Hollow stem in cauliflower

The occurrence of, sometimes large, cavities in the stem of cauliflower formed a serious quality problem for Dutch cauliflower growers in recent years. The cause of the problem under the local conditions was not clear. In field experiments, the application of boron and variation in the growth rate of the crop, were studied for effects on the occurrence and degree of seriousness of hollow stem. Broadcast application of boron at 1 and 2 kg per hectare at planting had no effect on the percentage of affected plants nor on the length of the cavities. There was no causal relation between the boron content of the stem at harvest and the occurrence or the length of the cavities. However, a positive relation between the average growth rate of the stem and the percentage of affected plants was observed