Variety traits

Head splitting in Savoy cabbage

Brassica oleracea L. (Savoy Cabbage Group)

A physiological disorder of Savoy cabbage heads caused by the rupture of outer tissues due to uneven growth of internal layers. It is a key breeding trait affecting storage suitability and market quality of the produce.

In the reference 39 varieties crop Savoy cabbage, where this is mentioned in the description.

When evaluating Savoy cabbage for resistance to splitting, scoring scales are used to reflect the timing of the process: 3 points correspond to early splitting, 5 points to medium, and 7 points to late. In breeding programs, molecular markers such as the SSR marker BRMS137 are used to identify resistant genotypes.

The mechanism of the disorder is caused by a discrepancy between the growth rates of the internal head tissues and the elasticity of the wrapper leaves, often triggered by fluctuations in soil moisture. Compared to white cabbage, Savoy cabbage has a looser structure and crinkled leaf surface, which predetermines the specific susceptibility of this type to splitting. Damaged heads lose their integrity, making them unsuitable for long-term storage due to the high risk of decay development.

General information about the subject — on the page Fruit cracking.

Sources8

Varieties of Savoy cabbage mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.