Response of Brassica fruticulosa Cyr. to greenhouse cultivation

B. fruticulosa Cyr. is a wild species widespread in Sicily where it is widely gathered and utilised as a leafy vegetable to prepare typical dishes. Previous studies showed the possibility of growing the plant also in greenhouse with a view to attain high yield level and to improve produce quality. In order to collect further data about plant requirements and suitable protocols, the effects of growing conditions and of plant density on crop productivity were considered. Results confirm a satisfactory adaptation to cultivation of B. fruticulosa both in open air and in greenhouse. In the latter condition the yield was double than in open air as consequence of the faster growth of lateral shoots; yield ranged from 3.8 to 1.8 kg m-2 respectively for greenhouse and open air, whereas it ranged from 1.9 and 4.4 kg m-2, respectively for 17 and 68 plants m-2 density. The higher productive results recorded in greenhouse was mainly due to total and unitary leaf weight. The produce of the crop showed higher content of protein, vitamin C and calcium in comparison to the samples gathered from plants in the countryside; the level of these compounds was similar in relation to growing environment and to plant density.