White Radish Research Articles

Physiological response, Blood profile, and Liver histology of Broiler chickens to oral administration of White radish juice

Physiological response, Blood profile, and Liver histology of Broiler chickens to oral administration of White radish juice

White Radish polyphenols improve diet-induced obesity by regulating the metabolism of bile acids via gut-liver axis

White Radish polyphenols improve diet-induced obesity by regulating the metabolism of bile acids via gut-liver axis

Preparation of sodium alginate modified silver-metal organic framework and application in citric acid/PVA antimicrobial packaging

Silver-metal organic framework (Ag@MOF) has exhibited outstanding antimicrobial activity in antimicrobial applications, and reducing the biotoxicity associated with silver has become a research priority. In this study, Ag@MOF was initially modified with sodium alginate (SA) to form SA-Ag@MOF. The results showed that SA could control the release of Ag+, reducing the release by about 8% at 24 h, and the biotoxicity was significantly reduced. Finally, SA-Ag@MOF was applied as an antimicrobial agent in citric acid-modified PVA film to develop a novel composite antimicrobial film. When added at 2 MIC, the CA3-M2 film can effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, and the inhibition rate has reached 98%. For white radish packaging applications, CA3-M2 film inhibited the growth of surface microorganisms, while ensuring moisture and tissue hardness to extend shelf-life up to 7 days. Overall, the strategy conceived here can be a theoretical basis for novel antimicrobial packaging.

Incorporating white radish extract and L. plantarum to ultra-filtrated soft cheese for boost its functional, microbiological, and sensory qualities

Cheese consumers are increasingly seeking products that offer health benefits. White radish extract (Raphanus sativus L.) is considered a rich source of natural phenolic components, making it attractive to health-conscious consumers and permitting the creation of innovative products. This study was aimed to determine the phenolic compounds content of prepared white radish extract and evaluate its effect on probiotics. A desired ultra-filtration cheese (UF- soft cheese) was produced using L. plantarum NRRL B-4496 with concentrations of 2% and 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% radish extract to form the control, T1, T2, and T3 treatments. The cheese's microbiological, chemical, and sensory qualities were evaluated during 40 days of storage. The HPLC analysis found the radish extract was rich in phenols as chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, methyl gallate, and rutin with the values 109.94, 46.75, 18.82, 16.08, and 7.10 μg/mL, respectively. Radish extracts enhanced probiotics by more than one log cycle. The counts of L. plantarum NRRL B-4496 were improved during storage, and the most counts were detected in the treatments fortified with 1.0 and 1.5% radish extract with counts reaching 10.80, and 10.96 log CFU/mL, respectively at the end of storage. The total solids and ash content increased with high concentrations of radish extract. The acidity of cheese increased during storage, and T3 had the highest acidity with a value 0.9. The sensory qualities of soft cheeses were boosted by the combination of radish extract compared to control cheese during their storage period. T1 and T2, in particular, showed the most notable improvements in the total score. Consequently, adding white radish extracts and probiotics to UF-soft cheese can position it as a healthier and more natural choice.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of metabolic diversity and biosynthesis of glucosinolates and flavonoids in various cultivars of radish microgreens

Microgreens, with their distinctive flavor and rapid growth, have garnered significant attention as a functional and nutritious food. In this study, we performed a thorough targeted metabolomic study using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) on four distinct cultivars of radish microgreens, namely Champion Radish (CR), White Radish (WR), Hailstone Radish (HR), and China Rose Radish (CRR), in order to better understand the metabolic foundation of the nutritional value of these microgreens. A total of 1411 metabolites were found and more than a third of the total number of metabolites were accounted for by flavonoids (FL), phenolic acids, lignans, coumarins and glucosinolates (GL). Significant variations were found in the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) in each pairwise comparison of cultivars, according to further comparative analysis. The comparison of CR with the other groups identified more than 400 DAM and about 10,000 DEG, the most abundant DAM being FL, and the results showed that CR was very different from WR, HR and CRR. A total of 33 GL were newly found in radish microgreens and classified into 8 categories according to their side chains. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and biosynthetic pathway analysis revealed the distinctive relationship between gene expression levels and characteristic GL and FL. This work aimed to provide fresh insights into the differences in metabolite profiles among radish microgreens of various cultivars in addition to establishing a theoretical framework for improving the genetic quality of radish microgreens.

