sps.) and if the pod
is short and broad it is called siliqcula (Alyssum). The fruits of this family have importance in taxonomic and
systematic studies.
Seed: The seeds are small, non-endospermic with curved embryo. The cotyledons are large incumbent,
Accumbent or folded. Seeds are dispersed by birds, cattle, wind or water.
*Incumbent- The radicle is turned up on the back of one cotyledon
*Accumbent- Radicle is facing the edges of both cotyledons.

Methods of seed production

Normally, knolkhol is self-incompatible and therefore, cross-pollinated in nature. Mass selection/line

breeding/family selection/population improvement methods/hybrid breeding could be utilised for
improvement of knolkhol. For testing quality, fully mature bulbs should be examined for toughness
measured as thickness of vascular tissue and the outer skin or epidermal layer.

A technique used by breeders of marrow-stem kale will provide rapid assessment of the thickness of tough
(lignified) vascular tissue. A narrow wedge should be removed from the bulb and treated by immersing in a
solution of phloroglucin which acts as a stain. The thickness of vascular tissue is a direct measure of
toughness and will be indicated by the width of the pink zone.

Bulbs with the narrowest layers should be selected for future pollination after ensuring that the cut area has
been dusted with a fungicide. The qualitative and quantitative selection should be practiced only upon bulbs
of the same maturity.

Undersized bulbs may be immature due to late germination or competition in the plant bed and should not be
considered for breeding work. On the other hand, large bulbs with very narrow pink zones are valuable since
their growth has not reduced edibility.

Land requirement

Preparation of land is done by 2–3 ploughings, firstly with soil turning plough and after ploughings
with ordinary plough/tiller or disc harrow to get fine tilth. The beds and channels are prepared to facilitate
irrigation. Transplanting of seedlings is done in the evening and/or on cloudy days. The soil around the plant
should be well pressed to establish contact with the roots. This process should be followed by light
irrigation. The dead plants should be replaced and gaps be filled 5–6 days after transplanting. The
transplanting is done at a closer spacing of 25cm × 25cm, 25cm × 30cm, 25cm × 40cm or 30cm × 45cm
depending on climatic conditions and fertility of the soil. The yield is more in close spacing but the size of
knobs is reduced. The early varieties may be planted at closer spacing while the late ones require wider
spacing.

Season for variety and hybrid

Knol-khol thrives best in a relatively cool, moist climate. In temperate regions, the early varieties are
sensitive to early bolting but under subtropical conditions, this problem is not much since the vernalization
effect of low night temperature is counteracted by high temperatures during the day with the result that mean
temperature hardly goes below 10°C. The high temperature after planting delays the bolting of plants that
have been vernalized on the seed bed. It grows well with a monthly average temperature of 15°–20°C,
maximum and minimum average being 24°C and 4.5°C. In late varieties, low temperature does not have
stimulating effect on bolting in early stages. It is vernalized in the later stages only as other biennial cole
crops when the plant has made some growth. It can withstand extreme cold and frost better than other cool
season crops.

Varieties that are susceptible to bolting lack a juvenile phase and become generative without producing
knobs if exposed after germination to low temperature. When the low temperature occurs at the knob
formation stage, the round and flat round varieties produce long oval-shaped knobs. The low temperature or
frost conditions sometimes develop the anthocyanin pigments on knobs or plant parts.

Soil

These pigments are intensified, if there is lack of N and P in soil, deteriorating the quality of knobs,
especially of green types.Knol-khol can be grown on all types of soils. A soil rich in manures and fertilizers
produces excellent knobs. Sandy loam is ideal for an early crop and clay or silt loam for higher yield and
late crop. It does not grow well in highly acidic soil. The optimum pH is 5.5–6.8.

Varieties

Some of the promising varieties available in India are Sutton’s Earliest Purple (Sutton), Golith White
(Sadashiv), Early White Vienna, King of the Market and Early Purple Vienna (Verma, Pocha). Although
research stations and some private seed companies are engaged in testing and maintenance of varieties, no
serious attempt has been made for the improvement of the crop as the available introductions are well-suited
to our conditions. The recommended varieties are:

King of North

It has a plant height of 20–30cm foliage is dark green, knob flattish-round, leaf sheath large and
well-spread over the knob. It matures 60–65 days after transplanting.

