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Chapter - 14
Economic Importance of Vegetables:
Exclusive to Hills
Neerja Sharma*,A.K. Gupta, R.K. Sanmotra, R.K.Arora and Raju
Gupta
*Subject Matter Specialist, Horticulture
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, SKUAST-J, Kathua
The vegetable crops like knol-khol, Broccoli and kale belong to the genus
brassica of the cruciferae family. They are essentially cold weather, hardy crops
and thrive best in cool moist season. These crops, if grown under warm
conditions, the produce become pungent due to development of glucocide called
sinigrin containing sulphur. According to Chowdary (1967), the crops of this
group have developed from wild cliff cabbage, also known as cole wrots, from
which the name cole has been given. Their taste founds to be more sweat in hills
due to low temperature and constitute at top in the list of preference vegetables
for people all over India.
This chapter attempts to describe the cultivation of these three cole crops,
exclusively grown in hills of India.
Knol-Khol
Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gonylodes) is a well known green–
leafy vegetable, which is consumed with leaves and knobs. It is popular
among Kashmiri people and the people of hilly areas. Its cultivation is
confined to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pardesh, West Bengal,
Uttranchal and Punjab. Due to its year round demand and conducive
181
Hill Agriculture : The Economics and Sustainability Pp181-193
© Editors, Pawan Kumar Sharma & Sudhakar Dwivedi, 2013
New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi - 110034, India

Economic Importance of Vegetables: Exclusive to Hills 182
agro-climate available in J&K, it can be cultivated round the year. The
crop is of short duration and be grown three to four times a year. Thus
it gives very high productivity per unit area.
Uses and Economic Importance
The edible part is tender leaves and swollen stem called tuber or
knob, which arises from the thickening of stem tissue just above the
ground. Knol- khol is a rich source of minerals like Ca, Mg, K, P, Na
and S. Knobs are either cooked as vegetable or used in the preparation
of soup, pickles. It is rich in dietary fiber, which besides preventing
constipation, endowed with anti- colon cancer properties. Its knob is
also used as salad.
Varieties
The factors which determine the value of knol-khol are earliness,
productivity and resistance to bolting. According to colour, varieties
are classified into pale green tuber and purplish blue tubers.A few
important ones are as follows:
White Vieena
It is an early variety with dwarf plants. The leaves and stem are
medium green. Knobs are globular, smooth, light green with creamy
white flesh. It matures in 55-60 days after transplanting.
Early White Vieena
An early variety, takes 55-60 days for development of knobs after
transplanting. Knobs are globular, light green, flesh tender and creamy
white with delicate flavour.

Early Purple Vieena
This is also an early maturing variety, taking 55-60 days for knob
formation aftertransplanting. Theleaves arepurplish, knobs are globular
with purple skin and light green flesh.
King of North
This variety takes 60-65 days to harvest after transplanting. It has
dark green flattish round knobs. Dark green leaves are well spread over
the knobs.
Climate and Soil
Knol-khol is mainly grown as a winter vegetable crop. It prefers
cool climate and an optimum temperature for its growth, which is
between15-250C depending upon cultivars. Early varieties are prone to
premature bolting. When grown below 150C for longer period, these
varieties produce flowering stalks directly without forming knobs.
Lower temperature adds the flavour, improve the texture and other
quality parameters and on the other hand higher temperature increase
fibres, pungency and reduce the palatability. Knol-khol can be grown
on all types of soils but soil rich in organic matter give better quality
and uniform knobs. For an early crop sanndy or sandy loam soil are
considered best and for late crop where higher yield is the main
consideration, clay loamy soil (heavy) are more suitable.
Raising of Nursery
Knol-khol is grown from seed. The seedsare sown in raisednursery
beds of 3.3×1.0×0.15m size. Nursery bed management is one of the most
important aspects for producing sturdy and healthy seedlings. The soil
must be dug well to break the clods and exposed the soil to sunlight
for few days to kill the disease pathogens and eggs of insects-pest
.Seed bed may be drenched with formaldehyde 1% solution @ 5 litres/
m2, and then covered with polythene sheet for 7-10 days.
Heavy fertilization of nursery bed is generally not required.
Application of 15-20 kg FYM per bed is sufficient. Avoid the dose of
urea as nitrogenous fertilizers, because it makes the plant lanky. In case
of poor soil, application of 20-25 gm SSP and 40-45 gm MOP should be
given. Before sowing, seed should be treated with captan, thiram or
bavistin @ 2 gm per kg of seed to avoid the attack of damping-off. The
seeds are to be sown at the distance of 5×10 cm with the depth of 2-

