Abstract:  Brassica campestris L.ssp. Chinensis cv. Ziyoucai（Ziyoucai） was used to study the effect of water holding capacity （WHC） on its growth and physiological characters. The results showed that different water holding capacities （45%， 60%， 75%， 90%） significantly affected growth and physiological features of Ziyoucai. Compared with the regular irrigation method， all 4 treatments significantly improved the growth of Ziyoucai and increased biomass production. Among 4 treatments， 90% WHC exhibited the best effects. The content of water， soluble sugar and vitamin C under the treatment with 75% or 90% WHC was higher than other treatments， while the nitrate content was lower. The highest chlorophyll content and the highest soluble protein level were observed under the treatment with 75% WHC， and the highest anthocyanins content was present under the treatment with 90% WHC. Taking together， the best comprehensive quality of Ziyoucai was achieved with 75%-90% WHC.

Key words: Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis cv. Ziyoucai, water holding capacity, plant physiology, quality