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1. PRODUCTIONTECHNOLOGYOF TURNIP
Botanical Name - Brassica rapa L.
Family - Cruciferae
Chromosome no. 2n = 20
Origin- The Mediterranean Region
I. History:
Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) is a root Brassica crop and has been used as a vegetable for human
consumption in Europe since prehistoric times. Turnip root has been a popular livestock fodder for at least
600 years wherever the crop can be grown. For most of that time turnip roots have been managed as forage.
Researchers in the United States determined in the early 1900s that turnip roots are valuable energy sources
for young ruminant animals. However, livestock farmers at that time were turning away from the Brassica
root crops (which also include rutabagas or swedes) for fodder because much hand labor was required for
the production and utilization of the large roots. One study showed that the labor requirement on a nutrient
basis for these crops was three times that needed for corn silage production.
In the late 1970s, however, researchers began to demonstrate the potential of turnip as pasture. The
development of varieties with partially exposed roots rendered the roots more available to grazing animals.
Livestock graze turnip tops and roots readily, and the forage is of high quality. Pasturing eliminates the need
for manual labor in harvesting and storing. In general, the root Brassicas are fast-growing, high yielding and
well adapted to seeding into existing pastures with little or no tillage or to seeding into a conventionally
prepared seedbed.
Turnip is a cool-weather crop and well adapted for the northern parts of the United States and Europe
and for Great Britain and Canada. However, truck-growing areas of the South also produce turnip roots and
greens in all seasons for human consumption.
II. Origin
Some evidence shows the turnip was domesticated before the 15th century BC; it was grown in India
at this time for its oil-bearing seeds. The turnip was a well-established crop in Hellenistic and Roman times,
which leads to the assumption that it was brought into cultivation earlier. Sappho, a Greek poet from the
seventh century BC, calls one of her paramours Gongýla, "turnip". Zohary and Hopf note, however, "there
are almost no archaeological records available" to help determine its earlier history and domestication. Wild
forms of the hot turnip and its relatives the mustards and radishes are found over west Asia and Europe,
suggesting their domestication took place somewhere in that area. However, Zohary and Hopf conclude,
"Suggestions as to the origins of these plants are necessarily based on linguistic considerations.”
III. Growth Habits:
Turnip is a member of the mustard family and is therefore related to cabbage and cauliflower. Turnip
is a biennial which generally forms seed the second year or even late in the fall in the first year if planted
early in the spring. During the first or seeding year 8 to 12 erect leaves, 12 to 14 in. tall with leaf blades 3 to
5 in. wide are produced per plant. Turnip leaves are usually light green, thin and sparsely pubescent (hairy).
In addition, a white-fleshed, large global or tapered root develops at the base of the leaf petioles. The storage
root varies in size but usually is 3 to 4 in. wide and 6 to 8 in. long. The storage root consists mainly of the
hypocotyl, the plant part that lies between the true root and the first seedling leaves (cotyledons). The
storage mot generally has little or no neck and a distinct taproot. The storage root can overwinter in areas of
mild winter or with adequate snow cover for insulation and produce 8 to 10 leaves from the crown in a

2. broad, low-spreading growth habit the following spring. Branched flowering stems 12 to 36 in. tall are also
produced. The flowers are clustered at the top of the raceme and are usually raised above the terminal buds.
Turnip flowers are small and have four light-yellow petals.
IV. Environment Requirements:
A. Climate:
Brassicas are both cold-hardy and drought-tolerant. They can be planted late-even as a second crop-
and provide high-quality grazing late in the fall. Turnip planted in July will provide grazing from September
to November. The most vigorous root growth takes place during periods of low temperature (40 to 60 ̊ F) in
the fall. The leaves maintain their nutritional quality even after repeated exposure to frost.
Cool and moist climate is most favourable for growing turnip. However, it can also be grown where
summers are mild. The roots develop best flavour, texture, and size at a temperature of 10°–15°C. The short-
day length and cool weather favour proper development of roots. The long day and high temperature induce
early bolting even without adequate development of roots. In hot weather, roots become fibrous, tough and
more pungent. The Asiatic types can tolerate high temperature, while temperate types are quick-growing and
flourish well under cool weather.