2.5cm otherwise it will delay the germination. After the sowing, the
rows are covered with a thin layer of compost or dry grass to conserve
the moisture and check the growth of weeds. Thereafter, the beds are
irrigated with a rose can. Weeds are removed manually; otherwise they
will compete with young seedlings. When the seedlings are 4-6 week
old, 12-15cm long and are at 4-6 leave stage they are ready for
transplanting into the main field.
Cultivation
About 1-1.5 kg/ha or 50-75g/kanal seed is sufficient for raising
the seedlings. The quantity of seed may be doubled, if direct method of
sowing is practiced. Due to varied climatic conditions in Northern India,
sowing time also varies. In northern plains sowing is done from
September-January and in hills from March-August in open condition.
But, when the winters are severe planting may be done in low cost poly
house.
Field for knol-khol should be ploughed well to ensure good tillage
and decomposition of weeds. A clod free soil provides a good grow
medium for the development of roots. Atleast 3-4 ploughings areneeded
for good tilth. Light watering of nursery bed before lifting the seedlings
make their removal easy without any injury to root system.
Transplanting is done either on flat bed or on ridges. The planting is
done in evening for better survival in the field. Generally, knol khol is
planted at the distance of 30x20 cm. Different spacing of 30×45cm,
30×30cm,and 15×30cm has also been tried under POONCH (Jammu &
Kashmir) conditions at farmers’ fields during the year 2008 and 2009.
The results showed that planting of knol-khol at closer spacing i.e at
15×30cm restricts the knob formation but overall yield per unit area is
maximized. This spacing can be used in areas where consumers prefer
leaves of knol-khol more compared to its knobs.
Manures and Fertilizers
Farm Yard Manure (FYM) @ 30 tonnes can be added to the soil
atleast 15 days before transplanting. Application of NPK @ 100:50:50per
hectare (10.5kg urea, 5.2kg DAP and 4.2 kg Potash) affects the growth
and yield of knol khol crop. The full doses of phosphorus and potash
and half dose of nitrogen should be given at the time of transplanting
and remaining half dose of nitrogen is applied one month after
transplanting. In case of integrated nutrient management system,
application of Azotobacter as seedling dips for 30 minutes@200 g/lt.

along with 75% NPK was found significantly superior in terms of
earliness of the crop under the climatic condition of Poonch (Sharma
N 2010).
Irrigation
The crop should be irrigated immediately after transplanting of
seedlings. Subsequent irrigation depends upon the climate, soil and
variety. Dry spells during early growth period and at knob initiation
period reduces the yield and also causing the cracking of knobs. This
crop requires 4-5 irrigations at the interval of 8-10 days during its life
period.
Interculture and Weed Management
Manual weeding and hoeing using khurpi are desirable, but when
the tubers start enlarging, no hoeing should be done. Two manual
hoeings that accompanies weeding also are enough to keep the crop
free from weeds and also for proper aeration of root system.Pre-planting
application of weedicide of Basalin 0.5lt/ha gave excellent control of
monocot as well as dicot weeds with higher yield.
Harvesting and Yield
The knobs are harvested by cutting the stem just below it by a
sharp knife or sickle before the tubers get over mature. The over matured
knobs have poor edible quality because of more fibre content. Usually
knobs may be harvested when they are 6-8 cm diameter. In late maturity
varieties, some time bigger knobs of 10-12cm can also be harvested.
Individual tubers may weigh 150-200 g, while yield per hectare may
vary from 12-20 tonnes.
Post-Harvest Handling
To avoid the human health hazards, the duration betweenspraying
of chemicals and harvesting should be more than 10 days. The post
harvest handling of knol–khol includes trimming of stalks, damaged
rotten and discoloured leaves, avoiding the direct contact of leaves
with soil, grading to have uniform produce, proper packing in suitable
container to avoid bruising injury in transportation, sprinkling of water
overthe leaves to maintain turgidity and freshness should be practiced.

