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Variety performance review

Daikon Radish (Tillage Radish) in Corn Belt Core.

Performance Review 2026
Brassicas55–70 days; killed by hard freezecover cropfood plotUniversity Trial Data
Editorial independence

This review is based on independent university trial data and public extension publications, not seed-company marketing materials. No yield data is republished here for Daikon Radish (Tillage Radish) in Corn Belt Core — this scorecard summarizes regional fit from publicly-documented agronomic principles. Always consult the latest Iowa State Variety Trials trial report for verified yield figures.

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Performance scorecard

Variety performance scorecard

Daikon Radish (Tillage Radish)

Brassicas·Corn Belt Core·Non-GMO·Organic-approved
ExcellentUniversity Trial Data

Yield in Corn Belt Core

Yield data not summarized for this variety in Corn Belt Core. Where this variety appears in food-plot or community-managed contexts, yield is not the primary selection criterion.

Agronomic ratings

  • Drought tolerance
    Fair
  • Standability
    Good
  • Emergence
    Excellent
  • Winter hardiness
    Fair

Food plot ratings

  • Palatability
    Good
  • Persistence
    Fair
  • Establishment
    easy

Attraction timingLate October through hard freeze

Hunting use · food plot

Brassicas as a hunting food plot.

Brassicas are the late-season deer food plot species. Tubers and tops sweeten after frost and become primary attraction during the rut and post-rut. Time planting 60-90 days before first hard frost.

Attractswhitetail deer

Regional strengths

Daikon (tillage) radish is the gold standard cover crop tap-root species for Corn Belt no-till operations. Penetrating taproots reach 24–36 inches into compacted subsoil layers; winter-killed tops decompose rapidly and release N for the following corn crop. Iowa State, Penn State, and several other land-grants have published trial data on daikon as a cover.

Regional weaknesses

Daikon timing is tight — needs 8–10 weeks of growth before hard freeze for full taproot development. Rotting taproots can produce brief odor in February / March that some neighbors find objectionable. Volunteer radish in following crops can be a minor weed issue.

Recommended for

  • no-till corn/soybean cover crop systems
  • compacted subsoil remediation

Not recommended for

  • very late-planted cover (after Sept 15) where taproot won't develop
Seeding rate
8–10 lb/acre drilled; 10–15 lb/acre broadcast
Best soil types
loam, silt loam, compacted clay (specifically — biological tillage)

Where this data comes from

Brassicas variety trials in Corn Belt Core

Independent · Public University

These results come from independent university variety trials — not seed company marketing materials. Variety entries, planting dates, and harvest measurements are controlled by the trial program. Land-grant universities publish full results annually.

Trial reports are typically released in January–March of the year following harvest. For Brassicasvariety selection, the most recent year’s report is the most relevant data source.

Agronomic fit — Corn Belt Core

Best soil types
loam, silt loam, compacted clay (specifically — biological tillage)
Maturity rating
55–70 days; killed by hard freeze
Seeding rate
8–10 lb/acre drilled; 10–15 lb/acre broadcast
Region growing season
175 days · 32–42" precip

Humid continental with the highest-productivity row-crop soils in the United States. Long-enough season for full-RM corn (108–115) and MG 2.5–3.8 soybeans.

Hunting use

Daikon Radish (Tillage Radish) as a food plot.

This variety is widely used in food plots for whitetail deer. Attraction timing: late october through hard freeze.

Hunting use · food plot

Brassicas as a hunting food plot.

Brassicas are the late-season deer food plot species. Tubers and tops sweeten after frost and become primary attraction during the rut and post-rut. Time planting 60-90 days before first hard frost.

Attractswhitetail deer

Trait package & sourcing

GMO statusNon-GMO
Organic-approvedYes
Seed companyMultiple — Cover Crop Solutions and others

Compare alternatives in Corn Belt Core

Comparison — Brassicas in Corn Belt Core

3 varieties
MetricDaikon Radish (Tillage Radish)55–70 days; killed by hard freezePurple Top Turnip60–80 days to bulb maturityTrophy Radish60–80 days to root maturity
Overall ratingExcellentGoodGood
Data qualityUniversity Trial DataCommunity ReportsCommunity Reports
GMONon-GMONon-GMONon-GMO
Drought toleranceFairFairFair
StandabilityGoodGoodGood
Seeding rate8–10 lb/acre drilled; 10–15 lb/acre broadcast3–5 lb/acre broadcast; 2–3 lb/acre in a blend5–8 lb/acre pure stand; 3–5 lb/acre in a blend

Cell tinting reflects best (green) / worst (amber) within this comparison only. Always verify against the latest extension trial report for Corn Belt Core before purchase decisions.

Data freshness
2024Last reviewed

Variety performance data changes as new genetics enter the market. Always consult your local extension service for the most current trial data — this is especially important for corn and soybean entries, where trait packages and disease ratings shift annually.

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