B. Soil:
Like other Brassicas, turnip grows best in a moderately deep loam, fertile and slightly acid soil.
Turnip does not do well in soils that are of high clay texture, wet or poorly drained. For good root growth
turnip needs a loose, well aerated soil. Turnip can be grown in all kinds of soils but it grows well in loam
soil having sufficient humus. The well-drained, sandy loam soil is ideal for its cultivation.
The extremely light sandy soil or too heavy soils should be avoided. In such soils either the plant
growth is hampered or forked or defective roots are formed which are unfit for market
V. Cultural Practices:
A. SeedbedPreparation:
Turnip seed is small and it is essential that it be seeded into a fine, firm seedbed with adequate
moisture for germination. Plow and disk or harrow to produce a seedbed that is fine, firm and free of weeds
and clods.
Turnip, like other Brassicas, can also be seeded into a sod or into stubble of another crop with
minimum tillage. When seeding into sod, it should be suppressed or killed, as the young Brassica seedlings
cannot compete with established grasses. To kill sod, apply 2 qt/acre of Roundup at least three days prior to
seeding. A 0.5 qt/acre rate of Roundup can be used in 3 to 10 gal water/acre to suppress sod or to prepare a
field of wheat stubble for seeding with turnip. Once established, turnip will compete with most weeds.
The advantages of direct drilling turnip into sod include fewer crop losses due to insect pests, such as
the flea beetle, and less soil erosion on sloping sites where pastures are often located. A field of turnip
established in sod gives animals a firm footing in all kinds of weather. It also allows the original sod to grow
again the following spring if it has only been suppressed.
B. Seeding Dates:
Turnip seed does not germinate well in cold soil. Turnip should not be planted until the soil
temperature is at least 50̊ F or at corn planting time. The crop can be planted any time during the summer
until about 70 days before a killing frost (August I in the southern half of Wisconsin. earlier elsewhere in
Wisconsin and in Minnesota). Plantings after these dates may not have sufficient time to produce good
forage growth.

3. C. Method and Rate of Seeding:
Turnip seed can be planted in 6 to 8 in. rows at a rate of 1.5 to 2.5 lb/acre with a minimum-till drill
when sod seeding. In conventionally prepared seedbeds, the crop can be seeded with a forage crop seeder or
broadcast followed by cult packing. The seed should not be covered with more than 1/2 in. of soil. A plant
population of 5 to 6 per sq. ft. is desirable.
D. Fertility and Lime Requirements:
Good soil fertility is very important for good yields. Soil tests should be taken to assure proper
fertilization. Lime acid soils to pH 6.0. Fertilizers should be applied at the time of seeding or within 3 days
of seeding to give the crop a competitive edge on weeds. Apply 100 lb/acre nitrogen to soils containing 2 to
5% organic matter, 120 lb/acre if less than 2% organic matter and 60 to 80 lb/acre if more than 5% organic
matter. Requirements for phosphorus and potassium are similar to those of a small grain. In Wisconsin and
Minnesota, when soil tests are in the medium range, about 20 to 30 lb/acre of P2O5 and 120 lb/acre of K2O
should be applied. Fertilizer applications should be banded at least 2 in. to the side and below the seed or
broadcast. Boron and sulfur may also be needed. If the soil tests "low" in boron, apply 1 lb boron/acre on
sandy soils, and twice this amount on other soils. Apply 10 to 15 lb of S/acre if a soil sulfur test indicates a
need for this element.
E. Variety Selection:
Three forage turnip varieties are recommended for use in the Upper Midwest: Green Globe, and
York Globe from New Zealand and Sirius turnip from Sweden. In Pennsylvania, Green Globe and York
Globe yielded more than Sirius at 60 days after planting, but Green Globe reached its peak yield later than
the other two. Sirius yields were more variable from year to year than Green Globe or York Globe. The tops
and leaves of Sirius have less glucosinolate than the other two varieties.
F. Weed Control:
Weeds are generally not a problem once the turnip crop is established. However, sod and annual
weeds should be controlled chemically and/or culturally before planting. Sod can be suppressed or killed
with Roundup, as described under Seedbed Preparation. If annual weeds are present at planting time,
eliminate them with a burndown herbicide such as Gramoxone. Tillage before planting can be used for weed
control on a conventional seedbed.
G. Diseases and Their Control:
Turnip crops may suffer from clubroot, root knot, leaf spot, white rust, scab, anthracnose, turnip
mosaic virus and rhizoctonia rot. in some cases, diseases can lead to crop failure if rotation or other control
measures are not used. Resistant varieties are available for some diseases. To prevent problems with
diseases, Brassicas should not be grown on the same site more than two years in a row. If clubroot is a
problem, rotation should be six years.
H. Insects and Other Predators and Their Control:
Turnip crops are attacked by two different flea beetles, which eat holes in the cotyledons and first
leaves, chew stems and cause extensive plant loss. The cabbage flea beetle and the striped flea beetle feed
exclusively on Brassicas, including related weeds such as yellow rocket. Problems with these flea beetles are
much greater when Brassicas are grown under conventional tillage. Both flea beetles can be controlled with
insecticides applied to the soil at planting.
Turnip crops can also be damaged by infestations of the common turnip louse or aphid. This insect
feeds on the undersides of the leaves and may be so close to the ground that it is difficult to reach with a dust
or a spray. In cases of severe infestation, the outer leaves curl and turn yellow. Aphid-tolerant varieties such
as 'Forage Star' can give some protection against this insect.

4. VI. Manuring and fertilization
The quantity of manures and fertilizers to be applied depends upon climate, fertility status, pH level
and texture of the soil. The proper time of application is equally important to facilitate optimum intake of
plant nutrients for good harvest. Different doses of NPK have been recommended for various agroclimatic
zones of India. However, a basal dose of 20–25 tonnes/ha of farmyard manure should be applied at the time
of land preparation. This is supplemented by applying 70–100kg of N and 50kg/ha each of P and K. The
complete dose of P, K and half of N should by applied before sowing. Phosphatic and potassic fertilizers are
applied 7–8cm deep before sowing. The remaining half of N is given in 2 split doses: first at the time of root
formation and the second during development of root knobs.
Micronutrient requirement is almost similar to that of radish. Intake of B, Ca and Mo is more in
turnip. Therefore, deficiency of these micronutrients is overcome by spraying 1kg/ha of Micnelf MS-24 one
or two times depending upon the requirement. It helps to control hollow-stem, pith formation and brown
heart in turnip.
VII. Varieties
Turnip varieties are divided into 2 groups- Asiatic or tropical types and European or temperate.
These can further be classified on the basis of root shape as well as skin and flesh colour. The varieties
recommended for cultivation are:
i). Early Milan Red Top
 Its roots are deep flat with purplish red top and white underneath. The flesh is pure white, well
grained, crisp and mildly pungent. The top is very small with 4–6 sessile leaves.
 It is an extra early and very high yielding variety.
ii). Golden Ball
 Its roots are perfectly globe shaped, medium sized and smooth.
 It has bright, creamy yellow skin and pale amber coloured flesh of fine texture and flavour.The top is
small, erect with cut leaves.
iii). Punjab Safed 4
 An early maturing variety, commonly grown in Punjab and Haryana.
 The roots are pure white, round, medium-sized with mild taste.
iv). Purple Top White Globe
 It is a heavy-yielder and large-rooted variety.
 The roots are nearly round, upper part purplish, lower portion is creamy.
 The flesh is white, firm, crisp and mildly sweet flavoured. Top is small, erect with cut leaves.
 It is suitable for growing during cooler months.
v). Pusa Chandrima
 Its roots are medium to large, nearly flattened globe to globular, smooth, pure white skin with fine
grains.
 The flesh is sweet and tender.
 Top medium and leaves not so deeply cut.
 It is an early maturing (50–60 days), heavy cropper with an average yield of 400q/ha.
 It is suitable for sowing from October to December in plains.
vi). Pusa Kanchan
 It is a selection from the cross of Asiatic (Local Red Round) and European (Golden Ball) varieties.