Sprouting Broccoli
Broccoli
United States of America is the largest producer of broccoli in the
world. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is of two types- heading
and purple or green sprouting. Heading broccoli forms curds like
cauliflower, while sprouting broccoli contains a group of green,
immature buds and thick fleshy flower stalk forming a head. In recent
years cultivation of broccoli has gained momentum in India. It has
proved an important commodity under protected cultivation during
off-season especially around big cities and tourist place.
Uses and Economic Importance
Morphologically, broccoli resembles cauliflower, but the plant
forms head rather than curd, consisting of green buds and thick fleshy
floral stalk. Both heads and fleshy stems are eaten as salad or cooked as
single or mixed vegetables with potato.
Now, it is not only a delicacy for foreigners but has also become
quite popular with Indians because of its nutritive values. Besides anti-
carcinogenic properties, broccoli is a rich source of vitamins, minerals,
proteins etc. Ithasabout130 timesmorevitamin content than cauliflower
and22 times morethan cabbage. It is also a rich source of sulphoraphane,
a compound associated with reducing the risk of cancer.
Varieties
This crop is gaining popularity in India too recent years. There is
more demand for green sprouting broccoli having green, firm and
compact crown head. They are grouped in to early, mid and late types.
Important types are given as under:

Palam Samridhi
This is a high yielding variety. Its large terminal head weighs about
300-400g. Average yield varies from 20-50 t/ha.
Pusa KTS 1
It is a medium tall (65-70cm) variety. Foliage is waxy and dark
green with slightly wavy margins. Heads are solid green with small
beads slightly raised at the centre. The main head size and weight are
about 6-15.4 cm and 350-400 g respectively. It matures in 90-105 days
after transplanting under temperate climate.
Soil and Climate
Sandy loam or clay loam soils rich in organic matter are preferred
for raising broccoli crop. A well drained soil of 5.5-6.5 pH with water
retention capacity gives better yield. Stagnation of water causes injury
to root system of the plant. It is cool season crop resistant to mild frost.
In the higher hills, it may be grown as a spring-summer crop. The
temperature of 20-250C is optimum for its proper growth, while 15-200C
for heading stage. The head become loose with rise in temperature.
Raising of Nursery
Broccoli is grown from seed. The seeds are sown in raised nursery
beds of 3.3×1.0×0.15m size. Nursery bed management is one of the most
important aspects for producing sturdy and healthy seedlings. The soil
must be dug well to break the clods and exposed the soil to sunlight for
few days to kill the disease pathogens and eggs of insects-pest. Seed
bed may be drenched with formaldehyde 1% solution @ 5 litres/m2,
and then covered with polythene sheet for 7-10 days to protect the
seedling from damping-off.
Heavy fertilization of nursery bed is generally not required.
Application of 15-20 kg FYM per bed is sufficient, avoids the dose of
urea as nitrogenous fertilizers because it makes the plant lanky. In case
of poor soil, application of 20-25 gm SSP and 40-45 gm MOP should be
given. Before sowing, seed should be treated with captan, thiram or
bavistin @ 2 gm per kg of seed to avoid the attack of damping-off. The
seeds are to be sown at the distance of 5×10 cm with the depth of 2-
2.5cm, otherwise it delays the germination. After the sowing, the rows
are covered with a thin layer of compost or dry grass to conserve the
moisture and check the growth of weeds. Thereafter, the beds are

irrigated with a rose can. Weeds are removed manually; otherwise they
will compete with young seedlings. When the seedlings are 4-6 week
old, 12-15 cm long and are at 4-6 leave stage they are ready for
transplanting into the main field.
Seed Rate and Sowing Time
About 400-500 g seed is sufficient for planting one hectare of land.
Sowing in hills is done in July-August. However, in still higher hills,
sowing is also done in March-April. Late varieties sown in hills can
withstand frost and are ready for harvest in March-April.
Field Preparation and Transplanting
Field should be ploughed well to ensure good tillage and
decomposition of weeds. A clod free soil provides a good growing
medium for the development of roots. Atleast 3-4 ploughings areneeded
for good tilth. Light watering of nursery bed before lifting the seedlings
make their removal easy without any injury to root system.
Transplanting is done either on flat bed or on ridges. The planting is
done in evening for better survival in the field.
Manures and Fertilizers
Farm Yard Manure (FYM) @ 30 tonnes should be added to the soil
atleast 15 days before transplanting. Application of NPK @ 120:60:60
per hectare (12.6kg urea, 6.3kgDAPand 5.1 kg Potash) affects the growth
and yield of knol khol crop. The full doses of phosphorus and potash
and half dose of nitrogen should be given at the time of transplanting
and remaining half dose of nitrogen is applied one month after
transplanting. Application of 500 g molybdenum and 10-15 kg borax
helps in controlling the deficiency of micro- nutrients.
Spacing
Seedlings are transplanted 45cm apart within and between the
rows. In very rich soils, spacing can be reduced to 45×30 cm to avoid
stem hollowness due to rapid plant growth. At a wider spacing, plants
produce more laterals. The closer spacing is preferred for mechanical
harvesting of the central head, whereas, closer spacing delays maturity.
Irrigation
The crop is irrigated immediately after transplanting of seedlings
and subsequently irrigation depends upon the climate, soil and variety.

