What are the precautions for stripping leaves from radishes?
During the fleshy root swelling stage of radishes, many farmers strip leaves from their radishes, which has a certain effect on increasing yield. It is actually just like pinching the tips of yardlong beans, as it can promote the reproductive growth of radishes. Generally, about 20 days before harvesting the radishes, the outer leaves are appropriately removed, which can reduce the vegetative growth of the radishes, promote reproductive growth, and increase dry matter accumulation. Although stripping leaves from radishes is simple, several issues still need attention. Let's take a look together.
1. Not all radishes are suitable for leaf stripping
Not all radish varieties are suitable for leaf stripping. Fruit radishes do not need it. For example, cherry radishes (Raphanus sativus var. radicula) themselves have relatively few leaves and a short growth period, generally one month is quite sufficient, so they do not need leaf stripping. However, white radishes (daikon) need a balance between vegetative growth and reproductive growth during their growth process, which can be regulated through leaf stripping.
2. The earlier the leaf stripping, the better - this is not true
Radish leaf stripping is generally carried out 20-25 days before harvest, when the radish is in the late stage of fleshy root swelling. The size of the radish has basically been set, and it then enters the stage of dry matter accumulation and transformation. If the leaves are stripped too early at this time, the photosynthesis and respiration of the leaves will be weakened, causing the radish to grow to a smaller size, which will instead reduce yield. Therefore, the timing of radish leaf stripping must be carefully observed.
3. The more leaves stripped, the better
When stripping leaves, generally the outer edge leaves of the radish are removed, but the heart leaves and inner leaves must be kept. Removing the outer leaves can improve ventilation conditions and promote dry matter transformation, so that in the later stage there will be fewer chances of radish pithiness and disease occurrence. If all the leaves are completely stripped off, then the radish cannot carry out photosynthesis, dry matter cannot be accumulated and transformed in time, and after a long time, if not harvested in time, the radish may die.
The above is an introduction to the precautions for stripping leaves from radishes. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.