Forking in Radish
Any kind of abnormality in economically important
part of crops that contribute to yield and quality of vegetable is termed as
physiological disorder. Forking is a physiological disorder in root crops which does not have any impact in physicochemical
properties but reduces the consumer acceptance due to its poor appearance. Forking is mostly
observed in root crops like Radish, Carrot etc. There is secondary elongating growth in the roots that gives a look of
fork like structure to the root.
Reasons:
· Inter varietal variation result forking as growth of root is closely dependent
on the soil adaptation. Varieties with vigorously elongated root, short root or
round root have been selected in areas of shallow arable soil and varieties
with poorly elongated root, long root and huge root have been cultivated in
areas with deep soil conditions.
· The disorder is due to the excess moisture during the root development
of radish and carrot.
· It also occurs in heavy soil due to the soil compactness.
· Un-decomposed organic manure favours elongated root in radish there by
promoting forking.
Control:
· It can be corrected by reducing the moisture from the field, by providing
optimum irrigation.
· By sowing the radish and carrot in sandy loam or light soil which are loose
and friable in nature.
