Behavior of some radicchio cultivars under Valdivia conditions

Abstract

Radicchio introduced in central Chile some twelve years ago as a new export vegetable crop, could be grown in the south of the country if the available cultivars show a good adaptation. Research work done indicate that cultivar Rosso di Verona does not adapt itself to the local conditions, and that cultivars Corallo and Perla do better than Rosso Marina. Vegetative cycles for the first two were from 78 to 105 days, in accordance to the transplant date, and of 98 to 116 days for Rosso Marina. The period between the first days of December and the lasts of January seems to be the best for transplanting and for later harvesting in autumn. Plants transplanted before this period showed a higher bolting percentage, especialy those from Rosso Marina, possibly due to vernalization ocurred during the nursery stage. Transplanting after this period is too late for obtaining good size heads.