What Causes Root Cracking in White Radish? Detailed Explanation of Prevention and Control Methods
White radish is a common vegetable in daily life, and during cultivation, cracking of the fleshy root often occurs, also known as root cracking disease. It occurs in the middle and late stages of growth, and the cracks are mostly longitudinal, relatively deep. White radish with cracked roots is highly prone to soft rot, causing huge economic losses to protection. So how should white radish root cracking be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look together.
1. Main Symptoms
White radish root cracking mainly occurs in the middle and late stages of growth, mostly as longitudinal cracks of varying lengths. Some crack from the tip of the fleshy root to the middle; in severe cases, the crack starts from the root head and runs longitudinally through the entire root. Sometimes transverse cracking also occurs, or radial cracking at the root head. After cracking, the fleshy root is highly prone to soft rot and other saprophytic microorganisms, reducing the storage quality and commercial value of the radish.
2. Causes
There are many causes of fleshy root cracking in white radish, among which insufficient water supply during the growth period is the main cause, because the tissue structure of the fleshy root is enormous. The structure of white radish is divided from outside to inside into the cortex, phloem, cambium and xylem, and the xylem is the most developed structural layer. In the early growth stage or the early stage of fleshy root expansion, if high temperature and drought weather occur and water supply is insufficient, the epidermal tissue of the fleshy root will age and harden, while the internal cells divide rapidly; in the middle and late stages, when the temperature is suitable and water supply is sufficient, the xylem cells will accelerate separation and expand again, creating high internal pressure, but the already hardened epidermis cannot continue to grow, so it directly splits the epidermis open.
3. Prevention and Control Methods
The first thing to do is good water management, maintaining a uniform water supply. Water timely during drought, keeping soil moisture content between 65%-80%. Especially during fleshy root expansion, water should be supplied evenly to keep the soil moist. If continuous rainy weather occurs, drain excess water promptly to avoid the soil alternating between dry and wet. Then there is rational fertilization: nitrogen fertilizer can be chosen for early topdressing, but nitrogen fertilizer should not continue to be applied later; instead, an appropriate amount of potassium fertilizer or boron and molybdenum elements can be added. Topdressing should follow the principle of small amounts, even application, and multiple applications.
The above is an introduction to the causes and prevention and control methods of white radish root cracking. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.