TURNIP

Submitted to : Dr. Sanjay ChadhaSubmitted by : Rajpreet Singh (A-2015-30-080) TURNIP Brassica rapa L. var. glabra

CONTENTIntroductionVarietiesClimate & SoilSowing methodSeed rate & SpacingIrrigationInterculture and weedingIsolation Method of seed productionHarvesting and seed yieldSpecial care

INTRODUCTIONBotanical name : Brassica rapa L. var. glabra , chromosome no. 2n= 20, Family BrassiceaeIt is a cool season crop, however it is grown in summer in European countries and in the hills.Turnip roots are used as vegetable and leave as greens.Roots are NapiformThe young leaves of Turnip are the richest source of vit. A,C and Fe.Turnip has two primary centres of origin i.e (1) Mediterranean region Temperate/ European types (2) Eastern Afganistan with adjoining areas of Pakistan Asiatic types/Tropical types.

VARIETIESAsiatic types/Tropical types: Pusa Kanchan, Pusa Sweti and Pusa Swarnima. These varieties do not require chilling for entering into Reproductive phase. Seeds can be produced in North-Indian plains. We can also produce seed in hills but it is not economical, Temperate/European types: Purple Top White Globe (PTWG ), Snowball Pusa, Chanderima, Red Top etc. These varieties require chilling for transition from vegetative to reproductive phase. Seeds can produced only in hills.

CLIMATE It requires a cool climate.It can be grown also in mild warm climate. It can tolerate frost to some extent.The root quality is adversely affected at high temperature as roots become fibrous, hard and pungent in taste. Its optimum temperature requirement is 18-23C.

SOILS

Loam and sandy loam soils rich in organic matter is required. pH - 5.5 to 6.8 Soils should not have hard rocks, stones and big clods because it affect the root development.Heavy soils hinder the proper growth and development of roots.Buldging of roots is problem, covering with soil is essential.

SOWING Seeds are sown directly on flat beds, in rows or on ridges in rainy season.The seed size of turnip is very small and there is always chance of thick sowing in the field.To optimize seed sowing, it is required to mix the seeds with fine sand for uniform sowing in rows at a depth of 1-1.5cm.The distance between rows or rigdes is 30cm .Thinning of seedling is done 10-15 days after germination to maintain a distance of about 10cm between plants.Seed germination takes about 4-6 days.The average seed rate 4-4.5 kg/ha

SOWING TIME IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(1) Low hills- Sepetember to November(2) Mid hills- August to October(3) High hills- April to July

SOWING FOR SEED PRODUCTIONIn hills the sowing of temperate varieties is done from july to first week of october.We can produce the seeds of temperate varieties right from mid hills to high hills. Try to ensure that roots are well formed before onset of low temperature.In dry temperate areas, seed yields are more because of more cogenial conditions. In these areas, the root formation must be complete by first week of november.Thereafter, either the steclings are planted in the field or stored in trenches and in the spring season,these are planted for seed production

ContdTropical varieties in north Indian-plains are sown from late august to september.Roots are ready by november In seed to seed method, roots are not uprooted.Simple thinning is done.In root to seed method, stecklings are prepared and then replanted.

METHODS OF SEED PRODUCTIONThere are two methods used for seed production i.e seed to seed method( in-situ) and root to seed method.In our country, bulk of turnip certified seed is produced through root to seed method but in Japan, USA or European countries in-situ method is used for certified seed production. 1. Seed to seed method- This method is used for certified seed production of those varieties which donot withstand transplanting well. The source of seed used(FS/BS) must be 100% genetically pure . Such certified seed should never be used again to certified seed. (a) Grow the root crops as for market purpose. (b) Retain healthy roots on the basis of foliage. (c) Rouge out extra roots and sell.

(d) Maintain 45cm row to row distance and 30cm and plant to plant distance. (e) Harvest the pods when they turn brown and dry.ADVANTAGES:- (1) Good methods for those varieties which donot stand transplanting well. (2) It is economical, avoid extra cost on lifting, storage and replanting. (3) Help in early seed maturity thus providing ample time for growing next crop where season are short. (4) This method gives more yield.DISADVANTAGE:- (1) The seeds produced from this method have low genetic purity. (2) Systematic rouging and selection of true to type material is not possible. (3) Certified seed produced by this method is not used again for raising certified seed crop.

CONTD,,,,(2) Root to seed method- This method is used for nucleus/foundation seed production. (a) Plough the fields thrice and prepare the fine tilth. (b) Sow the seeds on ridges. (c) Use recommended agronomic practices as recommended for market crop. (d) Uproot the stecklings at the stage of edible maturity. (e) Examine each steckling critically for varietal characterstics . (f) Select only true to type roots and discard all other roots. (g) In turnip cut 1/2 or 3/4th lower portion of root and retain 1.5 to 2 of crown/top in asiatic varieties. (h) In European varieties, whole roots are selected for planting . (i) Replant the prepared stecklings at a spacing of 45x30 cm or 60x60 cm or 60x45cm.

ADVANTAGE:- 1) Seed produced is of high quality. 2) Systematic rouging, inspection and selection of true to type roots is possible. 3) Steckling can be raised initially in a small area and expanded/replanted on a larger area.DISADVANTAGE:- 1) Attack of root rot is usually very high. 2) It is costly method( lifting ,storage, re-planting) 3) Seed yield is less as compared to seed to seed method. 4) Seed maturity is delayed by 10-15 days than seed to seed method

Seed rate-4 to 5kg/haSpacing for market crop- 30cm 7.5cmSpacing for seed crop- 45cm45cm or 60cm45cm(depemding upon the varieties.

IRRIGATIONThe field should be irrigated 3-4 days before sowing to ensure enough soil moisture for better seed germination.The crop is irrigated at 6-7 days interval during summer and 10-12 days in the winter.Over watering and water logging should be avoided.

INTERCULTURE AND WEEDINGAbout 2-3 light hoeings and hand-weedings are necessary during the early stages of plant growth to check the weeds and avoid smothering of young plants by the weeds.Earthing up the plants once or twice at root formation stage ensure its proper development.Deep hoeing should be avoided to avoid any injury to the roots

ISOLATIONTurnip is a highly cross pollinated crop.Isolation must be between and Chinese cabbage, Rapa, mustard and Rutabaga.Isolation for foundation seed is 1600m and for certified seed 1000m is required.

TURNIP PHYLLODY More incidence of this disease in hills as compared to radish.

HARVESTING AND SEED YIELDProblem of seed shattering is there.Harvesting is done at proper time. The moment the pods turn yellowish brown, we cut the branches/ plants and bring the produce to threshing floor.Harvesting is done in 2-3 intervals.Curing is done for 2-3 day. After that with slight beating, the seed will come out of pods.Clean and dry the seed before storage. Seed yield of turnip is 5-6q/ha for temperate varieties and 15-25q/ha for Asiatic varieties. 1000 seed weight is 4.3g.

SPECIAL CAREDo the sowing of turnip on the ridges.Keep on putting more soil on ridges while doing hoeing.Special care should be taken while irrigating the crops, as in dry area,soil dries very soon. Rogue out the extra plants.

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