Turnip (Brassica rapa) is a fresh market root vegetable that reaches maturity about 50-70 days after planting. Turnip leaves are usually hirsute (hairy) and light- to medium-green in color and can be eaten as greens. Varieties grown for greens reach maturity about 30-45 days after planting. Varieties grown for roots are designated as salad or storage varieties, with salad turnips being tender, mild, and able to be eaten raw, whereas storage turnips are more commonly cooked before eating, although there is some overlap. Salad turnips reach maturity slightly faster (35-50 days after planting) than storage turnips (45-70) days after planting. Turnip roots generally have little or no neck and a distinct taproot. Best quality results when the crop reaches edible size under moderately cool temperatures.
Rutabaga (Brassica napa, napobrassica group) is commonly known as yellow turnip or swede. It is thought to be a cross between turnip (B. rapa) and wild cabbage (B. oleracea) and developed in central Europe. The leaves are bluish in color, thick and waxy like cabbage leaves, and smooth. Rutabagas have short necks with leaf scars, and they require about a month longer to mature than turnips (90-100 days). In northern New England, rutabagas are more popular than turnips. If planted early in the spring, rutabagas will be of poor quality (woody and tough). For best quality, plant from mid-June to mid-July in northern to southern New England, respectively, timing harvest to occur in the cool weather of fall after a few light frosts.
| Rutabaga and Turnip Varieties | |
|---|---|
| Turnip for Greens | Rutabaga |
| Alamo | Gilfeather |
| All Top | Helenor |
| Topper | Joan |
| Southern Green | Macomber Turnip (popular in southeastern MA) |
| Seven Top | |
| Turnip for Storage | |
| Turnip for Salads | Purple Prince |
| Bella Luna | Purple Top White Globe |
| Hakurei F1 | Scarlet Ohno Revival |
| Hirosaki Red | Violet Queen |
| Just Right | |
| Polar | |
| Scarlet Ohno Revival | |
| Scarlet Queen Red Stems | |
| Tokyo Silky Sweet | |
| White Lady | |
Apply lime according to soil test results to maintain soil pH at 6.5-6.8.
Turnip following other vegetables in the same season may not require the application of additional fertilizer as turnip is an efficient scavenger of residual nutrients.
Less nitrogen fertilizer will be needed if legume sod was plowed down or if manure was applied (see Table 1 and Table 7).
| PLANT NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATION ACCORDING TO SOIL TEST RESULTS FOR RUTABaGA AND TURNIP | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUTABAGA AND TURNIP | NITROGEN (N) LBS PER ACRE | PHOSPHORUS (P) LBS P2O5 PER ACRE | POTASSIUM (K) LBS K2O PER ACRE | ||||||
| SOIL TEST RESULTS | VERY LOW | LOW | OPTIMUM | ABOVE OPTIMUM | VERY LOW | LOW | OPTIMUM | ABOVE OPTIMUM | |
| Broadcast and Incorporate | 50 | 150 | 100 | 25-50 | 0 | 100 | 75 | 25 | 0 |
| TOTAL RECOMMENDED | 50 | 150 | 100 | 25-50 | 0 | 100 | 75 | 25 | 0 |
Rutabaga: Seed to 4-8" within rows and 30" between rows 0.25" deep. This requires 1.5-2 lb of seed per acre (about 1/4 oz per 100 feet of row).
Turnip: Seed to 2-3" within rows and 14-18" between rows 0.5" deep. This requires about 6 lb of seed per acre (or about 0.33 oz/100 ft row.)
Mature salad turnips are harvested when the roots are about 2" in diameter; storage turnips can be harvested slightly larger. Both types of turnip can become pithy if harvested too large. For highest quality, rutabagas should be harvested when they are 3-5" in diameter at the top end and weigh 2-3 lb. Rutabagas and turnips can be stored for long periods at 32º F and at a relative humidity of 90-95%. Chilling prior to harvest improves the flavor of rutabagas by aiding the conversion of starch to sugar, reducing strong or bitter flavor.
NOTE: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 25 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.
The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.
Leaf spot fungi do not infect the root but infection can reduce yield, and blighted foliage can reduce the value of fresh-packed plants. Hot water seed treatment can eliminate seedborne fungal pathogens but will not protect from airborne inoculum. To reduce infection by airborne inoculum, control weeds to improve airflow and encourage leaf drying, and plow under crop debris promptly in the fall. Practice a 3-year crop rotation out of brassicas.
azoxystrobin (Abound, AKA Quadris): 6.0 to 20.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Do not rotate with other Group 11 fungicides.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (CX 9030OG, AKA Double Nickel 55OG): 0.25 to 3.0 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM2. Applied as foliar spray. See label for application methods and instructions.
copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.5 to 0.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1. For turnip greens only.
cyprodinil plus fludioxonil (Switch 6.25 WG): 11.0 to 14.0 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12.
penthiopyrad (Fontelis): 16.0 to 30.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7.
pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 8.0 to 12.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not rotate with other Group 11 fungicides.
From foliar lesions, the fungal pathogen that causes black leg spreads into leaf veins to the petioles and eventually the main stem. On root crops, such as rutabaga and turnip, a dry rot of the bulb or hypocotyl develops. The neck and shoulder areas develop large, brown lesions, followed by an extensive dry rot deep into the fleshy tissue. Severely affected bulbs become shriveled and dry, and are often invaded by secondary fungal and bacterial decay organisms. Start with certified or treated seed, or treat seed with hot water or fungicides. Rotate out of brassicas for 4 years. Promptly incorporate infected crop debris after harvest. Eliminate cruciferous weeds, which can act as hosts. Apply foliar fungicides to protect susceptible cultivars (see above).
Damping-off diseases are favored by cool, cloudy weather, wet and/or compacted soils, high humidity, and overcrowding. Plant into well-drained and well-fertilized soil when conditions are conducive to fast germination and growth. Avoid excessive irrigation.
azoxystrobin (Abound, AKA Quadris): 0.4 to 0.8 fl oz/1000 row ft.; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. For Rhizoctonia root rot control applied as in-furrow application. See label for restrictions.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (CX 9030OG, AKA Double Nickel 55OG): 0.125 to 1.0 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM2. See label for application methods and instructions.
fludioxonil (Maxim 4FS): 0.08 to 0.16 oz/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Group 12. For protection against seedborne and soilborne fungi. Does not control Pythium or Phytophthora. Use as seed treatment prior to seedling.
fluopicolide (V-10161 4 C, AKA Presidio): 3.0 to 4.0 fl oz/A; REI 12h, Group 43. Apply for Pythium root rot control as banded spray. See label for additional restrictions.
mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold SL): 1.0 to 2.0 pt/A; REI 48h, Group 4. Pre-plant incorporated or soil spray broadcast or band).
Yield reductions are rare, but quality is reduced by the prominent signs of the pathogen. On radish, white rust can also infect flower shoots and cause root swellings. Use resistant cultivars where available and rotate to non-hosts where the disease is common. Proper fertility levels, especially of phosphorus and potassium, have been reported to reduce disease.
azoxystrobin (Abound, AKA Quadris): 6.0 to 20.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Do not alternate with another Group 11 fungicide.
copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.5 to 0.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1. Not labeled for rutabaga. An organic formulation is available.
copper oxychloride plus copper hydroxide (Badge X2OG): 1.0 to 2.25 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M1. Labeled for rutabaga and turnip.
pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 8.0 to 16.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not rotate with other Group 11 fungicides.
Flea beetles, leafminers and cabbage maggot can be controlled in spring crops with spunbonded row covers. Cover at seeding and seal the edges with soil to exclude the cabbage maggot fly, which lays eggs at the base of the young seedlings. Rotate fields so that flies do not emerge under row covers. Row covers are most effective for spring crops. Use a non-heating row cover, such as Proteknet, to protect fall turnips and rutabagas from cabbage maggot during August and early September, as spunbonded row covers can trap too much heat and cause reduced yield and root quality. Aphids are generally kept below damaging levels by natural enemies. If using row cover, do not place over crops with aphids present as the cover will exclude natural enemies and cause outbreaks of aphids under the cover.
NOTES: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 26 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.
All tolerances for chlorpyrifos in food crops were revoked in 2022, therefore products containing chlorpyrifos (e.g. Lorsban) cannot be applied to any food crop and growers CAN NOT use up existing stock.
The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.
The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.
The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.
See cabbage aphid in the Cabbage section. Green peach aphid is an occasional pest of rutabaga and turnip; see in the Pepper section for more information.
alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group un. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For use on turnip greens only.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. For turnip greens and roots only.
dinotefuran (Venom): 2 to 3 oz/A foliar; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For turnip greens only.
flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12, Bee: L, Group 9C.
flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 10.5 oz/A for foliar application. 7 to 14 oz/A for soil application on turnip greens only; PHI 7d foliar, PHI 1d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 4.4 to 10.5; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For soil applications only.
malathion (Malathion 57EC): 1 to 1.6 pt/A rutabaga, 1 to 2 oz/A turnip; PHI 7d rutabaga, PHI 1d turnip, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9A. Turnip greens only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
sulfoxaflor (Transform WG): 0.75 to 1.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bees: H, Group 4C.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4.
thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 12 oz/A; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4. Systemic insecticide used at seeding or within 24 h of seeding as an in-furrow or narrow surface band with sufficient water for incorporation, or in drip irrigation.
See Cabbage section for more information on cabbage maggot. Both spring and fall crops are susceptible to maggot damage. Cooler soils in early fall allow survival of eggs from late-season maggot fly. Use drop nozzles directed to base of plant. Use at least 100 gal water/A.
diazinon (Diazinon* AG500): 2 to 4 qt/A; REI 4d, Bee: H, Group 1B. Broadcast and incorporate to a depth of 4 inches just before planting. For rutabaga only.
Foliar Treatment for Adult Flies:
alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
NOTE: For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient along with preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), resistance management group number, and example of rates and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. However, not all products with the same active ingredient are registered for use in a crop. Always check the product label to be sure that the crop is listed before using.
See Stale Seedbed Technique in the Weed Management section.
glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): REI 12h, Group 9.
paraquat (Gramoxone SL 2.0*): Restricted use. REI 12h, Group 22. Turnip only. Use 2.5 – 4 pts/A. Include a nonionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v, or crop oil concentrate/methylated seed oil at 1.0% v/v (1 gal/100 gal) of the finished spray volume for maximum efficacy. May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. Applicators must complete an EPA-approved paraquat training listed on the following website https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators. The training must be completed a minimum of every three years.
pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons).
DCPA (Dacthal 75WP): PHI 25d, REI 12h, Group 3. Turnip only. Apply 6 to 14 lb/A at seeding. Will not control ragweed, galinsoga or smartweed. Use lower rates on sandy soils. This product may not be registered for use on turnip in the future. Always make sure to check the current label before using.
carfentrazone (Aim EC): REI 12h, Group 14. Aim is a burndown herbicide and will injure any foliage it comes into contact with. Apply Aim to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers to control emerged weeds, including crops grown on mulch or plastic. Prevent any spray from contacting the crop, or injury will occur. For best results, make application to actively growing weeds up to 4 inches tall and rosettes less than 3 inches across. Good coverage is essential for good control. Apply up to 2 oz/A per application, and do not exceed a total of 6.1 oz/ per season.
clethodim (Select Max): PHI 30d, 24hr REI, Group 1. Will control grass weeds only. Apply to actively growing grasses. See label for rate selection. Multiple applications permitted of 9 to 16 oz/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications, not to exceed 64 oz/A per year. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt per 100 gal of spray). Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1/3-2/3% (0.44 to 0.85 oz per gallon) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz per gallon). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
clopyralid (Stinger): PHI 30d roots, PHI 15d for tops, REI 12h, Group 4. Turnip only. For postemergence control of weeds in the composite and legume families, such as common ragweed, galinsoga, prickly lettuce, sweet clover, and wild buckwheat and postemergence suppression of sowthistle infesting turnip harvested for roots and tops. Stinger is very effective on small seedling annual and emerging perennial weeds less than 2" to 4" tall, but is less effective and takes longer to work when weeds are larger. A single application of 1/3 to 1/2 pt/A is permitted. Application timing is based on targeted weeds; see label for details. Spray additives are not needed or required by the label and are not recommended. Stinger is a postemergence herbicide with some soil residual activity. Observe replant restrictions on the label or injury may occur from herbicide carryover.
pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons). Use a 3 to 5% solution for annual weeds, a 5 to 7% solution for biennial and perennial weeds, and 7 to 10% solution for maximum burndown. Delivery rate for boom applications should be 75 to 200 gals of spray solution per acre; complete coverage of weed foliage is essential. Use a DIRECTED/ SHIELDED SPRAY; contact with crop will cause injury. For hand-held equipment, spray to completely wet all weed foliage but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Tank mixes are allowed with this product. See label for complete details.