Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and fiber. They can help support eye, heart, and immune health. China is the world's largest carrot producer. Carrots have antioxidant properties and various health benefits. They require cool climates and well-drained soil to grow. Carrots are classified into temperate and tropical types and many varieties exist. Proper spacing, fertilization, and weed control are needed for optimal carrot growth.

1. Prepared by: Sparsh Madaik

2. IMPORTANT POINTS
• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (a precursor of Vitamin A
which is good for eyes) & also contain appreciable amount
of thiamine and riboflavin.
• Carrots are also a good source of various other vitamins,
minerals and fiber.
• Carrots have antioxidant properties and are good for eyes,
heart, prevent cancer, boosts immune system and strengthen
bones.
• Eating too much carrot can lead to carotenemia, causing the
skin to turn yellowish orange.
• China is largest producer of carrot responsible for 45% of
worlds total carrot production.
• Haryana is the leading state in carrot production.
• Carrot is a cross pollinated crop and crossing is usually done
by honeybees.

3. • The inflorescence of carrot is a compound umbel. A primary
umbel can have over 1000 flowers at maturity, whereas
secondary, tertiary and quaternary umbels bear fewer
flowers.
• Floral development is centripetal i.e. the flowers to dehisce
first are on the outer edges of the outer umbellets.
• Carrots are broadly classified into two groups i.e. Asiatic or
Tropical type and European or Temperate type.
• Temperate type carrots requires chilling (4.8–10˚C) for
flowering (vernalization).
• Cortex contains more carotene then core.
• The colour of the roots is determined by the level of
carotenoid content in root.
• At higher temperature the roots become shorter, thicker and
non-juicy and at lower temperature roots become longer and
develop poor colour.

4. • Application of fresh undecomposed FYM should be
avoided as it leads to forking of the fleshy roots.
• In heavy soils, short stump rooted varieties having
round and heart-shaped roots are preferred.
• Seeds are sown at the depth of 1cm.
• For better development of roots, sowing on ridges is
preferred over flat sowing.
• If optimum dose of N is exceeded, the contents of
carotene, Vitamin C and sugars decreases considerably.
• Root splitting, forking, cavity spot are some of the
common physiological disorders that leads to poor
quality of carrot roots.

5. Botanical Name : Daucas carota L.
Family : Umbelliferae
Chromosome no : 2n=18
Common Name : Gajar
Origin : Afghanistan
Edible parts : Root and Leaves

6. INTRODUCTION:
• One of the important root crop of the world.
• It is an annual or biennial herb with an erect and much branched
stem, 30 to 120 cm tall arising from a thick fleshy taproot, 5-30
cm long bearing flowers borne in umbels.
• Rich in beta-carotene (a precursor of Vit A which is good for
eyes) & also contain appreciable amount of thiamine and
riboflavin.
• Root have nutrients “Potassium succinate” which is anti-
hypertensive.
• Carrots are also a good source of various other vitamins,
minerals and fiber.
• Increased content of Isocoumarins is responsible for bitterness
in carrot.

7. TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
• Kingdom : Plantae
• Order : Apiales
• Family : Apiaceae
• Genus : Daucus
• Species : D carota
• Botanical name : Daucus carota

8. ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTIOIN
• Primary centre of origin: Afghanistan in western Asia
• Secondary centre of origin: Ethiopia , North America
• European carrot are derived from asiatic form of carrot.
• Afghanistan is the centre of diversity for purple type of
carrot.
• Asiatic + European = present day yellow carrot (mutants of
anthocyanin carrot)
• These are originated and spread to Mediterranean region and
European region in 11th century,
• Orange carrots (mutant of yellow carrot) were 1st cultivated
in Netherland.
• Introduced to India from Persia.

9. Area and Production
• China is largest producer with production of 21.48 million
tons of carrot every year, which is approximately 45% of
worlds total carrot production.
• In India Haryana is leading state in carrot production (445.99
thousand tons) with a share of 27.42% in total carrot
production of India.
• Other leading states are Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and
Madhya Pradesh.
AREA PRODUCTION
INDIA 108 thousand hectare 1865 thousand metric tons
HIMACHAL PRADESH 0.38 thousand hectare 7.67 thousand metric tons

10. NUTRITIVE VALUE
VITAMINS Value per 100g MINERALS Value per 100 g
Vitamin A 835 μg Potassium 320 mg
Vitamin B1 0.066 mg Sodium 69 mg
Vitamin B2 0.058 mg Calcium 33 mg
Vitamin B3 0.983 mg Phosphorus 35 mg
Vitamin B5 0.273 mg Magnesium 12 mg
Vitamin B6 0.138 mg Iron 18 mg
Vitamin B9 19 μg Zinc 0.24 mg
Vitamin C 5.9 mg Manganese 0.143 mg
Vitamin E 0.66 mg CARBOHYDRATES
Vitamin K 13.2 μg Sugars 4.7 g
FAT 0.24 g Dietary Fibre 2.8 g
PROTEIN 0.93 g ENERGY 41kcal
MOISTURE 82.2%

11. USES
• It is valued as a nutritive food mainly because of high
carotene content.
• It is used as salad, cooked and used in preparation of soups
and stew etc.
• Red type of carrots are good for preparing various types of
sweets especially Gajar Halwa in northern states.
• Black carrots are used for the preparation of a soft beverage
called Kanji, which is supposed to be a good appetizer.
• Carrot seed oil is used for flavouring liquors and all kind of
food substitutes.
• Carrot seeds are aromatic, stimulant and carminative in
nature.

14. HEALTH BENEFITS

15. One serving of carrots is a half cup. One serving has:
• 25 kcal energy
• 6 g of carbohydrates
• 2 g of fibre
• 3 g of sugar
• 0.5 g of protein
A half cup of carrots can give you up to:
• 73% of your daily Vitamin A
• 9% of your daily Vitamin K
• 8% of your daily potassium and fiber
• 5% of your daily Vitamin C
• 2% of your daily calcium and iron

16. BOTANY
• Habit: Annual or biennial herb with an erect much branched
stem of 30-120cm.
• Stem: Usually the stem elongates and produces rough, hispid
branches during the second year.
• Leaves: Pinnately compound
• Roots: It is the edible portion of plant enlarged fleshy taproot
of about 15 to 30cm
• Flowers: Perfect with small petals, usually white or yellowish
in colour, calyx is entire.
• Stamens: 5 in number
• Ovary: Inferior with 2 locules each with a single ovule. On
the upper surface of the ovary, there is swollen nectar which
supports the style and stigma.

17. Continued…
• Seed: Seed is indehiscent mericarp, containing a single seed.
In fact 2 mericarps pair to form the schizocarps, the true
carrot fruit which develops from a two loculed ovary the
mericarp or the seed is some what flattened on one side and
the opposite side has longitudinal ribs with bristly hairs.
• Inflorescence is compound umbel called king umbel.

18. Carrot Umbel Carrot leaves
Carrot seed Carrot roots

19. FLORAL BIOLOGY
• The inflorescence of carrot is a compound umbel. A primary
umbel can have over 1000 flowers at maturity, whereas
secondary, tertiary and quaternary umbels bear fewer flowers.
• Floral development is centripetal i.e. the flowers to dehisce
first are on the outer edges of the outer umbellets.
• The time required for an umbel to pass through flowering is
7-10 days depending upon size and environment .
• The flowers are perfect and protoandrous.
• It is a cross pollinated crop and crossing is usually done by
honeybees.
• Flowers are epigynous with five small sepals, five petals, five
stamens and two carpels.
• The carrot fruit is a bilocular schizocarp, which dries and spilt
upon maturity to yield two mericarp with one seed each.

21. CLASSIFICATION
Tropical or Asiatic type Temperate or European type
Root very long, red to purple in colour Cold tolerant and rich in carotene
Prominent distinct core Core is not distinct from cortex, stump
and blunt
Annual for root and seed production and
produce seeds in plains.
Biennial for seed production and produce
seeds in hills
Do not require low temperature
treatment for flowering
Requires chilling (4.8–10˚C ) for flowering
(vernalization)
Slightly dissected leaves Highly dissected leaves
High yielding Low yielding
Heat tolerant and rich in lycopene Roots are shorter, yellow to orange
colour
Pusa Kesar, Pusa Meghali, Pusa Rudhira
etc.
Early Nantes, Chantenay, Pusa Yamdagini
etc.

