Influence of Sowing Time on Plant Growth and Production for some Varieties of Chard, in Western Part of Romania

In Romania, chard is a less cultivated species, being present in some areas of Transylvania, on small areas. This research followed the results regarding chard growth and quantitative and qualitative production, obtained by growing plants in the specific conditions Western Romania. Experiment was bifactorial (5x2 type), with ten experimental variants. Comparative crops were carried out in summer and autumn, respectively, with differences in chard plants development (diameter of leaf rosette, length of leaves and petiole) and in the production achieved by varieties used in this research. For some experimental variants, the yields obtained were over 40 t/ha, being comparable to those obtained and mentioned in literature. Chard leaves content in dry matter as well as vitamin C was also monitored, results being comparable to those obtained in other growing conditions in Europe. Sowing time influenced chard total production, in summer crop being higher compared to autumn one. Also, dry matter and vitamin C content was influenced, crops harvested in autumn registered higher results regarding these traits.