In Europe, Wiesmoor Forcing White and Gaugels Forcing White are resistant to bolting and mature 30–45
days after planting. These are early varieties characterized by the horizontal position of the lower leaves.
The late varieties mature 70–100 days after planting. The earliest variety in this group is Purple Speck while
Goliath, is late.

Large Green

It has green, round, large-sized knobs with small tops. The knobs are tender, delicately flavoured with white
flesh. It is ready for harvesting in 76 days with an average yield potential of 225–250q/ha. It has been
recommended for mid and high hills of the western Himalayas.

Purple Vienna

This is about one week late than White Vienna. Knobs are purplish-blue with greenish- white flesh. It has
purple leaves. It requires 55–65 days for knob formation with slightly better yield potential than White
Vienna.

White Vienna

This is an early variety with globular, light green, smooth, tender, medium-sized knobs having creamy-white
tender flesh with delicate flavour. Its plants are dwarf, leaves and stems

Are medium green. It has a yield potential of 150–200q/ha. It matures 55–65 days after transplanting. Early
White Vienna has dwarf plants, short tops and globular round knobs. It takes 50–60 days for knob
formation.

Isolation distance

In the plains of north India, planting may be done in September, while in the milder winter regions,
October is best time for planting. In the hills of northern India, seeds are sown from March–April to August.
About 5–6 week old seedlings are transplanted for summer and autumn crops. The growing of nursery in
March– April needs protection from cold and frost for which low cost polyhouses may be used.

Seeds and sowing method

Knol-khol is usually propagated by seed, the seed rate being 1–1.5kg/ha. Seed should be given a hot
water treatment (50°C) for half an hour against black rot and Apron 35 @ 2g/kg seed against downy mildew
before sowing in disease-prone areas. The seedlings are raised in the nursery beds. About 4–6 weeks old
seedlings are ready for transplanting.

Generally, 60cm wide and 2.5m long nursery beds are prepared. For 1m2 nursery 100g of fertilizer mixture
containing 15g each N, P and K and 2.5–4kg farmyard manure mixed well in soil and raised nursery bed
must be prepared with 30cm channel along with the nursery. On light and drought sensitive soils, sunken
nursery beds are preferred. Acidic soils should be limed. For minimizing the seedling damage, the nursery
beds should be treated with formalin (40% formaldehyde diluted in 5–6 parts of water). Soil is saturated
with this solution, requiring 5 litres/m2. Fumes are then confined by covering nursery beds with burlap or
canvas or polythene for 2 days and then the soil is aerated well for at least 4 days before sowing. This
treatment can be replaced by the use of Captan (0.3%) for soil drenching. Seeds are sown in rows at a
distance of 5–6cm for ease in manual hoeing, weeding and thinning. In too close spacing, the seedlings are
liable to be attacked by damping off disease and become lanky. Proper spacing results in stocky and
vigorous seedlings. A depth of 1.5–2cm is optimum since deeper sowing delays the germination. The
nursery bed is covered with grass to conserve moisture for uniform germination. It is watered as and when
required with watering can. The mulch is removed just before the seed germination to control damping off,
drenching with Dithane M-45 (0.2%) is recommended. Nitrogenous fertilizer (urea) may be added in the
spray when the seedlings growth is poor. However, excessive N results in tender and lanky plants that show
poor establishment after transplanting. Seedlings are hardened in the nursery by restricting the water supply
for about a week before transplanting in the field to enable them to withstand the shock of transplanting.

Manuring and fertilization

Knol-khol responds well to manuring, as it is a heavy feeder. A yield of 20 tonnes/ha removes about
100kg N, 85kg P and 170kg K. Excess of N may cause abundant leafy growth and a delayed crop. Split
application of N is more beneficial. Half of N along with full quantity of P and K are applied at the time of
transplanting. The remaining half N is applied in 2 equal split doses, 3 weeks after transplanting and the
other at the knob development stage. The farmyard manure is added to soil 4–6 weeks before transplanting.
Optimum N and K doses are necessary to get good flavoured knobs.

The deficiency of B, Mo and N may induce physiological disorders such as browning, whiptail and
buttoning. Foliar application of urea (1–2%) to correct the N deficiency is useful and economical. Multiplex
(0.2–0.3%) can be added in the spray to correct the general micronutrient deficiencies. However, to correct
deficiency alone, 10–15kg/ha of borax as soil application or 2 sprays of 0.3% borax on the crop are
beneficial. In highly acidic soils, Mo deficiency can be overcome by liming or soil application of ammonium
molybdate @ 200–300g/ha at a concentration of 0.01–0.1%.