5.  It contains good qualities of both the parents.
 The roots look just like the Local Red Round.
 The skin is red, flesh is creamy yellow with excellent flavour and taste.
 The leaf top is shorter than the Local Red Round.
 It becomes ready for harvesting in about 10 days later than the local parent.
 Its roots can be kept for a longer time than Local Red Round in field without becoming spongy.
vii). Pusa Swarnima
 The roots are flattish round with creamy-yellow skin and pale amber coloured flesh of fine texture
and flavour.
 Its top is medium; leaf blade is not so deeply cut.
 It is suitable for growing from June to October in hills and October to December in plains.
 It matures in 65–70 days.
viii). Pusa Sweti
 Attractive, white roots of Pusa Sweti mature 45–50 days after sowing.
 A very early maturing variety, it is suited for October sowing in plains.
ix). Snow Ball
 This variety is an early temperate type with medium sized small top.
 Its leaves are erect, cut and medium green.
 The roots are round, smooth with pure white skin.
 The flesh is white, fine grained, sweet and tender.
VIII. Harvesting:
Turnip plants are ready for grazing or green-chop when the forage is about 12 in. tall (70 to 90 days
after planting). It is best not to wait too long because fungal diseases may begin to cut yields approximately
110 days after planting. The pasture should be grazed for a short time and the livestock removed to allow the
plants to regrow. If grazed to a 5 in. stubble, 1 to 4 grazing periods may occur, depending on planting date
and growing conditions. Strip or block-grazing is desirable to insure complete grazing.
The forage quality of turnip is sufficiently high, especially in protein, that it should be considered
similar to concentrate feeds, and precautions should be taken to prevent animal health problems. Livestock
should not be hungry when put on pasture the first time so they do not gorge themselves. If the livestock are
moving from a feed low in nutritional value, feed a high-quality diet for two to three weeks prior to grazing
turnip, or feed turnip for 30 min/day for one week prior to heavier grazing. This will allow for the
development of a rumen microbial population that is adequate to digest the high levels of protein in forage
turnips. A lower quality hay should be made available (2 to 3 lb of dry roughage/head/day for sheep and 10
to 15 lb for cattle) to provide some fiber in the animals' diet.
Livestock should not feed on turnip during the breeding season or after the plants have begun to
flower. Nitrate nitrogen toxicity can be a problem, especially if ruminants are allowed to graze on immature
crops or if soil nitrogen levels are high. The risk may remain for a longer period of time in autumn than in
summer. Dairy cows should not be fed more than 50 lb turnip/head/day and should not be milked
immediately after feeding on turnip to avoid milk tainting.
The fully developed tender roots of turnip are uprooted on attaining the marketable size.Normally the
roots are harvested when they are 5–10cm in diameter depending upon the variety.The roots become tough
and fibrous if harvesting is delayed. The harvesting should be done in the evening. The yield of turnip varies
with varieties as well as growing season. On an average it yields 200–400q/ha. Its harvested roots along with
the green tops are properly washed to remove the adhered soil. The side roots are trimmed off. These are

6. sent to the market in baskets either along with green tops or after cutting them off near the surface of the
crown. After removing old and diseased leaves the foliage is made into bunches for marketing. The roots are
sorted into different grades according to colour, shape and size to give an attractive appearance in the
market. Then these are immediately transported to the market and disposed off. The roots can be stored
safely for 2–3 days under cool and moist conditions. However, it can be stored for 8–16 weeks at 00 C with
90–95% relative humidity.
IX. Physiologicaldisorder
Whip tail is caused due to deficiency of Mo. This is more common in acidic soils. Young leaves
become narrow, cupped, showing chlorotic mottling especially around the margin, develop deep patches
which ultimately affect the root growth. The affected plants are removed from the field during thinning.
Further appearance of this disorder can be controlled by liming the soil and bringing the pH to 6.5.
However, it is controlled by the application of 1.2kg/ha of sodium or ammonium molybdate.
