By applying diallel crossings of 10 parental lines of fodder kale in 1977, 1978 and 1979, and then by selfing until the F-6 generation, new progenies of giant fodder kale with very good agronomic properties were developed and were tested in comparison with the check, Grüner Angeliter. The progeny named Maksimirski visoki was registered in 1987 as the first Croatian variety of giant fodder kale. It is characterized by higher percentage of leaves in the mass, dry matter, energy (starch value) and proteins as compared to check. Therefore, higher yield of dry matter, energy (starch value) and protein can be achived in comparison with the check. Seed yields of Maksimirski visoki produced in Istria varied depending on the date of transplanting, quality of transplants, soil type and fertilizers applied. From the first date of transplanting (in LiŽnjan, on September 15, 1992) on heavy, deep soil 2.722 kg/ha was produced. From the second date of transplanting (September 22) 2.494 kg/ha, and from the third date (on September 29) 1344 kg/ha was produced. The lowest seed yield was produced from the fourth date of transplanting (October 6), only 1.175 kg/ha. On the shallow, porous soil with lots of skeleton (Vodnjan) yield of 925 kg/ha was obtained from plants transplanted on September 25, while 468 kg/ha was obtained from those transplanted on September 30. On the deep, heavier and more fertile soil (LiŽnjan) average yield of 1934 kg/ha of seed was produced with 99.48 % purity, 94 % germination and 92.0 % germination energy. However, on the shallower, porous and dry soil (Vodnjan) average of 696 kg/ha of seed was produced with 98.88 % purity, 90.5 % germination and 89 % germination energy.

fodder kale; green mass; dry matter and crude proteins yields; green mass and dry matter quality (forage quality); seed yields and quality

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia