Shoot Growth and Root Production in Genetically Uniform Radish Varieties As Influenced by Propagation Seed Obtained Through Different Shoot and Root Cut Techniques¹

Investigations were carried out in two varieties of radish, Kalyanpur and Marwari during 1967–1968 with a view to study the effects of various seeds produced after different root and shoot cuts of stecklings at the time of transplanting in the previous year. Maximum rate of growth in shoot length was recorded during the first week of observation in variety Kalyanpur, whereas, it was during the second week of observation in variety Marwari. Maximum rate of growth in root length was recorded during the first week which lowered down gradually by the third week of observation in varieties Kalyanpur and Marwari. Maximum increase in root diameter was obtained during third week and lowest during second week of observation in the two varieties. A gradual increase in root weight from first week through third week of observation was recorded in the two varieties. One-half root cut treated seed produced maximum root length whereas, three-fourth root cut treated seed produced minimum root length. The plants obtained from two-third top left treated seed produced maximum root diameter, whereas, no root cut treated seed gave the minimum root diameter. Among all the treatments, the plants obtained from two-third top left with one-half root cut treated seed produced roots with maximum weight. The plants obtained from two-third top left and one-half root cut treated seed produced the maximum root yield of 174 and 168 q/ha as compared to control (147 and 128 q/ha) in Kalyanpur and Marwari respectively. Colour, shape, taste and texture of root in both the varieties did not respond to different treatments made. It is concluded that two-third top left with one-half root cut treatment given to the stecklings produced seeds which in turn produced radish roots better in quality and yield.