X. Yield Potentialand Performance Results:
Yields of forage turnip range between 3 and 4 tons of dry matter/acre when harvested or grazed
about 90 days after planting. Up to 1,000 grazing days/acre for 900 lb steers and 2,300 grazing days/acre for
90 lb lambs have been obtained for Forage Star turnip.
XI. Uses:
Turnip produces high-quality forage if harvested before heading. Livestock eat the stems, leaves and
roots of turnip plants. Above-ground parts normally contain 20 to 25% crude protein, 65 to 80% in vitro
digestible dry matter (IVDDM), about 20% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and about 23% acid detergent
fiber (ADF). The roots contain 10 to 14% crude protein and 80 to 85% IVDDM.
The high levels of glucosinolates (which can cause thyroid enlargement in young growing sheep and
cattle) can be a problem if turnip forage is fed for long enough. Glucosinolates are higher in older (90-day)
than 60-day forage. Oral or subcutaneous iodine administration can alleviate thyroid problems. Turnip roots
usually are higher in glucosinolates than the tops and leaves. Two other anti-quality factors, S-methyl
cysteine sulphoxide (SMCO) and free nitrates can also be present. SMCO is the main problem and can cause
anemia. To minimize the potential for animal health problems from these factors, forage from turnips should
be fed in combination with other forages.
Turnip and other Brassicas can provide grazing at any time
during the summer and fall depending on the seeding date. A
promising use may be for late fall grazing. These crops maintain their
forage quality, if not headed, well into the fall even after freezing
temperatures and may be grazed in the Upper Midwest into
November. Many turnips can be grazed twice to permit utilization of
top growth and roots.
XII. Nutrition
Boiled green leaves of the turnip top ("turnip greens") provide
20 calories in a 100-gram amount, and are 93% water, 4%
carbohydrates, and 1% protein, with negligible fat (table). The boiled
greens are a rich source (more than 20% of the Daily Value, DV)
particularly of vitamin K (350% DV), with vitamin A, vitamin C, and
folate also in significant content (30% DV or greater, table). Boiled
turnip greens also contain substantial lutein (8440 micrograms per
100 g).

7. In a 100-gram reference amount, boiled turnip root supplies 22 calories, with only vitamin C in a
moderate amount (14% DV). Other micronutrients in boiled turnip are in low or negligible content (table).
Boiled turnip is 94% water, 5% carbohydrates, and 1% protein, with negligible fat.
XIII. Common Pests and Diseases
i)Diseases
A). Alternaria leaf spot (Black spot, Gray spot) Alternaria spp.
Symptoms
Small dark spots on leaves which turn brown to gray; lesions may be round or angular and may
possess a purple-black margin; lesions may form concentric rings, become brittle and crack in center; dark
brown elongated lesions may develop on stems and petioles
Cause: Fungus
Comments: May become a problem during cool, wet periods
Management: Plant only pathogen-free seed; rotate crops; applications of appropriate fungicides control
disease when present
B). Anthracnose Colletotrichum higginisianum
Symptoms
Small circular or irregularly shaped dry spots which are gray to straw in color on leaves; a high
number of spots may cause the leaf to die; lesions may coalesce to form large necrotic patches causing
leaves to turn yellow and wilt; lesions may split or crack in dry centers; dry sunken spots on roots which
enlarge and turn gray or brown
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Fungus overwinters on leaf debris and on related weeds; disease emergence is favored by moist,
warm conditions
Management: Control of disease depends on sanitary practices; treat seeds with hot water prior to planting;
rotate crops; plant in an area with good soil drainage; remove all cruciferous weeds which may act as a
reservoir for the fungus
C). Black root Aphanomyces raphari
Symptoms
Small black-blue areas on roots which expand and girdle taproot; roots become constricted at site of
lesions; black discoloration extends into root
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Fungus can survive in soil for prolonged periods
Management: Control depends on crop rotation with non-brassica species
D). Black rot Xanthomonas campestris
Symptoms:
Seedlings develop wilted yellow to brown leaves and collapse; yellow, V-shaped lesions on mature
leaf margins; dark rings can be found in the cross section of the stem
Cause: Bacterium

8. Comments: Disease emergence favors warm, wet conditions
Management: Primary control methods based on good sanitation; plant disease-free seed; rotate crops every
2 years or less to non-brassica; avoid sprinkler irrigation
E). Cercospora leaf spot (Frogeye leaf spot) Cercospora brassicicola
Symptoms:
Angular or circular green to gray spots with brown borders on leaves; plant defoliation may occur in
