From then on it takes only a couple of weeks before the roots are over-mature. The first harvests may take place about 60 to 70 days after sowing. There is no registration for chemical weed control for this crop, but weeding can be carried out effectively by mechanical or manual means. The stale seed bed technique will assist in removing many weeds prior to sowing. Although this can be a problem, it can also easily be controlled by applying Attack, Ambush or other insecticide as recommended.
Birds are also a problem.
They attack emerging plants during early spring. Damage is often present around the roots, just underneath the soil surface, due to insects chewing the roots. An insecticide can easily be applied as soon as the damage is evident. Irrigation requirements Regular water applications will ensure even plant growth. Although daikon is not new to the New Zealand horticultural and retailing sector, there is certainly potential to expand the domestic and export markets.