Why Does Cabbage Split? Detailed Explanation of Causes and Control Measures

Cabbage is the common head cabbage in our daily lives, deeply loved by many people, and quite a lot of people grow it, but many farmers report that cabbage shows head splitting, which is a phenomenon very prone to occur in the late growth stage of cabbage. So what causes cabbage head splitting? How should it be controlled? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.

1. Symptoms of head splitting

The common symptom is cracking at the top, and some crack on the side; generally it is linear cracking, and there is also crisscross cracking, which exposes the leaf tissue inside. The degree of cracking ranges from cracking of the outer few layers of leaves of the head to varying depths of the crack. Cracking of the head not only reduces the marketability of the head, but also causes the head to be infected by pathogens and rot, losing its edible value and commercial value.

2. Causes of head splitting

There are many causes of cabbage head splitting. First, the variety: if flat-headed type varieties or round-headed type varieties are grown, they are prone to head splitting in the late stage; second, uneven moisture in the soil: the head tissue of cabbage is relatively crisp and tender, and if there is too much water in the soil, its tissue will swell and split the head due to excessive water absorption, or after head formation, heavy rain or heavy irrigation can also cause head splitting; third, harvesting too late can also cause head splitting; fourth, when overwintering in open fields in the south, after head formation, warm winter weather makes head splitting extremely likely to occur.

3. Preventive measures

First, choose suitable varieties and grow varieties that are not prone to head splitting; choose flat terrain with convenient drainage and irrigation and fertile, loose soil, or use raised beds for planting to facilitate drainage. Watering should be reasonable and appropriate, mainly keeping the soil moist, avoiding flood irrigation, and watering should be stopped in the late stage of head growth to prevent the head from splitting. When growing in open fields in the south, water and fertilizer should be properly controlled to avoid early head formation in cabbage, and when head splitting is expected to occur, part of the root system should be cut in advance to inhibit water absorption by the plant.

4. Remedial methods

When slight cracking of the head is found, twist and injure it in time to reduce the roots' absorption of nutrients and water and lessen the degree of head splitting. The specific method is to grasp the slightly cracked head with both hands and shake it left and right several times to break the fibrous roots while the main root remains unbroken, putting it in a state of temporary planting. For heads that have already cracked, harvest them in time and do not leave them in the field to become infected.

The above is an introduction to the causes of cabbage head splitting and control measures. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.