1. RADISHGroup LExport AgricultureUvaWellassa University

2. Introduction Scientific name-Raphanus sativus L. Family: Brassicaceae Origin: Europe or Asia In Sri Lanka, Radish is one of the vegetables that can be grown in all agroecological regions through out the year, if adequate moisture is available. 3. Cultivated areas Nuwara-eliya Badulla Kalutura Galle Kandy Matale Gampaha Ratnapura 4. Uses For salads as vegetable Decorative purposes Pickling Other processing industries Extract seed oil Use for celebrating festivals 5. Nutritive valueIn edible portion of radish , Water -94.5% Protein Fat Carbohydrate Fiber Vitamins and minerals 6. Varieties Japan ball Rabu - upcountry Beeralu Rabu - low country Table radish 7. Varietal charactersJapan ball Beeralu rabu Table radishRoots Round, whiteskinSpindle shape,white skinMarble size, red, can be eatenrawLeaves Lobed to mid-ribpubescentNeither lobednor pubescentHarvesting time 45-55 days 35-40 days 35-40 days 8. Ecological RequirementsClimateAll agro ecological regions are suitableSoilsWell drained soilspH range 6.0 - 7.5 9. Field EstablishmentLand preparationPloughing depth:30-40 cmTo provide fine tilthSeed rate5 kg/haSeed productionUnlike other exotic vegetables, seeds of radish could beproduced under local climatic conditions 10. Time of plantingMarch to May and August to OctoberPlanting and spacing Use raised beds Spacing - 25-30 cm between rows10cm between plants For table radish - 20 cm X 5 cm Plant 2 seeds per hill and thin out one at germination 11. CROP MANAGEMENTFertilizer useBasal dressing( At planting)UreaTriple super phosphateMuriate of potashTop dressing ( 3 weeks after planting)UreaMuriate of potash 12. IrrigationIrrigate daily for the first 4-5 days;then every 3-4 days depending on rainfall Weed controlup country -One hand weeding 4weeks after plantinglow country-2 weeks after planting 13. Pests Leaf eating caterpillarsControl: Apply chlorofluazuran,Quinalphos,Profenophos, Eteofenproxor neem seed water extract 14. Vegetable leaf miner Larvae - on lower leaf surfaces and usually areassociated with the midrib and lateral veins Reduce photosynthesis and may kill young plants 15. Regulatory Action Knowledge on cropping pattern and distribution pattern of the leaf minerInspection of crop Yellow traps - Yellow color boards with sticky substances can be placed in thefield. Inspection of the punch markers on the foliage 16. Chemical control Neem seed kernel water Extractrate of 2 g / l in 3 - 4 day intervals Neemazal - F: 1 - 2 ml per one liter of water, apply on seven days intervalBiological control Hymenopteran parasitoid - Diglypus isaea 17. Cutworms Damage- cut through the stems of young plants Roots closer to the ground surface may suffer Some species will preferably feed on the leaveControl Spotted or localized field infestations are typical Calling for focused insecticides treatments & it should be applied at the baseof plants at dusk 18. Diseases1.Club rootControl Raise soil pH with heavy dressing of lime Avoid continuous cropping of crucifers Keep the field free of wild mustard 19. 2. Alternaria Blight The pathogen affects whole crop Symptoms of the disease first appear on the leaves , small, yellowish, slightlyraised lesions Cuts appear later on the stems and seed pods The infected seed fails to germinate 20. Control Using hot water treatment of the seed kill the fungus Free seeds is recommended Use of fungicides 21. 2.Swelling3.Stunted growth 22. Harvesting Harvesting should be done at proper time Delay in harvesting reduces the quality of radish by accumulating highamount of fibrous YieldJapanese ball - 40-50 t/haBeeralu - 20-30 t/ha 23. POST HARVEST PRACTICES Grade roots and handle them carefully to avoid mechanical damage Pack roots in well ventilated containers if transport long distancesEXPORT VALUEOnly small quantities of radish are exported mainly to Middle East countries 24. THANK YOU !