The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an annual plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. In a single year, it forms an industrially ripe root and seeds.
Radish is a cold-resistant plant. Germination occurs at 3-4°C but the optimum germination temperature is 16°C. Seedlings tolerate frosts of 2-3°C below zero, and adult plants can withstand temperature drops down to 5-6°C below zero. High temperatures and low soil and air humidity result in lower quality roots and premature bolting.
Radish has high light requirements. Under low light conditions, especially at early growth stages, the plants markedly drawn and root formation is slow.
Radish is very sensitive to soil type. It grows well on black chernozem with a deep arable layer. Radish is characterized by a high rate of nutrient uptake. It requires structured and highly fertile soils.
Growing tips
Sowing is made as early as possible in spring, even on thawing soil. To extend the radish consumption period, the sowing is repeated at 10-day intervals until the onset of hot weather. The planting pattern is 7-10 x 2-3 cm. The seeding rate is 40-80 g per 10 m2. The depth of seeding is 1,2-2,5 cm. With greater depths of seeding, the roots are elongated in shape.
Mineral fertilizers are applied at a rate of 300 g ammonium nitrate, 500 g superphosphate and 250 g potassium salt per 10 m2 (PNK 100 kg of active substance each per hectare). Phosphorous and potash fertilizers are applied with autumn plowing, the nitrogenous ones – as preplant and supplementary fertilizing.
Radish plants are normally given 2 to 4 irrigations, the rate of water application being 350 l per 10 m2 per irrigation. Major pest: blue flea.
Control measures: sprays with insecticides of the pyrethroid series (Sumi-alpha, Fastac, etc.). Where production of ecologically pure radish is desirable, it is good practice to use plant decoctions and infusions with insecticidal action and to dust the plants with tobacco or rustic tobacco dust because the waiting period for the pest control chemicals is equal to the crop maturation period.