Adding value on the farm for Queensland broccoli growers: broccoli seed production

Abstract

Fresh broccoli is a popular and important crop to the Queensland vegetable industry. This project investigated the concept of producing broccoli seed from the crop residue after harvest of broccoli heads, which has the potential to add a new revenue stream for broccoli growers.
Broccoli seed has many uses including broccoli sprouts, broccoli sprout extract, broccoli seed oil and vitamins. These products are gaining interest in the cosmetic and health care industry.
Broccoli seed yield equivalent of 108kg/ha was produced after a normal harvest of broccoli equivalent to 8.8 tonnes/ha in a field trial in 2017/18 at Stanthorpe. With key assumptions of seed price of $24/kg and harvesting and grading costs similar to canola, this could potentially add $2,358/ha to the bottom line of a commercial broccoli producer.
Broccoli seed from the trial was germination tested and had a germination of 99% at 10 days after sowing (DAS) indicating potential for the broccoli seed sprout market.
A strong interest exists amongst Australian broccoli seed users for an Australian product and further research and development seems warranted to pursue the concept with broccoli growers.