Manoko F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Brassica

Species

turnip

Description

A horticultural herb cultivated as an annual belonging to the Cruciferae family and used in culinary applications for its leaf-stems or, in some varieties, for its roots. Easy to grow, it prefers full sun exposure in well-draining soil as well as irrigation well suited to its needs, particularly during the hottest season.

Variety description

The variety has a fairly fast cycle and is medium early. Productivity is very high and it also tolerates pre-flowering, which is an unwanted trait of the producer. In terms of colour and taste, it is one of the most commercially successful varieties. The head, which is composed of leaves and rib, is quite heavy and compact. Wide adaptability in terms of transplanting time. Cultivation requirements are few but of fundamental importance as the plant has important water and nutritional needs to satisfy. Ensure full sun exposure.

Curiosities and special features

The turnip is a popular culinary vegetable, also popular in gourmet restaurant kitchens for its edible parts, which, depending on the variety cultivated, are represented by leaves, roots, inflorescences or oil seeds.

Origin and distribution

The wild species, progenitor of today's cultivated varieties, is native to Asia, Europe and Russia; already mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman texts, it gradually spread as a horticultural plant from southern Europe to the Nordic countries where, before the introduction of the potato, it was one of the main plants used for food purposes for its roots or leaves.

Leaf

Leafs have elongated lamina.

Fruit

The Coast Leaf has an elongated shape and contains no seeds. Characterised by a solid consistency, its weight varies from 1200 to 1500 g, with a diameter of 10 to 13 cm, length of 20 to 25 cm and width of 10 to 13 cm. The ripening period extends from late spring to autumn. The colouring is two-tone, while the skin is not edible. From a sensory point of view, it is unscented, with a delicate taste and flavour. The overall quality appearance is good; it is a variety with intermediate organoleptic characteristics.

Leaf colour

Two-coloured leaf blade.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.4 m.

Lifespan

Plant grown as an annual.

Where to plant

Suitable for cultivation in beds, open fields.

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

The variety shows determined growth reaching a given final size.

Plant habit

Variety with a bushy habit.

Branching

The branching is Medium overall.

PH

For turnips, the ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral with optimum values between 6.0 and 7.0; for proper plant growth, the pH must not be higher than 7.0.

Soil preparation

For spring-summer transplanting in the open field, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues of previous crops, continue by burying organic or chemical fertiliser that will provide the necessary nutrients in the plant's early stages of development and, with the help of a hoe, break up the most compact and coarse clods. In order to improve the drainage of excess water, thus preventing harmful water stagnation, proceed by creating a raised bed by slightly bouldering the soil, and finally carefully level the surface.

During cultivation continue to work the soil superficially by light hoeing, taking care to remove weeds adjacent to the plant.

Sun exposure

For optimum yield, both in terms of quantity and quality, expose the plant to full sun and ensure it is watered in proportion to its needs.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 °C. It prefers temperate climates and does not tolerate temperature fluctuations.

Use

Plant cultivated for use
Agribusiness

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

The best soil condition for turnip cultivation is medium-textured, well-draining soil with organic matter.

Difficulty

Cultivation of the variety is fairly easy with an average level of management effort.

Growing tips

Some useful cultivation tips for better vegetative growth of this Brassica rapa variety:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Planting

When transplanting consider an average density of 6 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of each specimen.

Plant young seedlings, with intact and well-developed roots, by placing them on a raised bed with the collar above the soil surface, avoiding completely sinking the lumps and irrigating immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Pruning

Depending on the variety, harvest the ripe edible product by means of a clean cut with sharp blades. For leaf varieties, it is recommended to cut the closed head at ground level before pre-flowering symptoms.

Propagation

Reproduction is by sowing in containers.

Watering

Since the turnip's water requirements are quite high, it is advisable to supply water constantly, increasing the frequency of irrigation during the hottest periods. Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct or canal water with an optimal sub-acid pH, either by hand or by sprinkler, drip-wing or sub-irrigation irrigation. When transplanting, assist the seedling to ensure that it takes root properly in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity but without exceeding the frequency and water supply to avoid possible root rot. Then allow the soil to dry slightly between one watering and the next, keeping it moist but free of stagnation. It is advisable to water during the morning hours, furthermore, the irrigation supplies must be proportionate to the temperatures and environmental conditions present, always checking the soil before watering.

In the case of sowing, moisten the seed by burying it completely and covering it with a layer of horticultural soil and inert material, then keep the soil wet until the sprout emerges.

Fertilising

In the pre-transplant soil preparation phase it is advisable to carry out a background fertilisation by burying organo-mineral fertiliser that will provide the necessary nutrients in the early stages of growth.

During the vegetative period, use a specific fertiliser for horticulture by fertigation, i.e. diluting it in the irrigation water and distributing it to the soil according to dosages and frequencies proportionate to the plant's needs. Beware of excess nitrogen which, in conjunction with high temperatures, can lead to damage to edible parts with the appearance of necrosis of the leaf margin.

Edibility for humans

The commercial part of the plant harvested when ripe is edible.

Toxicity for humans

The edible part, if consumed in suitable doses, does not lead to toxicity by ingestion; consider the specific case.

Tip

Attention should be paid to various pests that also affect other cabbages such as aphids and lepidopteran larvae. Also avoid possible induced pre-flowering or necrosis of the inner leaves.