Turnip Production Plan By GROWTECH
Introduction and Importance
Turnip is an indigenous vegetable in Europe, and its botanical name is "Brassica napus." In comparison to other districts in Punjab-Pakistan, it is cultivated more extensively in Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. Medically speaking, Turnip holds significant importance. It is grown for its roots as well as for green leaves. Turnip root is rich source of Vitamin C where as its leaves are rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, foliate and Calcium. In addition to being used as a dietary item, its consumption can help mitigate the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart ailments to a considerable extent.
Climate and Soil
It can be grown on variety of soil but turnip give best result when grown on loamy soils rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy or compact soils also very light soils as it produces rough, malformed roots. Ideal pH of soil for good growth is 5.5 to 6.8.
Land preparation
Land leveling is important for obtaining a good turnip yield because excessive water in lower areas can adversely affect crop growth and production. Therefore, after deep plowing, the field should be made completely smooth. It is even better to use a laser land leveler to level the land. Afterward, spread 10 to 15 tons of fully decomposed cow dung manure per acre evenly across the field and in the end, use a rotavator to make the soil soft.
Sowing Time
September and October are the most suitable months for turnip cultivation. During these months, all varieties of turnips can be grown.
Seed Rate and Sowing Method
For early sown verities by kera and Pora sowing method seed rate will be @ 1kg/acre but with broadcasting method seed rate will be 2-3kg/acre. For seasonal sowing seed rate will be 2-2.5kg/acre in both methods. Turnip is grown at a spacing of 75 cm (approximately 1.5 feet) on both sides of the ridges. If you intended to make ridges manually, first prepare the land and level it, then divide the field into suitable plots or ridges so that irrigation can be done effectively. If you intended to plant cauliflower through direct seeding, sow 3 to 4 seeds at a distance of 13-14cm along both sides of the ridges.
Approved Variety
- Early Purple Top
- Purple Top
- Golden are the approved verities of turnip.
Irrigation
The first watering after sowing should be done with extreme caution to ensure that the water does not create puddles or stay too close to the seeds, i.e., it should not reach the seedbed. If water forms puddles on the surface, the soil can become compacted, affecting germination and reducing plant density in the field. To ensure proper water distribution, the method of applying water after sowing is as follows: First, do irrigation about 6-7 cm below the area where the seeds are sown. After a couple of hours, once enough water has been absorbed by the soil, apply water again.
Weeds Management
Turnip is susceptible to damage from various weeds such as it-sit, swanki, deela, and lumb grasses. To prevent these weeds, Pendimethalin can be applied @600-800ml/acre, mixed with 120 liters of water. This mixture can be sprayed on the crop one day after planting.
Fertilizer Management
| Time | Fertilizer Amount (kg/acre) | Fertilizer Amount (bag/acre) |
|---|---|---|
| N P K | 1st Application 2nd Application | |
| Seasonal sowing | 20 23 25 | 1bag DAP + 1bag SOP Half bag Urea after 25 to 40 days |
| Early Sown | 20 23 37 | 1bag DAP + 1.5bag SOP Half bag Urea after 20 to 25 days |
Insect Management
Mealybug
Mealybugs damage plants by sucking sap from roots, tender leaves, petioles and fruit. They excrete honeydew on which sooty mould develops. Severely infested leaves turn yellow and gradually dry.
Control Measures
Spray Clothianidin 20% SC@200ml OR Profinofos @300ml.
Armyworm
The larvae attack in groups, eating the leaves in such a way that only the veins remain, notching on the edges of leaves, and defoliation of the plant.
Control Measures
Spray Chlorantraniliprole 20% EC @80ml/100litr of water OR Lufenuron 5% Ec @ 2ml/litr of water
Harvesting
The harvesting varies according to the verities. Purple-top varieties should be harvested between 60 to 55 days after planting. Otherwise, they tend to become hollow inside, and their market value decreases. For golden varieties, it is advisable to harvest them between 60 to 65 days after planting.
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