Correlation between endogenous elements and development of hollowing in the root of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cultivars

The present investigation was carried out to discover the relationship between endogenous element content determined by Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer and development of hollowing in the radish root by varying cultivars. Four radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cultivars ('Siyah', 'Beyaz', 'Antep' and 'Iri Kirmizi') were used as plant material in this work. Cultivars varied significantly in their resistance to development of hollowing. 'Siyah' was found to be more resistant than 'Antep', 'Beyaz' and 'Iri Kirmizi'. Significant correlations between development of hollowing and endogenous element content of the radish cultivars used in this study: N (r = 0.701, P < 0.01), Na (r = 0.703, P < 0.01), Cl (r = 0.672, P < 0.01), Ca (r = 0.544, P < 0.01), Mn (r = 0.414, P < 0.05), Zn (r = 0.567, P < 0.01), Br (r = 0.393, P < 0.05) and Ba (r = 0.528, P < 0.01). In addition to simple correlation coefficients of hollowing and endogenous elements; similar results were obtained in stepwise multiple regression analysis. Regression equation [Y = 35.104 + (49.94 x Na) - (2935.93 x Ba) - (4.29 x N) - (20978.88 x Sn)] and R square (0.823, P < 0.01) were determined. According to results of this study, the providing of extra or deficient plant nutritional elements in soil or growing media such as especially N, Cl, Ca, Mn, Zn, Br, Sn and Ba may affect development of hollowing in the case of cvs. 'Beyaz', 'Antep' and 'Iri Kirmizi'. However, cv. 'Siyah' may not be affected by the endogenous elements because of its resistance and thus hollowing does not develop.