Plant protection measures

Steady growth is of utmost importance. Any check in the growth causes knobs to be fibrous and
woody. On the other hand, too rapid growth after slow initial growth may result in cracking knobs though a
lot of varietal variation exists. The knobs may become elongated in close spacing due to lack of light as in
knobs growing in the shade. The production of elongated knobs may also be induced by high temperature
and excess of N. Cracking of knobs also occurs if the long-dry spell is followed by moist conditions or
irrigation, because of increased root pressure.

Weed Managment

The intercultural operations are performed mainly to check the weed growth to make the soil loose and to
maintain proper moisture condition. Since its root system is shallow, hoeing is done to keep the crop weed-
free. Presence of weeds in the early stages reduces the yield due to poor growth of the plants. Timely
hoeings help check the weed population. As soon as the weeds start appearing, shallow hoeing should be
done. Once the weeds are well-established, their removal disturbs the root system of plants resulting in weak
growth. No sooner the soil is covered with foliage, hoeing is stopped. Hoeing during the knob development
stage is discouraged and weeds if any removed by hand.

Treflan (Trifluralin @ 0.5 litre/ha) and Semeron (Desmetrayne @ 1kg/ha) applied before transplanting
control both monocot and dicot weeds. Use of black polythene mulch for controlling weeds can also be
made. Recently the effectiveness of Stomp (Pendimethalin @ 1– 2kg/ha) in controlling weeds has been
recommended. Practice of a weedicide application supplemented with 1 or 2 hand hoeings is useful and
economical.

Irrigation

Knol-khol requires a continuous supply of moisture for uniform growth and development of knobs. First
irrigation is done immediately after transplanting and thereafter irrigation is done when needed, depending
on soil and weather conditions. Irrigations at 15 days interval are adequate. Heavy irrigation should be
avoided. Irrigation should be applied when the moisture content of the soil has dropped below 50% of field
capacity. At the time of maturity of knobs, irrigation is detrimental.

Harvesting and Post harvest management

The knobs are harvested by cutting the stem just below it by a sharp knife or sickle before they are fully
grown. After that they become tough and woody. The demand is fairly high for knobs of smaller size of
about 5–8cm diameter. In preparing the produce for the market, the root portion is removed and the plants
are tied in bunches along with the tender leaves. It is also marketed after removing both leaves and roots.

The knobs of early varieties may have an average weight of 200–250g while those of late ones weigh up to
1kg. Generally, the yield may vary from 12–30t/ha.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Crops Pure Seed Inter matter Other crop Weed seeds Objectionable **Germination Moisture                (maximum)
minimum (maximum) seeds*** (maximum) weed seeds (minimum) Normal                Vapour-
(maximum) (maximum) proof
container               container
  F C L F C F C F C F C F C L F C F C
Knol- 98. 98. 97. 2.0 2.0 0.05 0.1 0.05 0.2 - - 70 70 65 7.0 7.0 5.0 5.0
Khol 0 0 0 0 0 *

Seed standards

F: Standard for Foundation Class

C: Standard for Certified Class

L: Minimum Limits for Labelling

References

http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=101570#targetText=Knol%2Dkhol%20can%20be
%20grown,good%20quality%20uniform%20sized%20knobs.&targetText=It%20can%20be%20grown%20in%20wide
%20range%20of%20sandy%20soils.&targetText=Early%20cultivars%20grow%20well%20in,perform%20better%20in
%20heavy%20soils.&targetText=The%20optimum%20pH%20of%20the,khol%20cultivation%20is%205.0%2D6.8.

http://eagri.org/eagri50/HORT281/pdf/lec14.pdf

http://www.hillagric.ac.in/edu/coa/vegetables/lectures/VSF_231_Flori/VSF_231_(Vegetable
%20Part)_Akhilesh.pdf

http://www.biologydiscussion.com/vegetable-breeding/knolkhol-origin-breeding-methods-and-varieties-
india/68518

https://www.studyandscore.com/studymaterial-detail/brassicaceae-general-characters-distribution-important-
plants-economic-importance-and-floral-diagram