This crop requires 4-5 irrigations at the interval of 8-10 days during its
life period. Dry spell during early growth and head development stage
reduce the yield considerably.
Interculture and Weed management
Manual weeding and hoeing using khurpi are desirable, but when
the tubers start enlarging, no hoeing should be done. Two manual
hoeings that accompanies weeding also are enough to keep the crop
free from weeds and also for proper aeration of root system.Pre-planting
application of weedicide of Basalin0.5lt/ha (20g/kanal) gave excellent
control of monocot as well as dicot weeds with higher yield.
Harvesting and Post Harvest Management
Early type varieties mature in 40-50 days, mid in 60-100 days, and
late after 100 days of transplanting. Usually the crop is ready for harvest
from November-April in the hills and August-October in higher hills of
north India. If harvesting is delayed, the bud clusters become loosen.
The growth of lateral shoot is promoted in the leaf axil. The central
head is removed alongwith 15cm long fleshy stem. The leaves are
removed from the cut stem and head. Generally, harvesting continues
for 4-6 weeks. Central head weighs about 500-600g and on an average,
its yield varies from 100-150 q/ha.
After harvesting, its head should be immediately sorted, graded,
packed in baskets and sent to markets. A high rate of respiration results
in deterioration of its quality. They can be stored well for 7-10 days at
40C. Broccoli can also be preserved in glass jars after lactic acid
fermentation.
Physiological Disorder
Deficiency of molybdenum causes whip-tail in which the lamina
of the newly formed leaves become leathery, irregular and consists of
only mid rib. This can be prevented by soil application of 1-1.5 kg of
molybdenum before planting.
Browning of heads happens because of Boron deficiency. At first,
water soaked areas appear on bud cluster which turn pinkish or rusty
brown in advanced stages, results the rotting. This can be prevented by
soil application of 20 kg /ha of borax. Foliar spray of 0.25-0.5% borax is
more effective.

Kale
Kale (Brassica oleracea var.acephala) is a minor temperate vegetable.
Its cultivation on a commercial scale is very rare in India. It is grown on
a limited scale in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttra-Khand
and Nilligiri hills in India. Its cultivation has picked up around
metropolitan cities due to rising demand in hotels.
Climate and Soil
Kale is mostly cultivated in temperate climate but it can be grown
in regions having cool winters. It is hardiest crop and can withstand
temperature as low as -10 to -150C. Some varieties are less hardy which
are grown in tropical regions too.
A well drained, sandy loam soil is ideally suited for its cultivation.
It thrives well on any good type of soil with proper drainage. Kale is
more salt tolerant than cabbage.
Varieties
Kale’s varietiesare groupedintodwarf, medium-tall andtall having
plant height below 40cm, 40-80cm and above 80cm respectively.
Importantvarieties of dwarf type are Dwarf Green Curled Scotch,Dwarf
Moss Curled Scotch, Dwarf Moss Curled, Moss Curled and Hamburger
Market (Medium-tall). All the tall varieties generally shed their leaves
earlier and are less productive.
Cultivation
It is mostly propagated by seed. The seeds are sown in nursery
beds to raise the seedlings. Direct field sowing is also practiced. About
350-400g of seed is enough to raise seedlings for a hectare. August-
September is ideal sowing time in Jammu & Kashmir,Himachal-Pradesh

