RADISH

Radish, edible root vegetable belongs to family of "cruciferae" and its origin is in Mediterranean. It is crop of tropical and temperate region. It is a quick growing annual or biannual herb. Its edible roots are having different color from white to red. West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab and Assam are major radish growing states. Redish is good source of vitamin B6, calcium, copper, mangesium and riboflavin. Also it is rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid and potassium. Fatehabad, Sonipat, Yamuna nagar, Karnal, Ambala are major radish growing districts of Haryana.  

It can grow on all type of soils but give best result when grown on light friable, sandy loam soil. Avoid heavy or compact soils as it produce rough, malformed roots. Ideal pH of soil for good growth is 5.5 to 6.8.

Plough land thoroughly for two-three times and make land weed and clods free. After each ploughing, take planking operation. Add well decomposed cow dung of 60-80 qtl/acre at time of land preparation. Avoid use of undecomposed or free cowdung as it will leads to forking of fleshy roots.

Hisar Sel 1: High yielding, medium long, white, smooth and having tender root variety. Gives average yield of 120-130 qtl/acre. 

Japanese white: Optimum time for sowing is from November-December. It is introduced in India from Japan. In northern plains it is recommended for late sowing and in hilly areas recommended for cultivation in July-September. Roots are cylindrical and having pure white color. Gives average yield of 160 qtl/acre. 

Pusa chetki: Optimum time for sowing is from April-August. Early maturing variety suitable for seed production for Punjab region. Its root are smooth, snow white color and medium long. It gives average yield of 105 qtl/acre and seed yield of 4.5 qtl/acre.

White Icicle: Medium dwarf european variety, ready to harvest in 35-45 days. Flesh is white, juicy, crispy and having mild flavour.

Punjab Safed: Deshi variety with 30-40 cm long roots. Ready to harvest in 45 days after sowing. Gives average yield of 80 qtl/acre.

Other States Variety

Pusa Deshi: Suitable for sowing in northern plains. Roots are of pure white color. Ready to harvest in 50-55 days after sowing.

Pusa Reshmi: Variety is suitable for early sowing. Ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days. 

Arka Nishant: Long and pink root variety. Ready to harvest in 50-55 days.

Rapid Red White Tipped: Very early maturing european table type variety. Ready to harvest in 25-30 days. Roots are small and bright red colored with pure white flesh color.

Time of sowing
October to November is optimum time for sowing. For desi varieties complete sowing from August to September.

Spacing
For good yield and growth, sow radish on ridges. Use spacing of 30-40 cm between two ridges and 6-8 cm between two plants.

Sowing Depth
For good growth, sow seeds at depth of 1.5cm

Method of Sowing
Sowing can be done by line sowing and broadcasting method.

Seed Rate
Use seed rate of 3 kg for one acre land.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Along with well decomposed cowdung, apply Nitrogen@25kg (in form of Urea@55kg), Phosphorus@12kg (in form of SSP@ 75kg/acre) per acre in soil at time of sowing.

Overall three to four irrigation are required for radish crop. After sowing, apply first irrigation, it will help in good germination. Depending upon soil type and climate, apply remaining irrigations at interval of 6-7 days in summer and 10-12 days interval in winter. Avoid excessive irrigation as it will leads misshape of roots and numerous hair growth. In summer season, provide pre-harvest light irrigation. It will keeps root fresh and reduce pungency.

Take interculture operation like weeding and hoeing to keep check on weed growth also to provide soil aeration. Take one weeding operation, two to three weeks after sowing. After weeding, carryout earthing operation.

• Pest and their control:
  

Aphid: Serious pest of radish, attacked at seedling as well as at maturity stage. If infestation is observed, to control take spray of Malathion 50EC@3ml/Litre of water. Repeat spray for two-three times at interval of 10 days.

Flea beetles and mustard saw fly: If infestation is observed in field , to control take spray of Malathion 50EC@3ml/Litre of water. Repeat spray for two-three times at interval of 10 days.

• Disease and their control:

White rust: If infestation is observed, to control take spray of Mancozeb@2gm/lit of water or Copper oxychloride@2gm/liter of water.

Alternaria blight: Slightly raised, yellow spots are observed on leaves. Infection is rapidly spread in rainy season. Fungus spread on pods and seeds loose viability.
If infestation is observed, to control take spray of Mancozeb@2gm/lit of water or Carbendazim@3gm/lit of water.

Depending upon variety, radish are ready for harvesting in 25-60 days after sowing. Harvesting is done manually by uprooting plants. Harvested roots are washed and then graded upon size.

After harvesting grading of radish depending upon size is carried out. The product is marketed loose or sometime they are packed in gunny bags or basket.

1.Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana