Modeling Carbon Partitioning of Radish.

Growth analysis was used to study: 1) carbon partitioning among three radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cultivars (Cabernet, Giant White Globe, and Cherry Belle) with different phenotypes, and 2) the response of carbon partitioning of Cherry Belle to spectral quality using three light treatments (LED: Red+Blue, LED: Red+Blue+Green, and Cool White Fluorescent). Leaf area and dry mass, plant height, total dry mass, and hypocotyl dry mass were measured in sequential destructive harvests at 7, 14, and 21 days after planting. The phenotype of radish cultivars was influenced by different strategies for carbon partitioning. Differences in development, net assimilation rate and leaf area among cultivars lead to significant differences in radish harvest index. Carbon partitioning to edible radishes was also affected by spectral quality. Growth analysis data was used to identify key photosynthetic and morphological parameters controlling carbon partitioning in radish and to examine how these parameters may be integrated into a descriptive model of radish growth.