Effects of iron on the growth and yield of Radish in Helmand Province

Abstract

Iron is an essential micronutrient that plays a critical role in plant physiological and biochemical processes.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various iron concentrations on radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Mino Early
Long White) growth and yield. The experiment was conducted in the Safian area of Lashkar Gah city using a
Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments and three replications, totalling 12 plots. Each
plot measured 2.5 m × 3 m (6.25 m²), with an overall experimental area of 120 m². The treatments included four iron
concentrations: T1 (0 mg/L), T2 (25 mg/L), T3 (50 mg/L), and T4 (75 mg/L). Plant spacing was 5 cm × 40 cm. The
parameters measured were plant height, leaf width, number of leaves, tuber length, tuber diameter, weight per tuber,
and yield per plot (kg). The application of iron significantly affected the growth and yield parameters. The highest
yield was recorded in T4 (75 mg/L) with 48.8 kg/plot, followed closely by T3 (50 mg/L) with 48.4 kg/plot. The
control treatment (T1 - 0 mg/L) resulted in the lowest yield of 36.6 kg/plot. The study concluded that applying 75
mg/L of iron significantly enhances radish growth and yield. Therefore, foliar application of iron at this rate can be
recommended for improving radish production under similar agro-climatic conditions.