Figure 2. Chinese kale : young stage, tied in bunches
The area under Chinese kale in 1994 was 81 619 rai and has steadily increased during the last five-year period by 38.9 percent to reach 113 336 rai in 1998. Production areas are widely distributed in all regions of Thailand, with 31 524 rai in the Central region, 21 130 rai in the North, 15 894 rai in the East, 24 505 rai in the Northeast, 26 342 rai in the West and 7 095 rai in the South.
Most cultivars grown in Thailand are open-pollinated types. The hybrid cultivars are both expensive as well as doubtful in their superiority as the Chinese kale has a very short growing season. In general, the cultivars fall into three types:
BROAD LEAF:
it is the old type of Chinese kale. This type includes Fang No.1 (DOA) and Large leaf (Chia Tai) cultivars. They are widely adapted cultivars that can be grown under a wide range of conditions. The plant has a large stem and short internodes. The leaves are broad, round thick and crispy making it popular among consumers.
POINTED LEAF:
this type is represented by the cultivar P.L.20 (DOA). The plant has a large stem, long internodes and smooth pointed leaves. It is heat and disease tolerant and is widely grown at present. Other well-known cultivars are Long Stalk (Chia tai) and Red Arrow (Eastwest). The crop takes 30–55 days from seeding to harvest.
LONG PETIOLE:
this type is grown for its stem and petiole. The cultivars include Maejo No.1 (DOA) and Super 094 (Chia Tai F1). The plant has a large stem and long internodes. The leaves are narrow, pointed, with a thick-long petiole. It is well suited for inter-regional transport and distribution as it has better keeping quality.
Research should focus on optimizing cultural practices, in particular pest control using chemicals or bio-pesticides with less harmful residues. The development of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques against the diamond-back moth should be further pursued as this is the main production constraint faced by farmers.
The National Gene Bank, agricultural universities and seed companies have their own germplasm collections. Selection for narrow leaves and thick stems is a common objective.
by www.dea.go.th
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