22. PIGMENTATION
• The colour of the roots is determined by the level of carotenoid
content in root.
• Accumulation of carotene pigment first occurs in older cells of
phloem and then oldest cells of xylem.
• Colour development starts from top to tip of the roots.
• Cortex contains more carotene then core.
• CARROT PIGMENT EXTRACTION:
• Solvent extraction: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methanol,
ethanol, propane-2-ol, hexane, dichloromethane carbon dioxide.

24. VARIETIES
• TROPICAL TYPES:
1) Pusa Kesar: This is a selection
from a cross between Local Red
and Nantes Half Long. It can
tolerate high temperatures and
roots can remain in field for
longer period without bolting.
Roots are rich in carotene content
(38mg/100g).
1) Pusa Meghali: It is developed by
IARI from cross between Nantes
and Pusa Kesar. The roots are
tapering and orange in colour.
The branching and forking of
roots is very less. It is only
variety in tropical group having
orange flush.

25. 3) Pusa Rudhira: Long red roots
with self colored core,
triangular shape, suitable for
sowing from mid-September
to October. The roots are
ready for harvest from middle
of December onwards. Yield
30t/ha.
3) Pusa Ashita: Long black roots
with self colored core, suitable
for sowing from September to
October. The roots are ready
for harvest during December-
January. Maturity in 90-110
days. Yield : 25 t/ha.

26. • TEMPERATE TYPE
1. Nantes: The roots are half long,
slim, well shaped, cylindrical
with stumped end forming a
small thin tail. It ranks first in
quality but has weak, brittle
tops which makes pulling
difficult.
2. Imperator: Long (20-28cm),
cylindrical and highly uniform
but tapers towards the end.
They are deep orange, not so
sweet and good for storage. It is
high yielder.
Nantes
Imperator

27. 3. Chantenay: Roots are deep
reddish orange and smooth.
Roots have thick shoulders
somewhat square. Flesh is
tender, sweet and fine
textured. Roots matures in 120
days. Excellent for canning
and storage.
4. Danvers: Roots are of
medium-length, conical in
shape, yellow core and thicker
than Imperators. The end of
root is tapered. Roots are
suitable for both the
processing and commercial
fresh market.
Chantenay
Danvers

28. HYBRIDS
• Hybrids are being developed by utilising Male sterile lines.
• Some hybrids are :
i. Samson 196
ii. Bangor
iii. Carson
iv. Oranza
v. Premia
vi. Desi Red
• Carrot varieties recommended for Himachal Pradesh:
1. Chantenay
2. Nantes and
3. Solan Rachna

29. CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS
• Carrot is widely adapted to cool climate but generally restricted to
regions with low rainfall during summer and early autumn
• A temperature range of 7.2 to 23.9˚C is considered optimum for
seed germination while for good root growth 18-23˚C is ideal.
• Good colour and growth of carrots roots is attained in temperature
range of 15.6-21.1˚C.
• Seed production is suited to those regions which are away from
coastal areas, were condition is drier for maturing seed.
• For temperate type cultivars, a chilling temperature of 4.8-10˚C
for 4-6 weeks is desirable as cold stimulus (vernalization) during
the development of roots.
• At higher temperature the roots become shorter, thicker and non-
juicy and at lower temperature roots become longer and develop
poor colour.

30. SOIL REQUIREMENTS
• The soils should be light, deep and fields should be well
drained with pH range from 6.0-7.1.
• Soils free from clods are preferred for smooth straight roots.
• Long, smooth and slender roots are desired for fresh market
which are successfully grown on deep well drained light
soils.
• Compared to sandy soils, carrots grown on heavy soils tend
to be more rough and coarse as the soil compaction affects
root growth and length.
• In heavy soils, short stump rooted varieties having round and
heart-shaped roots are preferred.

31. LAND PREPARATION
• Soil should be ploughed to obtain fine tilth.
• Utmost care should be taken to remove clods and stones.
• For better root development land is made to ridges and
furrows at 30-45 cm apart in small plots of convenient size
for irrigation. (Raised beds with 1m width, 10-15 cm height
and convenient length)
• Well decomposed FYM (25t/ha) is mixed at the time of land
preparation .
• Application of fresh undecomposed FYM should be avoided
as it leads to forking of the fleshy roots.

