Leaf Area Estimation And Effect Of Defoliation On Growth And Yield Of Radish (Raphanus Sativus)

A study was conducted to estimate leaf area of radish {Raphanus sativus cv. Baiyu) using regression equation. The leaf area estimations were found to be significantly correlated to the parameters (leaf length, leaf width, leaf fresh weight and leaf dry weight) measured, and be applicable in non-destructive experiment by using leaf length or width.The effects of different defoliation treatments on the growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) are presented in this study. Four defoliation levels of 0(control), 33, 66 and 100% were performed at 5 leaf stage. The results demonstrated that the net photoassimilate rate, root/top ratio, relative growth rate of root and leaf, and economic coefficient after defoliation were reduced, and a close relationship between yield reduction and the defoliation treatment was observed. From the results of the experiment, it is found that defoliation treatment had a significant affect on the growth and yield of radish plants.The growth and yield of radish are not only environmentally influenced, but also restricted to agro-practices to some extent. From the present results, we found that one of the important factors affecting the growth and yield of radish is the intactness and health of leaf.