Efficient extraction methods and callus culture of quercetin from Indian white radish: yield analysis via HPLC quantification and assessment of cytotoxic activity

SummaryIndian white radish Co. 1 (Raphanus sativus L.) contains medicinal quercetin, and its commercial value supports large‐scale quercetin isolation. Various extraction methods, including ultra‐assisted extraction (UAE), maceration extraction (ME), Soxhlet extraction (SE), conventional extraction (CSE) and serial maceration extraction (SME), were employed to extract quercetin from radish leaf sections. RP‐HPLC‐optimising key experimental parameters yielded a linear response for the individual target compounds in the concentration range, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.2 μg mL−1 (r2 = 0.9995), a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.2 μg per 1.0 g of crushed leaves and repeatability within the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.23–0.37%. For in vitro callus cultures, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) and zeatin were used for callus induction from in vitro leaf segments of radish. MS medium enriched with 2,4‐D (0.5 mg) induced the highest percentage of callus at 4 weeks. Among the extraction methods, the SME method yielded the highest recovery of quercetin (96.9%; 1.92 mg g−1 DW), phenolic (26.07 mg g−1 DW) and flavonoid (34.03 mg g−1 DW), compared to other methods and solvents. The callus extract included 0.5 mg of 2,4‐D, 32.07 mg of phenolic, 42.03 mg of flavonoid and 6.46 mg of quercetin. The presence of phytocompounds and quercetin was confirmed by GC–MS/MS and RP‐HPLC. The isolated quercetin (57.9 μg) also showed lethal effects on HT‐29 human colon cancer cells. This method may be effective for evaluating quercetin in radish extracts.

YtnP: One novel quorum quenching enzyme from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens W11 inhibits biofilms and spoilage of white radish by Serratia marcescens

The spoilage of fruits and vegetables caused by microorganisms poses significant challenges to food safety and food industry. Serratia marcescens, a microorganism commonly found in the environment and food production facilities, exhibits strong spoilage activity on fruits and vegetables. In this study, one novel lactonase (YtnP) derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens W11 was successfully expressed and utilized to combat the spoilage of white radish caused by S. marcescens. The recombinant YtnP demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against various AHL signaling molecules. Notably, YtnP exhibited remarkable thermal stability, retaining over 60% enzyme activity after exposure to 75 °C for 1 h. Through mutagenesis of key amino acid residues, mutants H111A and H113A exhibited negligible enzyme activity against C6-HSL. H115A and H191A demonstrated reduced catalytic activity compared to the wild type. Conversely, mutant S154K exhibited enhanced catalytic activity against C6-HSL. Furthermore, infection models involving white radish and Galleria mellonella larvae confirmed that YtnP significantly reduced the toxicity of S. marcescens towards the host. Consequently, these findings highlight the potential of YtnP from B. amyloliquefaciens W11 as a food preservative against S. marcescens.

Effect of solar radiation and full spectrum artificial sun light drying on the drying characteristics, ultra-structural and textural properties of white radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Traditional sun drying has long been employed as a method for preserving radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) However, it suffers from various uncertainties, including weather-related factors such as rain and cloudy days, the pressing issue of climatic change can lead to an impact on the traditional drying process and texture of radish. In this research, the full spectrum artificial sunlight drying (FSASLD) has been implemented to simulate the traditional open sun drying of white radish slices which helps to prevent hygienic issues and unstable climatic conditions. Water activity (Aw) was measured and observed to decrease from 0.89 to 0.60 under both drying methods, indicating the removal of moisture from radish cells. Mathematical modelling and color kinetics models were studied with respect to drying time. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was employed to assess hardness, and results showed an increase in hardness following both SD (1018.24 g to 1327.67 g) and FSASLD (1018.24 g to 1731.04 g) salt treated radish slices. These findings suggest that FSASLD can serve as a viable alternative to the conventional drying method and contributes to agricultural innovation and the food industry, reducing drying time significantly from 270 min to 200 min and minimizing the impact of adverse weather conditions and interference from animals and microorganisms.

Effects of enhanced fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WWPC on physicochemical characteristics and flavor profiles of radish paocai and dried-fermented radish

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, the biomarker that occupied an important position in fermented radish paocai with high quality, was selected and applied as a starter culture to manufacture fermented radishes. Herein, this work developed a method of enhanced fermentation by using L. plantarum WWPC to shorten the fermentation period and improve the flavor and safety of fermented radish products. Particularly, the effect of L. plantarum WWPC on physicochemical characteristics and flavor profiles of liquid-state-based radish paocai and solid-state-based dried-fermented radish was systematically investigated. The results indicated that the enhanced fermentation inoculated with L. plantarum WWPC could accelerate the fermentation process (2 times in radish paocai) and postpone the yellowing of white radish paocai (ΔE>5). Meanwhile, the content of nitrite in radish products diminished with the participation of L. plantarum WWPC. Furthermore, enhanced fermentation with L. plantarum WWPC improved the flavor profiles of white radish paocai, especially lactic acid, oxalic acid, Glu, ocimenol, and trans-4-thujanol. Meanwhile, the predominant flavor substances mainly consisting of Glu, octanal, and 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate were affluent in red dried-fermented radish inoculated with L. plantarum WWPC. The pleasant and abundant taste and aroma of the enhanced fermented radish products possessed further verified the practicality and appropriateness of L. plantarum WWPC for radish fermentation. These findings could contribute to synthetically exploiting and developing radish products with high quality.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF MICE LIVER AND KIDNEY ON ORAL ACUTE TESTING OF WHITE RADISH TUBER LYOPHILISATE

Background and aim: Radish tuber (Raphanus sativus L.) is one of the plant species often consumed by society as a vegetable. Currently, its use is beginning to expand as a medicinal plant, including its use for diabetes, pharyngitis, sinusitis, cardiac fibrosis, diuretics, and bacterial infections. This study aims to determine the histopathology of the liver and kidney organs in male albino mice (Mus musculus) by testing the oral pungency of white radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Methods: This experimental study used 12 mice weighing 25–30 grams, divided into 4 treatment groups: Group 1 was administered aquadest, Group 2 received a dose of 400 mg, Group 3 received 800 mg, and Group 4 received 1600 mg of the medication. The treatment was carried out for 14 days, and then the mice were euthanized to see the histopathology of the hepatic and kidney tissues. Results: In the histopathology of the liver and kidney in treatment groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, the results were normal, mild, moderate, and severe damage, respectively. In kidney histopathology, there are signs of damaged tissue, such as bleeding, edema, and inflamation cells. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the higher the dose of white radish lyophilizate, the greater the potential to cause toxicity to the liver and kidney organs. Peer Review History: Received 3 December 2023; Revised 29 January 2024; Accepted 27 February; Available online 15 March 2024 Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, gorkemdulger@yandex.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sansan4240732@163.com

Foliar Application of Micronutrients and Low Molecular Weight Polysaccharides on White Radish Grown in Impoverished Soil

Foliar application has been considered as the most effective way to supplement nutrients for crops. Besides macro- and micro-nutrients, foliar fertilizers should contain surfactants to wet plant leaves, and other adjuvants to control spray and prolong the retention time of nutrients on the leaf surface. Having diverse structures and properties, some polysaccharides can not only be used as drift control or adhesion agents to improve performance on the leaf and reduce washout of agrochemicals by rainwater, but also be utilized as plant growth promoters (PGP) or immuno-stimulating agents in agricultural production. In this study, low molecular weight chitosan and xanthan obtained by radiation degradation have been added to the microelement fertilizers to control diseases, promote the growth and development of vegetables, and further increase their nutrient uptake. Field trials on white radishes grown on impoverished soil revealed that the resulting foliar fertilizers significantly reduced the infection of popular pests and diseases, remarkably promoted the growth and development of the radish plants. The yield attributes and marketable yield of radish from all treatments were much higher than those of the control. The highest yields were 61.99 and 64.94 tons per ha in season 2019 and 2020, respectively, in the plants treated with the fertilizer containing both chitosan and xanthan. These results suggest that the fertilizer composed of micronutrients and low molecular weight chitosan and xanthan could be applied for better vegetable crops.

Effect of Beet Root (Beta vulgaris), White and Red Radish (Raphanus sativus and Raphanus longipinnatus) Juice Extract, on Salt Induced Hypertensive Wistar Rats

Background: Hypertension is one of the major global health challenges with high prevalence and undesirable complications, and is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
 Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of juice extracted from beetroot (BR), red radish (RR) and white radish (WR) tubers on experimentally induced hypertension in 10-week-old Wistar rats.
 Methodology: Total of 35 rats was randomly divided into seven (7) experimental groups A - G with 5 rats each. Rats in group A were not induced (normotensive group). All the rats in groups B-G were induced with hypertensive agent. Group B was not treated (negative control), groups C-G were treated simultaneously with a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight (orally) of BR, RR, WR, BR+RR combination, and standard drug (5mg Amlodipine) respectively. The study lasted for a period of 28 days during which the blood pressure and heart rate (HR) of each of the experimental rats were measured at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28th day using Stethoscope technique. The interpretation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were made from pulse tracings using Aneroid Sphygmomanometer. The mean blood pressure (MBP) was calculated from SBP and DBP.
 Results: The BR, RR, WR and combination of BR+RR, did decrease the number of heart beats/minute from 192.00/minute to 208.80/minute which is within the normal base line, whereas the untreated rats recorded increase from 192.00/minute to 246.80/minute. The result showed that the hypertensive rats recorded higher (P<0.05) mean values of SBP, the treated groups altered the rise from 110.40 mmHg to 100.40mmHg with the standard drugs, followed by the white radish treatment group, the combination of BR+RR, before RR, lastly the BR group. For DBP, at week 4, same impact reflected again, but week 2 and week 3 had WR to have the best effect, followed by BR +RR, then RR before the standard drug and then Beetroot. The BR + RR juice performed better than the individual RR and BR juice groups, suggesting possible synergistic effect.
 Conclusion: The 3 juice extracts had demonstrated varying degrees of protection, provided scientific evidence of their anti- hypertensive activities in an experimentally induced hypertension. Further studies are hereby recommended to isolate the specific biomolecule active agent(s) and investigate the mechanism of action.

Characterization and Function Analysis of Soluble Dietary Fiber Obtained from Radish Pomace by Different Extraction Methods.

Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) benefits human health, and different extraction methods might modify the structure and functions of the SDFs. Radish is rich in dietary fiber. To assess the impact of various extraction techniques on the properties and functions of radish SDF, the SDFs were obtained from white radish pomace using alkaline, ultrasonic-assisted, and fermentation-assisted extraction methods. Analysis was conducted on the structure, physicochemical characteristics, thermal properties, and functional attributes of the SDFs. The study revealed that various extraction techniques can impact the monosaccharides composition and functionality of the SDFs. Compared with the other two extraction methods, the surface structures of SDFs obtained by fermentation-assisted extraction were looser and more porous, and the SDF had better water solubility and water/oil holding capacity. The adsorption capacities of glucose and cholesterol of the SDFs obtained from fermentation-assisted extraction were also improved. Wickerhamomyces anomalus YFJ252 seems the most appropriate strain to ferment white radish pomace to acquire SDF; the water holding, oil holding, glucose absorption capacity, and cholesterol absorption capacity at pH 2 and pH 7 have a 3.06, 1.65, 3.19, 1.27, and 1.83 fold increase than the SDF extracted through alkaline extraction method.

Comparative Study on the Absorption and Metabolism of Pinoresinol and Pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside in Mice.

Lignans are a group of phenolic compounds commonly found in plants, often in the form of glycosides. This study investigates the differences in the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of lignans and their glucosides using pinoresinol (PIN) and pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PMG). After oral administration mice PIN and PMG with a dose of 0.1 µmolkg-1 . The results showed that the stomach and small intestine rapidly absorbe PIN and PMG in their prototype form. After oral administration of 0.25 h, serum levels of PIN and PMG reach peak values of 61.14 and 52.97 ngmL-1 , respectively. This indicates a faster PIN absorption rate than PMG, likely due to the glycosides attach to the parent compound, with concentrations of 1574.14 and 876.75 ngg-1 , respectively. Pharmacokinetic analysis reveals that PIN has a greater area under the curve and a longer half-life than PMG in serum and liver. Moreover, mice in the PIN group exhibit higher metabolite levels in the serum and liver compared to those in the PMG group. The deglycosylation process that occurs during the pickling of white radish facilitates the absorption and metabolism of the lignans fraction in the body.

Reduction of microbial population of fresh vegetables (carrot, white radish) and dried fruits (dried fig, dried peach) using atmospheric cold plasma and its effect on physicochemical properties

Non-observance of hygiene principles during storage causes excessive growth of microorganisms in these products and the return of export products to the manufacturer. The purpose of this research is to examine the antimicrobial effects of the jet cold plasma device and its impact on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of a carrot, white radish, dried fig, and dried peach. For this purpose, the samples were inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Enterococcus faecalis, and Aspergillus niger. Then samples were treated with atmospheric cold plasma in the form of a jet probe and DC pulse source with 17 KV and 2.26A for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 min. The results showed that the rate of inactivation of microorganisms increases with increasing exposure time to atmospheric cold plasma. The maximum reduction of the microbial load was observed at 17 kV and 12 min. The resistance of microorganisms in dried fig and dried peach was higher than in carrot and white radish due to lower humidity. Also, A. niger showed the highest resistance to cold plasma compared with E. coli O157:H7, and E. faecalis. By comparing the average indices of a, and b, no significant change was observed between the treated and the control samples (p > 0.05). The texture structure remained intact after plasma application, and the plasma had no destructive effect on the texture. The samples treated with cold plasma did not show a significant effect on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of different food products. Therefore, atmospheric cold plasma technology can be used as an efficient maintenance technique to enhance the shelf life of food products.

Biochemical analysis of radish and beet species

The study investigated the biochemical composition and enzyme activities of various radish and beet species, revealing significant variations across different parameters. Reducing sugars, crucial for blood sugar regulation and weight management, showed diverse levels among species, with higher concentrations observed in yellow turnip and white radish. Likewise, fiber content varied, with Raphanus sativus L. var. niger J. Kern exhibiting the highest fiber content. Moisture and mineral content also differed across species, with sugar beet displaying the highest mineral content. Regarding vitamin C content, our findings indicated lower levels compared to previous studies, suggesting potential influences of environmental conditions on vitamin accumulation. Flavonoid content, known for its antioxidant properties, was notably high in black radish compared to other species, highlighting the potential health benefits of flavonoid-rich varieties. Enzyme activities, including catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase, varied among species, with white radish and beetroot exhibiting higher catalase activity. These findings highlight biochemical variations among radish and beet species, underscoring their potential health benefits and applications.

Prediction of bruising susceptibility in white radish (Raphanus sativus L.) using FEA-RSM technique

Predicting the bruise susceptibility of white radish can provide guidance for proper post-harvest handling and storage operations. The objective of this research was to assess the susceptibility of newly harvested white radishes to bruising in various impact situations by employing finite element analysis (FEA) and the response surface methodology (RSM). The accurate form of the white radish was acquired using reverse engineering (generating a finite element model of white radish with consistent dimensional data using scanning techniques), leading to the creation of a two-layer material finite element model representing the vegetable. Information and deformation visuals were gathered through the integration of three prevalent impact contact materials (steel, neoprene, and PVC) with three varying impact heights (1.0 m, 1.5 m, and 2.0 m) and three distinct impact angles (−30°, 0°, and 30°) in order to simulate the collisions effectively. Based on the above method, the values of bruise susceptibility of white radish under various impact scenarios were obtained. With the use of response surface analysis, the empirical model was established to predict the bruising susceptibility of white radish. The accuracy of the predictive model is compromised by the issue of multiple collisions. the relative error between the empirical model prediction results and the drop test results was within 14.72 %. These findings suggest that the model can describe the susceptibility of white radish to bruising on specific impact platforms for various impact scenarios. This study offers guidance for white radish harvesting and storage, while also fostering the development of future research utilizing nonlinear explicit dynamic simulation techniques anchored in numerical methodologies to examine complex deformation and impact studies, as well as industrial applications related to agriculture and food.

