What causes hollow radishes? Prevention and control methods
Radish is a common vegetable, but during cultivation what troubles vegetable growers greatly is hollow radish. Hollow radishes have extremely low nutritional value and can also lead to low yields. Most importantly, they cannot be sold, resulting in losses. So what causes hollow radishes? How should they be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction from Qinnong Network.
1. Variety and sowing time
Hollow radish may be caused by the variety. Some small radishes with dense flesh grow slowly; when root and leaf growth are balanced, they are not prone to hollowing. In contrast, large radishes with loose flesh grow quickly, and root growth far exceeds leaf growth, making them prone to hollowing. In addition, improper sowing time can also cause hollowing. If sowing is too early, temperatures during radish growth are too high, causing growth to stall, consuming large amounts of nutrients and making hollowing likely.
Prevention and control methods: From the above content, it can be seen that choosing small radishes with dense flesh can reduce the hollowing rate. Master the correct sowing time so that they grow in an environment with a large day-night temperature difference.
2. Planting density
When radishes are planted in suitable plots, if the spacing between plants and rows is relatively wide, the fleshy root will grow too quickly, causing root and leaf growth to become unbalanced. The nutrients produced by leaf photosynthesis cannot meet the needs of root growth, thus causing hollowing.
Prevention and control methods: Reasonable close planting, maintaining a reasonable distance between plants and rows, neither too wide nor too dense, so that root and leaf growth remain in a balanced state.
3. Improper fertilizer and water management
Improper fertilization of radishes can cause hollowing, especially during later topdressing. If topdressing is too late, excessive, or improperly combined, causing excessive nitrogen fertilizer application, the aboveground parts grow vigorously and the roots become enlarged, causing hollowing. In addition, water is also one of the main factors causing hollowing. During the fleshy root growth period, if water is lacking, the root cannot obtain sufficient water for growth, causing hollowing. Also, inconsistent watering, keeping the soil moist early and dry later, prevents nutrients from being transported and accumulated normally, making hollowing likely.
Prevention and control methods: Strengthen fertilizer and water management, water and fertilize reasonably. When fertilizing, base it on the plant's growth condition. The fertilization principle is to focus on base fertilizer, supplement with topdressing, and rationally combine nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Applying an appropriate amount of boron fertilizer in the later stage can reduce the chance of hollowing caused by fertilizer and water. When watering, pay attention to uniformity and just keep the soil moist. Water promptly during drought, and drain promptly during rainy weather to prevent waterlogging.
4. Improper harvest and storage
Harvesting too late during cultivation can also cause hollowing, especially for radishes planted in spring and summer, which are very prone to hollowing caused by late harvest. During storage, if the storage location temperature is too high and humidity is low, radish respiration is faster, and they will consume large amounts of water, causing hollowing. If the temperature is too low, hollowing can also be caused by freeze damage.
Prevention and control methods: Master the correct harvest time, and sell promptly after harvest to avoid hollowing caused by storage problems.
The above are the causes of hollow radishes and prevention and control methods brought to you by Qinnong Network. We hope it helps you. To learn more, please stay tuned to Qinnong Network.