New cabbage variety is heat-resistant and can be grown in summer

Cabbage, commonly known as Korean cabbage, is loved by the public for its sweet and crispy taste. However, cabbage is suitable for growing in mild and cool climates, so it is an important bulk vegetable in winter. In summer, it needs to be cultivated in cold areas or rely on foreign imports. In order to overcome the problem of being unable to grow cabbage on flat land in summer, the Taichung District Agricultural Improvement Station has developed the heat-resistant and high-yield cabbage "Taichung No. 2", which will bring new choices and experiences to Taiwanese people in summer cabbage consumption, change Taiwan's cabbage production model, and reduce the problem of high vegetable prices in summer.

The cabbage variety "Taichung No. 2" has bright-colored leaves, a pleasing appearance, and solves the problem of high vegetable prices in summer. (Photo courtesy of the Council of Agriculture)

Lin Jinhong, section chief of the Taichung District Agricultural Improvement Station, said that currently Taiwan's cabbage varieties mainly come from Japan, among which early autumn cabbage has a market share of up to 70% and has dominated the Taiwan market for more than 50 years. However, this variety is not heat-resistant, and in order to meet the needs of the summer consumer market, it can only be planted in cold areas. The cabbage 228 variety that has emerged in recent years is currently the most heat-resistant commercial variety in Taiwan, but its appearance and edible quality are not good.

With the environmental controversy and high production cost issues arising from cultivation in high-altitude cold regions, coupled with climate change factors, the heat resistance of cabbage varieties has become an important key to the success of cultivation. Therefore, breeding heat-resistant and high-quality cabbage varieties is an urgent need for the industry.

Lin Jinhong pointed out that the cabbage variety "Taichung No. 2" has bright leaf color, pleasing appearance, narrow and short central column, and fluffy ball. It has a sweet taste and low fiber content, comparable to early autumn cabbage. More importantly, cabbage Taichung No. 2 has good heat resistance and high summer yield. After it is promoted and listed in the future, it will be able to change the current cabbage cultivation model and solve the problem of high vegetable prices in summer.

The Taichung District Agricultural Improvement Station pointed out that the cabbage "Taichung No. 2" is a mesophytic variety and can be harvested about 60 days after planting in summer, and 72 days in autumn and winter. Cultivated in the high temperature climate in summer, the average head weight is about 1.7 kg, the head shape is beautiful, and there is no problem of top burn caused by high temperature and calcium deficiency. It shows excellent heat resistance and can stabilize the cabbage production in flat land in summer.

This variety is currently in the process of technology transfer. It is believed that after it is promoted and put on the market, it can bring new choices and experiences to the Chinese people in summer cabbage consumption, and change the model that it can only be produced in high-altitude areas in summer, thereby reducing the problem of small supply and high prices of summer vegetables.