The objective of this work was to evaluate yield and quality of two cultivars (Louco de Verão e União) and nine cabbage hybrids (Caribe, Fuyutoyo, Kenzan, Master AG-325, Matsukaze, Rookie, Saikô, Sooshu and YR Park), during the dry season. The experiment was carried out at the experimental field of Embrapa Acre, in Rio Branco, Brazil, from June to October 1996, in a dark-red claysoil soil, of clay texture. Each experimental plot was made up of two lines of ten plants, distanced 0.8 m from each other and 0.4 m between plants. The experimental design was of randomized complete blocks, with three repetitions. The total yield and average head weight, format index, C/D ratio (core lenght/longitudinal diameter), head compactness, harvest cycle and percentage of heads presenting bacterial rot were evaluated. The hybrids Saikô, Fuyutoyo, Sooshu and YR Park presented the greatest total production of heads (41.8, 41.3, 39.3 and 38.7 t/ha, respectively), while 'Louco de Verão', 'Fuyutoyo', 'Saikô', 'Sooshu', 'Master', 'Caribe' and 'YR Park' had the greatest average weight per heads, with averages varying from 1,410 to 1,632 g. The hybrids YR Park and Sooshu presented flat heads and the others slightly flat heads, with format index varying from 0.90 to 0.77. For the C/D ratio, Master AG-325, Sooshu, Rookie, Saikô and Fuyutoyo hybrids and União cultivar had the smallest values, varying from 0.48 to 0.57. In relation to the head compactness, with the exception of YR Park hybrid, all the others showed good compactness. Sooshu and YR Park hybrids presented the most precocious production cycles, with harvest beginning 63 days after transplanting, and 'Rookie' the latest (91 days). Saikô and Sooshu hybrids stood out from the others, presenting heads with uniformity of weight and format, C/D ratio and compactness appropriate for marketing. They were considered promising for cultivation in the dry season, in Rio Branco.
Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.; hybrids; compactness; bacterial rot
