Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spectroscopy is a promising nondestructive analytical technique in food science. It offers the unique opportunity of studying vegetables, fruits and other foods in general, in their wholeness without any preparative manipulation of the sample. The aim of this study was to investigate the internal structure of radish and to monitor the variations induced by postharvest storage at low relative humidity. The MRI allowed for a clear definition of the internal structure of radishes with distinct visibility of xylematic and phloematic vessels distributed in a radial way. A decrease in water content, which results in the breakdown of tissues and the formation of large cavities with the detachment of the external cortex, is the main consequence of a few days' storage in low relative humidity. Both of these are factors that drastically decrease the quality of the radish's fleshy root. The MRI images give a novel insight into the internal organization of the hypocotyl, and this offers opportunities for further studies with regard to the structural differences related to the cultivars as well as the cultivation system.
The floating system is an interesting culture system on a liquid media that can be applied to produce fresh vegetables ready to eat, that are more appreciated by the consumers. The aim of this study was the optimization of the red type radish production on float system in order to obtain a high quality fresh product. Two growing cycles (from May 19 to June 8 and from June 11 to July 1, 2004) were carried out to investigate the effects of two cultivars (Girox and Suprella), and two plant density, (720 and 1368 plant/m 2) on yield and radish quality. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Yield, as number of plant/m 2 , fresh and dry weight of leaves and hypocotyls, mineral content and antioxidant activity of leaves and hypocotyls were measured. The 720 plants/m 2 investments give the highest yield a valid agronomic result immediately practicable and allow a higher investment in comparison with conventional system on soil (~300 plants/m 2). The obtained product was suitable for radish as ready to eat product and had an high quality as regard to its antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that the grower may improve yield and fruit quality of radish by switching from soil to floating system cultivation.
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