The effects of root diameter on the yield components of forced chicory (Chicorium intybus L.)

Abstract

The objectiv of this study was to determine wheather the root diameter had an effect on the yield components of forced chicory. The roots of cv. Goriški were divided into four diameters: 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm. Overall results have cleraly demonstrated a high correlation between the root diameter and most of the yield parameters. An increase in root diameter resulted in a significant increase in the total weight, as well as in the net weight of chicons. Net weight of yield varied from 4.20 g per chicon at 10 mm to 72.75 g per chicon at 40 mm. The thickness of the roots had no remarkeble influence on discarded yield of chicons. Root productivity gradually decreased in proportion to root diameter, except at minimum ones. Most of the morphological features of chicons were improved with diameter thickness. In the end it has been verified that marketable yield of forced chicory per unit area, was independent of the root diameter, except at the smallest size.