Technological Properties of Radish

Introduction. When cultivating root crops, harvesting is one of the most important operations. In industrial production, the technique for harvesting beets, carrots, black radishes, chicory, etc. is widely known, except for radishes, which differ significantly in the sowing scheme, maturation periods, and in physical and mechanical properties of the plants. In the study dealing with the development of small-scale mechanization for harvesting radishes, the authors made a determination of basic physical and mechanical properties of this plant. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted for the two radish varieties (Celeste and Belokrayka), typical for the Southern and North Caucasus federal districts of Russia. In doing so, the known methods were used to determine the size, mass and frictional characteristics of radishes. Results. It was established that the Celeste radishe was 1.2–2.1 times larger than the Belokrayka radish and 1.8–2.8 times heavier. The weight of the radish roots (10...28 g.) in the total mass of the plant was 52–90 %, and the weight was 0.5–0.6 %. The average diameter of the radish roots was 26.7–34 mm, with a coefficient of variation (V) about 13–14 %, radish root height was 29–45 mm (at V ≈ 18–20 %). A direct correlation between all the dimensions considered was found. The coefficient of the static friction of radish roots with unpainted steel was 0.63–0.66, the movement was 0.44–0.58. Frictional characteristics of the stems of the radish leaves were 1.25 times higher on the average. The diameter of the bundle of stems at the proposed cut end was 9–12 mm. Discussion and Conclusion. In general, the physical and mechanical characteristics of radishes depend significantly on their variety, maturity, freshness and other factors, so the results of the study vary significantly. Nevertheless, they can be used as primary information for designing radish harvesting machines.