and Nilgiri hills. About 4-6 weeks old seedlings are ready for
transplanting in the field at the spacing of 45×30 cm. In late planting,
spacing can be reduced as compared to early crop. For sturdy varieties,
the planting distance can be increased up to 70 cm especially in rich
soils.
Manuring and Fertilization
A basal dose of 20-25 tonnes of farm yard manure is applied at the
time of field prepartion. Fertilizer dose of 150 kg N/ha, 75kg P and 75
kg k/ha should be applied. Nitrogen is given in split doses at planting
time, 30-40 days after planting and 15-20 days prior to first harvesting.
Irrigation
First irrigation is to be given immediately after transplanting. The
subsequent irrigations are given at 15-20 days interval. However, it can
withstand drought as well.
Interculture
Hoeing and weeding should be done regularly to keep the crop
free from weed. Usually 2-3 hoeing and weedings are sufficient. Once
the leaves cover the soil there is no need of hoeing. A shallow hoeing is
necessary to avoid root injury.
Harvesting and Post Harvest Management
The harvesting of Kale starts from November and continues till
January end. It should be done at appropriate vegetative stage of plant
to obtain best quality harvest. The whole rosette of dwarf varieties is
harvested at one time. The autumn sown crop usually yields more
compared to early sown crop. On an average it yields 100-250q/ha.
The produce should be sorted into small bundles before packing
into the baskets and sent to market. The green leaves cannot be stored
for a long period under ordinary conditions hence refrigerated storage
should be arranged.
Plant Protection
Knol-khol, sprouting broccoli, kale and other cole crops are
vulnerable to fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. The most common
diseases attacking these crops and their management are discussed here
under:

Damping–off
This disease is caused by fungus Pythium, Phytopthora, Rhizoctonia.
Damping–off is primarily a disease of nursery andoccursin twophases.
In pre-emergence phase, the young seedlings are killed before theyreach
the surface of soil and post emergence consists of rapid shrinking and
darkening of cortical tissue of hypocotyls. The control measures have
been discussed under raising of nursery.
Downy Mildew
Thedisease is incited by an obligate pathogenPernospora parasitica.
It occurs during winters in northern plains and early summer in hills.
The optimum temperature for the spread of disease is 160C. Small
chlorotic, irregular,translucent, light green lesions appear on leaf lamina
in the initial stage with pronounced downy growth of fungus on lower
leaf surface during humid conditions. In severe form, it may infect the
sprouts or heads. One protective spray of Ridomil MZ 72@0.2mg before
the onset of favourable conditions followed by Dithan M 45@ 2mg/l
at 10 days interval control the problem.
Early Blight
The disease is caused by Alternaria, fungus is soil borne. Circular
angulardark brown spots appearon the lowerleaves. Concenteric circles
of 2-5mm in diameter are found at advanced stage. The control measures
are same as in Downy mildew.
Black Rot
It is caused by Xanthomonas campestris. The disease dose not spread
below50C and above 360C. V-shaped chlorosis and blackening of veins
are the characteristic symptoms of this disease. Hot water treatment of
seeds at 50 0C for 30 minutes is the only satisfactory method of checking
this disease. Thesprayingof Streptocyline at 100-200 ppm is alsoeffective
to check the spread of disease.
Insects-Pests
Cut worm (Agrotis spp.)
Cut worm cuts the plant from ground level after transplanting.
They are nocturnal in habit and cut more plants than actually feed. Their
attack remains up to the period of one month. Irrigate the field, collect

the caterpillars from the standing water and destroy them. Use lindane
@1.25 kg /kanal before transplanting in the field.
Cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae)
These are greenish in colour during early stages and congerate on
leaves for feeding. In severe case whole plant is skeltonised. Collect
and destruct the eggs. If the attack is noticed near maturity, spray the
crop with malathion 50 EC 2 mg /lt. of water.
Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)
These are yellowish green in colour. Both nymphs and adult suck
the sap from leaves and cause the curling. Spray the crop with NSKE
(neem seed kernal extract) or oxydemeton methyl 0.02%. Use mustard
as trap crop.
Mustard saw fly (Athalia proxima Lugans)
Black larvae gregariously feed on leaves. As and when observed,
spray the crop with contact insecticides like Chloropyriphos.
Diamond back moth: (Plutella xylostella)
One of the notorious pests throughout the world on cole crops;
causes extensive defoliation of young leaves, mostly on growing part
by green, small larvae. Use Indian mustard as trap crop and apply 4%
neem seed kernal extract at head initiation between 17 and 28 days after
planting to manage diamond back moth.


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