Water stresses alter the growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica Oleracea var. italica).

Drought stress can significantly reduce plant growth by affecting various physiological processes. Water scarcity, influenced by both drought and climate change, disrupts cellular functions, decreases photosynthesis, and ultimately hampers overall plant development. Water stress is a major abiotic factor that impacts the growth, yield, and quality of broccoli. This cool-season crop is sensitive to water shortages, especially during critical growth stages. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different water stresses on the growth, yield, and quality of four broccoli varieties. The experiment included two factors: four water levels-100% field capacity (FC), 75% FC, 60% FC, and 45% FC, and four broccoli varieties BARI Broccoli-1, Green Crown, Early You, and Early Green. Among the treatments, 100% FC produced the highest number of leaves (26.08), plant height (53.41 cm), curd fresh weight (310.19 g), and yield (15.50 t/ha). Water-stressed plants showed reduced growth, yield, and leaf chlorophyll content but increased levels of ascorbic acid, proline, and dry matter. The 45% FC treatment resulted in the lowest plant height (42.41 cm), number of leaves (16.33), curd fresh weight (186.22 g), and yield (9.31 t/ha). Early Green exhibited the highest yield under both 45% FC and 100% FC conditions among all varieties. Overall, Early Green demonstrates potential for sustainable broccoli production under water deficit and changing climate conditions, by enhancing yield and adaptability.