This Master's thesis investigated the influence of nutrient solution temperature on the quantity and quality of forced chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) yield in a hydroponic system. The experiment was designed as a multifactor study involving three chicory cultivars: 'Atlas F1', 'Crenoline F1', and 'Rossa di Treviso 2'. The roots were grown under field conditions and, after harvest, were classified according to their size and shape. They were then forced in either a heated nutrient solution (21.5 °C) or a non-heated nutrient solution (10.6 °C). During the forcing period, the following parameters were measured: head weight, number of leaves, head diameter, length of the longest leaf, dry matter content, soluble dry matter content, and root weight. The collected data were analysed using multifactor analysis of variance. The results showed that the effect of nutrient solution temperature was highly dependent on the chicory cultivar. 'Crenoline F1' exhibited the strongest response to the higher nutrient solution temperature, producing significantly heavier heads with larger diameters, as well as a greater number of longer leaves. In this cultivar, head weight was approximately 6.6 times higher under heated conditions than under non-heated conditions. In contrast, nutrient solution temperature did not have a statistically significant effect on the yield of 'Atlas F1' or 'Rossa di Treviso 2', although towards higher yields in the heated treatment was observed. Root morphology also had a significant influence on crop performance, with larger, well-developed roots producing larger and heavier heads than smaller roots, underscoring the importance of high-quality planting material for successful forcing. Genotype had the greatest effect on dry matter and soluble dry matter content, with the highest values recorded in 'Atlas F1'. These results confirm that the quantity and quality of forced chicory yield are determined by the interaction between cultivar, nutrient solution temperature, and root morphology. To achieve optimal yields, forcing technology should be adapted to the specific cultivar, while ensuring the use of high-quality roots as planting material.
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