Effects of Spacing and Planting Method on Growth and Yield of Radish (Raphanus Sativus L) Under Contrasting Conditions of Dry and Wet Seasons

Abstract

Radish (Raphanus sativus) is an edible vegetable root which is loaded with numerous health benefits due to its richness in nutrients, minerals, vitamins, folic acid, and anthocyanin. Inappropriate cultural practices, such as planting techniques and suitable plant populations, are causing a decline in radish productivity in Nigeria. Field experiments were conducted at National Horticultural Research Institute Research Farms during 2019/2020 dry and wet seasons, to study the effects of spacing and planting methods on growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus) under contrasting conditions of dry and wet seasons. Three spacings (10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm) and two planting methods (Direct sowing and transplanting) were investigated. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results revealed no significant differences for all studied traits at different spacings and planting methods under dry and wet conditions. However, the highest number of leaves per plant, plant height, and leaf length per plant were observed in 10 cm in both direct sowing and transplanting under dry and wet seasons. Direct sowing at higher spacings (15 cm and 20 cm) gave highest canopy spread, tuber length, tuber diameter and tuber weight compared to transplanting under both seasons’ conditions. Correlation showed significant positive associations of number of leaves per plant with leaf length and canopy spread while tuber weight showed significant positive correlations with tuber length and tuber diameter. The results of this study revealed that direct sowing at the spacing of 10cm under dry and wet seasons gave highest growth traits while 20cm provides high root tuber yield of the radish.