Cauliflower AQUINA

A. LAND PREPARATION Land preparation is carried out to ensure good soil aeration, drainage, and eliminate plant pests. The soil is tilled and temporary raised beds are created. Manure is spread on top of the beds at a rate of 2-4 kg/m², followed by the application of SP-36 fertilizer at 15 g per plant and KCL at 15 g per plant. The soil is then covered and formed into beds, measuring 1 meter in height, 30 cm in width, and with a 40 cm drainage path. If using plastic mulch, the beds are covered with plastic and planting holes are made at a spacing of 60 cm x 50 cm.

B. SEEDLING PRODUCTION Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in warm water for one hour to expedite germination. The seedling medium consists of finely sifted topsoil, compost, and rice husk charcoal in a ratio of 1:1:1. The mixture is filled into polybags or special seedling trays, ensuring the medium remains moist. The soaked seeds are then sown. Seedlings are ready for transplanting at 20-25 days after sowing.

C. PLANTING Planting is best done in the morning or evening. Healthy and vigorous seedlings are selected for transplanting. During hot conditions, irrigation should be carried out once or twice a day for one week. Thinning is performed if any plants die or exhibit abnormal growth. The optimal spacing between rows is 40-50 cm, while the spacing between rows is 60-70 cm.

D. MAINTENANCE To achieve optimal results, cauliflower plants need additional fertilizer based on their requirements and age. The recommended types and dosages of fertilizer are as follows:

• 14 days after transplanting (DAT): 5 g per plant (NPK)
• 24 DAT: 5 g per plant (NPK)
• 34 DAT: 10 g per plant (5 g NPK, 5 g KCL)
• 44 DAT: 10 g per plant (5 g NPK, 5 g KCL) The application method can be broadcasting or banding, depending on weather conditions.

E. PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

1. Cutworms (Agrotis ipsilon) Mechanical control is challenging as these pests hide in the soil during the day. Spraying insecticide with the active ingredient Beta-Cyfluthrin at a dosage of 1-2 ml per liter is recommended.

2. Diamondback Moth and Cabbage Moth (Plutella xylostella and Crocidolomia) Control measures include environmental sanitation around the planting area and spraying insecticide with the active ingredient Emamectin benzoate at a dosage of 0.5 g per liter or Spinetoram at a dosage of 0.5-1 ml per liter.

3. Cabbage Looper Control can be achieved by spraying insecticide with the active ingredient Cypermethrin at a dosage of 1-2 ml per liter.

4. Clubroot Disease This disease is caused by the fungus Plasmodiophora brassicae. Infected plants wilt during the day but appear healthy in the morning and evening. Control measures include applying a fungicide with the active ingredient Flusulfamid at a dosage of 200 kg/ha.

F. HARVESTING This cauliflower variety is suitable for lowland to medium-altitude areas and exhibits drought tolerance. Harvesting can begin at 45-50 days after transplanting when the plants have formed compact heads. Yields can reach 2-3.5 kg per plant, with a potential harvest of

1. BACTERIAL BLIGHT (Black Rot) Symptoms include wilting and yellowing (chlorosis) along the leaf margins, forming a distinct "V" shape. The veins in the affected areas turn black. In advanced stages, necrotic symptoms appear, and the affected parts turn brown. The disease spreads easily through splashing water. It can be seed-borne, transmitted through infected seeds. Control measures include removing and destroying infected plant parts, crop rotation with non-host plants, and the application of bactericides containing active ingredients such as Streptomycin, Oxytetracycline, and Dazomet.

2. SOFT ROT Early symptoms resemble scalding with hot water and progress rapidly, with the affected areas turning brown and emitting a foul odor. This disease is caused by bacteria of the Pectobacterium spp (Erwinia spp) genus. The bacteria can persist in the soil and plant debris. Wounds from cultivation, insect attacks, and harvesting provide entry points for bacterial infection. The disease can be spread through water channels, rain, and insects. It thrives in warm temperatures (25-35°C), high humidity, and heavy rainfall, commonly found in medium to high altitude areas. Control measures involve avoiding injuries during cultivation, proper storage and transportation of harvested produce, uprooting infected plants to prevent further transmission, maintaining moisture around the plants, and applying bactericides containing active ingredients like Streptomycin and Oxytetracycline.