The Horse-radish 181 



For the botanical account of turnips and rutabagas, see the 

 discussion of brassicaceous plants in Chapter IV (pages 95, 96). 



HORSE-RADISH 



Horse-radish is a perennial grown commercially as an 

 annual, propagated by root-cuttings (sets). It is perfectly 

 hardy. Grown usually as a comhination-crop and succes- 

 sion-crop, occupying the land completely late in the season, 

 when it makes its principal growth. It requires a very 

 deep and fertile soil. The grated or shredded root is used 

 as a piquant sauce and relish. 



Cuttings of the side roots are employed for propagation 

 directly in the field, and the plants stand 10 to 18 in., more 

 or less, in rows far enough apart for good tillage, which is 

 usually 3 to 4 ft. if the plants are started between other crops. 

 The commercial yields are 3 to 5 tons to the acre, varying less 

 or more. 



HoBSE-EADisH FLEA-BEETLE (Phyllotveta armoracice) . — A 

 black strongly convex flea-beetle about ^^ in. long, having 

 each wing-cover yellowish except a narrow black stripe along 

 the outer margin and a wider one on the inner margin. The 

 eggs are laid in clusters on the petioles of the young leaves. 

 The larvae burrow in the petioles. The beetles are more de- 

 structive early in the season and the larvae later. Control: 

 Spray the plants with bordeaux mixture containing 4 to 6 lbs. 

 arsenate of lead (paste) in 50 gals. Several applications may 

 be necessary. Change the location of the beds from time to 

 time In order to avoid the beetles. 



Spinach aphis (Myzus persicw). — See under Spinach. 



Haelequin cabbage bug (Murgantia Jiistrionica). — See under 

 Cabbage. 



Sharp distinction is to be made between the home-grown 

 supply of horse-radish and the commercially-raised product. 

 It is the same plant ; but in the home premises it is usually 



