Radish, edible root vegetable belongs to family of "cruciferous" 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. Radish is good source of vitamin B6, Calcium, copper, magnesium and riboflavin. Also, it is rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid and potassium. 

It can be grown 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

Japanese White: Optimum time for sowing is from November-December. It is introduced in India from Japan. In northernplains, 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 160qtl/acre.

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

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

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

Ganesh Synthetic: Ready to harvest in 30-40days after sowing. Roots are attractive white color with mild pungent.

Pusa Himani: 30-35cm long, white roots ready to harvest in 50-55days after sowing. Gives average yield of 130qtl/acre.

Other states variety

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

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

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

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

Chinese pink: Shinning red skin, crisp solid white flesh. Ready to harvest in 45days after sowing. 

Scarlet globe: Round, small roots. Flesh is crisp solid and white. Ready to harvest in 25-30days after sowing.

Arka Nishant: Long and pink root variety. Ready to harvest in 50-55days.Gives average yield of 14-16ton/acre.

Kashi Shweta: Early maturing variety. i.e. ready to harvest in 30-35days after sowing. Gives average yield of 170-180qtl/acre.

Kashi Hans: Ready for harvesting 40-45days after sowing. Gives average yield of 170-180qtl/acre.

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 60-80qtl/acre at time of land preparation. Avoid use of undecomposed or free cow dung as it will leads to forking of fleshy roots. For sowing use flat bed or ridges.

Time of sowing

It can be cultivated round the year. For Rabi sowing, September to January is optimum time for radish cultivation. For Kharif season, complete sowing in June – August month. Whereas for summer season, March- April is optimum time for cultivation.

Spacing

For good yield and growth, sow radish on ridges or broad beds. Use spacing of 30-45cm (For European varieties use spacing of 45cm and for Asian varieties use spacing of 30cm) between two rows and 8-10cm between two plant.

Sowing Depth

For good growth, sow seeds at depth of 1.5 to 3cm 

Method of Sowing 

Sowing can be done by Line Sowing and Broadcasting method.

Seed Rate

Use seed rate of 4 to 4.8kg for one acre land.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Along with well decomposed cowdung, apply Nitrogen@12kg (in form of Urea@30kg), Phosphorus@8kg (in form of SSP@50kg/acre) and Potash@32kg (MOP@55kg) per acre in soil. Apply half of Nitrogen and full amount Phosphorus and Potash at time of sowing. 

Apply remaining amount of Nitrogen, 20-25days after sowing.

Overall three to four irrigation are required for Radish crop. After sowing, apply first irrigation, it will help in good germination. Second irrigation is provided, when crop is at 3-4 leaves stage. Depending upon soil type and climate, apply remaining irrigations at interval of 6-7days in summer and 10-12 days in winter. Avoid excessive irrigation as it will leads misshape of roots and numerous hair growth. Also take care that field should content sufficient moisture throughout growing period. As dry condition, will affect root development. In summer season, provide pre-harvest light irrigation. It will keep root fresh and reduce pungency.

Take intercultural 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. At early stage, carry out earthing operation. When root development start, carryout second earthing up operation. 

To control weed chemically, take pre-emergence spray of Nitrofen@0.8kg/acre.

• Pest and their control:

Aphid: Serious pest of Radish, attacked at seedling as well as at maturity stage. If infestation is observed, spraying of Malathion 50EC@1ml/Litre of water should be done. Repeat spray for two-three times at interval of 10days.

• Diseases and their control:

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, spraying of Mancozeb@2gm/lit of water or Carbendazim@1gm/lit of water should be done to control this disease.

Flea beetles and mustard saw fly: If infestation is observed in field, to control take spray of Malathion 50EC@1ml/Litre of water. Repeat spray for two-three times at interval of 10days.

Depending upon variety, radish is ready for harvesting in 25-60days 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 to sometime they are packed in gunny bags or basket.