Effects of assorted radishes on the flavor development and bacterial community succession of radish paocai during fermentation

Radish paocai, one of the most common Sichuan paocai, is widely popular with people. However, comprehensive research on the effect of radish varieties on the fermentation of radish paocai is lacking and the underlying bacterial mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we analyzed and compared the physicochemical characteristics, flavor profiles, and bacterial community succession of paocai fermented with three different kinds of radishes, and further investigated the correlation between the core bacteria and differential metabolites. As a result, the content of flavor compounds increased, and terpenoids, sulfocompounds, and alcohols were the representative flavor substance in paocai products, which suggested that spontaneous fermentation through the salt-brine method was universally applicable to diverse raw radish materials. Furthermore, f_Leuconostocaceae, f_Lactobacillaceae, g_Weissella, and g_Lactobacillus were considered as the biomarkers in paocai during the fermentation period. Notably, white radish was selected as the distinguished variety to produce radish paocai acquired affluent flavor compounds, according to the discrepant time or whether the biomarkers appear. These findings may provide comprehensive insights into manufacturing paocai with high quality.

Design and Experimentation of a Self-Propelled Picking Type White Radish Combine Harvester

In view of the low level of mechanized harvesting of white radish in China and other developing countries and the current situation of “no machine can be used” due to the expensive imported machines, a self-propelled white radish combine harvester was designed based on the material, growth characteristics, and agronomic pattern of white radish. This combines harvester can realize the functions of white radish tassel gathering, deep soil loosening, clamping and conveying, tassel cutting, and collecting. In this research, the overall design of the harvester is described, and the structural and working parameters and kinematic requirements of the tassel gathering device, clamping and conveying device, tassel cutting device, and vibrating deep loosening device are determined by mechanical and kinematic analysis. Innovatively, a range of values for the tassel gathering speed ratio of 1.7–4.2 is proposed for the operation of the tassel gathering device suitable for white radish harvesting. The prototype was bench tested with the loss rate, damaged rate, and impurity rate as performance evaluation indexes. The results show that under the pitch of 240 mm between the taper angle of the tassel-raising device, a speed of 80 rpm for the tassel gathering device gathering claw belt rotation, a speed of 120 rpm for the clamping and conveying pulley rotation, a vibration frequency of 2 Hz and an amplitude of 15 mm for the vibrating deep loosening device, and a forward speed of 0.5 m/s (tassel gathering speed ratio: 1.7). The loss rate was 2.75%, the damage rate was 4.99%, and the impurity rate was 1.64%. During the operation, the innovatively designed white radish leaf gathering device can better fulfill the function of tassel gathering, and the systems worked well together, meeting the requirements of mechanized combined harvesting of white radish, but the adaptability to complex working conditions in the field needs to be further strengthened. This research can provide a reference for the design and optimization of mechanized white radish harvesting equipment.

Vision-Based White Radish Phenotypic Trait Measurement with Smartphone Imagery

White radish is a nutritious and delectable vegetable that is enjoyed globally. Conventional techniques for monitoring radish growth are arduous and time-consuming, encouraging the development of novel methods for quicker measurements and greater sampling density. This research introduces a mathematical model working on high-resolution images to measure radish’s biophysical properties automatically. A color calibration was performed on the dataset using a color checker panel to minimize the impact of varying light conditions on the RGB images. Subsequently, a Mask-RCNN model was trained to effectively segment different components of the radishes. The observations of the segmented results included leaf length, leaf width, root width, root length, leaf length to width, root length to width, root shoulder color, and root peel color. The automated real-life measurements of these observations were then conducted and compared with actual results. The validation results, based on a set of white radish samples, demonstrated the models’ effectiveness in utilizing images for quantifying phenotypic traits. The average accuracy of the automated method was confirmed to be 96.2% when compared to the manual method.