the case of a severe infestation
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Disease emergence favors cool temperatures and wet weather
Management: Plant only certified disease-free seed; avoid overhead irrigation; rotate crops to non-brassica
species for 2-3 years; apply appropriate fungicide if disease emerges
F). Clubroot Plasmodiophora brassicae
Symptoms
Slow growing, stunted plants; yellowish leaves which wilt during day and rejuvenate in part at night;
swollen, distorted roots; extensive gall formation
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Can be difficult to distinguish from nematode damage; fungus can survive in soil for periods in
excess of 10 years; can be spread by movement of contaminated soil and irrigation water to uninfected areas
Management: Once the pathogen is present in the soil it can survive for many years, elimination of the
pathogen is economically unfeasible; rotating crops generally does not provide effective control; plant only
certified seed and avoid field grown transplants unless produced in a fumigated bed; applying lime to the
soil can reduce fungus sporulation
G). Downy mildew Peronospora parasitica
Symptoms
Irregular yellow patches on leaves which turn light brown in color; fluffy gray growth on the
undersides of the leaves
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Disease emergence favors cool temperatures; disease spreads quickly in wet conditions
Management: Remove all crop debris after harvest; rotate with non-brassicas; application of appropriate
fungicides may be required if symptoms of disease are present
H). Sclerotinia rot (White mold) Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Symptoms
Irregular, necrotic gray lesions on leaves; white-gray leions on stems; reduced pod set; shattering
seed pods
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Disease emergence favors moderate to cool temperatures and high humidity
Management: Rotate crop to non-hosts (e.g. cereals) for at least 3 years; control weeds; avoid dense growth
by planting in adequately spaced rows; apply appropriate foliar fungicides

9. I). White spot Pseudocercosporella capsellae
Symptoms:
Small, necrotic, brown spots on leaf tips or margins that matures to light gray or white with the
original dark spot in center; margins of lesions may be darker; lesions may coalesce to form large chlorotic
areas and cause defoliation
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Disease emergence favors cool and wet conditions
Management: No known plant resistance to white leaf spot so control relies on cultural practices such as
rotating crops and removing weeds; application of appropriate fungicide may help control the disease
J). Wirestem (Damping-off) Rhizoctonia solani
Symptoms
Death of seedlings after germination; brown-red or black rot girdling stem; seedling may remain
upright but stem is constricted and twisted (wirestem)
Cause: Fungus
Comments: Disease emergence favors cool, wet soils
Management: Plant pathogen-free seed or transplants that have been produced in sterilized soil; apply
fungicide to seed to kill off any fungi; shallow plant seeds or delay planting until soil warms
K). TuMV
Symptoms
Yellow and green mosaic patterns on leaves; necrotic areas on leaves; vein clearing and chlorosis
may occur in older leaves; black spots and brown necrotic streaks on stems; stunted plant growth and
reduced yield
Cause: Virus
Comments: Transmitted by many species of aphid, including cabbage aphids and peach aphids
Management: Use of reflective mulches may help to deter aphid feeding; applications of appropriate
insecticides may reduce secondary spread of virus
ii). Pests
A). Cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicaea
Symptoms
Large populations can cause stunted growth or even plant death; insects may be visible on the plant
leaves and are small, grey-green in color and soft bodied and are covered with a white waxy coating; prefer
to feed deep down in cabbage head and may be obscured by the leaves
Cause: Insect
Comments: Cabbage aphids feed only on cruciferous plants but may survive on related weed species
Management: If aphid population is limited to just a few leaves or shoots then the infestation can be pruned
out to provide control; check transplants for aphids before planting; use tolerant varieties if available;
reflective mulches such as silver colored plastic can deter aphids from feeding on plants; sturdy plants can
be sprayed with a strong jet of water to knock aphids from leaves; insecticides are generally only required to

10. treat aphids if the infestation is very high - plants generally tolerate low and medium level infestation;
insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are usually the best method of control; always check the
labels of the products for specific usage guidelines prior to use
B). Flea beetles Phyllotreta spp.
