Floating System Cultivation of Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.): Production and Quality

Abstract

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.

Microbiological investigation of Raphanus sativus L. grown hydroponically in nutrient solutions contaminated with spoilage and pathogenic bacteria

“…grimesii, P. putida, S. maltophilia and L. monocytogenes), representative of several microbial groups affecting the safety and the microbiological stability of vegetables, may presumably persist at consistent concentrations, but also because it does not undergo a thermal treatment and a contamination of the produce may be dangerous for consumers. Furthermore, these plants have been tested widely in soilless cultivation on floating panels to obtain products with enhanced quality (Nicola et al, 2005;Salerno et al, 2005;Zanin et al, 2009) that need minimal sanitizing treatments before consumption.…”

“…The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a member of the Brassicaceae family grown and consumed throughout the world and its request is on the increase (Salerno et al, 2005). The edible part of this vegetable is the swollen root (derived from hypocotyl and upper radicle tissues) that can be harvested within four to six weeks from planting.…”

Yield and Quality of Lettuce and Rocket Grown in Floating Culture System

“…Other cultivation features such as high salinity of nutrient solution (up to 4.8 mS cm -1 ), plant density and growing season could also affect yield and quality (nitrates, chlorophylls, vitamin C, carbohydrates and minerals content) of radish (Raphanus sativus), lamb's lettuce or corn salad (Valerianella locusta), rocket (Eruca sativa), artichoke (Cynara scolymus), cardoon (Cynara cardunculus), spiny chicory (Cichorium spinosum), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants (Salerno et al, 2005;Fallovo et al, 2009a,b;Fontana and Nicola, 2009;Scuderi et al, 2009;Zanin et al, 2011;Colla et al 2012;Klados and Tzortzakis, 2014). Default et al (2006) reported that cultivation season affected significantly the growth rate and yield of six Cos type lettuce cultivars.…”

“…Due to a growing interest for baby vegetable products (lettuce, rocket, spinach and so forth), this technique is a useful means for producing premium products, since vegetables quality is severely affected by pre-and postharvest treatments (Rouphael et al, 2004). During the last years, vegetable production of processed and minimally processed products (fresh-cut products, mixed salads, baby products and so forth) in soilless culture techniques, including floating system, has gained significant interest Salerno et al, 2005;Nicola et al, 2005;Conesa et al, 2009;Fallovo et al, 2009a,b;Fontana and Nicola, 2009;Zanin et al, 2011;Klados and Tzortzakis, 2014).…”

Hygienic characteristics of radishes grown in soil contaminated with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

“…Since these products do not undergo any treatment before consumption, their hygienic safety is of paramount importance. Among fresh vegetables, the request of radish is on the increase [19] due to its positive effect on the consumer's health [20][21][22].…”