Crucifer flea beetle
Symptoms
Small holes or pits in leaves that give the foliage a characteristic “shot hole” appearance; young
plants and seedlings are particularly susceptible; plant growth may be reduced; if damage is severe the plant
may be killed; the pest responsible for the damage is a small (1.5–3.0 mm) dark colored beetle which jumps
when disturbed; the beetles are often shiny in appearance
Cause: Insects
Comments: Younger plants are more susceptible to flea beetle damage than older ones; older plants can
tolerate infestation; flea beetles may overwinter on nearby weed species, in plant debris or in the soil; insects
may go through a second or third generation in one year
Management: In areas where flea beetles are a problem, floating row covers may have to be used prior to
the emergence of the beetles to provide a physical barrier to protect young plants; plant seeds early to allow
establishment before the beetles become a problem - mature plants are less susceptible to damage; trap crops
may provide a measure of control - cruciferous plants are best; application of a thick layer of mulch may
help prevent beetles reaching surface; application on diamotecoeus earth or oils such as neem oil are
effective control methods for organic growers; application of insecticides containing carbaryl, spinosad,
bifenthrin and permethrin can provide adequate control of beetles for up to a week but will need reapplied
C). Root maggots Delia spp.
Symptoms
Scars and feeding tunnels on surface of turnip; root damage may be extensive; larvae are white or
white-yellow in color, reach approx. 1 cm (0.3 in) in length and taper towards the head; adult insect is a
small fly which resembles a housefly
Cause: Insect
Comments: Root maggots will attack all varieties of crucuferous plants; insect overwinters as pupae in the
soil
Management: If root maggots were problematic, avoid planting root crops in same area the following year;
if crops are too badly damaged to harvest remove and destroy all crop debris; use of floating row covers can
dramatically reduce damage to crops by preventing female flies from laying eggs - note, row covers only
effective where root maggots are not already present; there are currently no pesticides registered for use on
root maggots in the home garden in the USA
D). Wireworms Aeolus spp.
Symptoms
Death of seedlings; reduced stand; girdled stems and white heads; wireworm larvae can be found in
soil when dug round the stem; larvae are yellow-brown, thin worms with shiny skin
Cause: Insect
Comments: Larval stage can last between 1 and 5 years depending on species

11. Management: Chemical control impossible in a standing crop, must be applied at preplanting or as a seed
treatment; if wireworms are known to be present in soil fallow field during summer and till frequently to
reduce numbers; rotate to non-host crop where possible; avoid planting susceptible crops after a wireworm
infestation on cereals without either fallowing of applying appropriate pesticide
XIV). Information Sources:
 A New Look at an Old Forage Crop. 1979. Pennsylvania Grassland News, Vol. XIX, No. 3.
 Production of Turnips and Rutabagas. 1937. Beattie, WR USDA Leaflet 142.
 Forage Brassicas for Economical High-Grade Grazing. Alf Christianson Seed Co., Mount Vernon,
Washington 98273.
 Brassica Notes. G.A. Jung. U.S. Regional Pasture Research Laboratory, USDA-SEA-AR, University
Park, Pennsylvania.
 Those Brassy Brassicas. 1989. Karl Kessler. The Furrow, Spring 1989, Vol. 94, Issue 4. pp. 20-21.
 Smillie, Susan (25 January 2010). "Are 'neeps' swedes or turnips?". The Guardian.
 "Turnip – Brassica Rapa". Self Sufficientish. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
 Zohary, Daniel; Hopf, Maria; Weiss, Ehud (2012). Domestication of plants in the Old World : the
origin and spread of domesticated plants in Southwest Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean Basin
(4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 139. ISBN 9780199549061.
 https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/turnip.html
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnip
 https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/turnip/infos
 http://eagri.org/eagri50/HORT281/pdf/lec29.pdf
 https://www.apnikheti.com/en/pn/agriculture/horticulture/vegetable-crops/turnip