32. SOWING TIME, SEED RATE &SPACING
• Sowing of Asiatic types in plain is done during August-
September and by November-December roots get ready for
harvest.
• Sowing of Temperate types in plains for root production is
done during October-November.
• In low hills : August-September
• In mid hills : July-September
• In high hills : March-July
• SEED RATE : 5-6 kg/ha
• SPACING : 30×10 cm
• Seeds are sown at the depth of 1cm.

33. METHOD OF SOWING
• For better development of roots, sowing on ridges is preferred
over flat sowing.
• Double row ridges 75cm apart produces large number of well
developed roots than single row ridges.
• Seeds are sown either by dibbling (1cm deep) in lines or by
broadcasting
• For uniform germination the ridges should remain moist till
germination takes place hence, the field should be irrigated
just after sowing.
• For enhancing germination, the seeds are soaked in water for
12-24 hours before sowing.
• The seeds take about 8-10 days for germination.

34. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
• The fertilizer dose depends upon the fertility of soil and
amount of organic manure applied to the crop.
• For getting good yield, 200-300q/ha well rotten FYM is
thoroughly mixed in soil 15-20 days before sowing.
• Addition of 40-60 kg/ha N, 40-50 kg/ha P and 80-100 kg/ha
of K is recommended. Half quantity of N and full quantity
each of P, K and FYM should be applied at the time of
sowing.
• Remaining quantity of N may be given 30-45 days after seed
sowing.
• If optimum dose of N is exceeded, the contents of carotene,
Vitamin C and sugars decreases considerably.

35. GROWTH REGULATORS
• Foliar spray of panchagavya at 3 per cent at 10 days interval
from 1st month after sowing.
• Spray of 10% vermiwash 5 times at 15 days interval from
one month after sowing.
• Foliar spray of horn silica @ 2.5 g/ha in 50 litres of water on
65th day after sowing helps to increase the yield and quality
of the carrot roots.

36. INTERCULTURAL OPERATIONS
THINNING:
• Thinning is the most important operation during carrot cultivation
as thick sowing is done because of small sized seed.
• The thinning operation is done 20-30 days after sowing to
maintain 10 cm plant to plant distance.
WEEDING:
• Weeding is essential to avoid heavy loss in yield of top quality
roots due to weed competition.
• Generally 2 weeding's at 15-20 and 30-35 days after sowing are
sufficient to control the weeds.
• Pre emergence application of propazine @ 1.12kg/ha or Amiben
@ 2.24-4.48kg/ha controls weeds very effectively.
• Soil should be hoed frequently to allow proper aeration and to
prevent discolouration of crown.

37. IRRIGATION
• Irrigation is given immediately after sowing.
• Depending upon the planting season and the available soil
moisture, carrots may be irrigated at an interval of 5-7 days.
• Irrigation should be discontinued 2-3 weeks before
harvesting to increase the sweetness and taste of the carrots.

38. HARVESTING AND YIELD
• Harvesting of roots depends upon the variety however, in
general crop becomes ready to harvest in 85-90 days.
• A light irrigation may be given a day before harvesting to
facilitate lifting of roots.
• Crop is harvested manually by uprooting carrot roots.
• Carrots for processing purpose are left in the ground for
longer period.
• After harvesting the green leafy tops are cut and the carrots
are separated and washed.
• Delay in harvesting make roots unfit for consumption.
• Generally Asiatic type yield 25-30t/ha and Temperate type
carrots yield about 10-15t/ha

39. POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY
1. GRADING:
• Carrots are graded according to their size, diameter or
length.
• The carrot should ideally be of uniform and similar shape for
the variety, well formed, smooth, firm but of tender texture.
• It should also be free from harvest damage, decay, diseases
and insects.
2. PACKAGING:
• Carrots are packed in baskets or gunny bags before sending
to market.
• These are sometimes marketed along with their tops to
indicate freshness.

40. 3. STORAGE:
• Carrots can be stored for 3-4 days under ambient conditions.
• However in cold storage, topped carrots can be stored at
temperatures 0-4.4˚C with 93-98% RH for 6 months,
• Untopped carrots can be stored only for 10-14 days at 0˚C.
Grading Packaging
Storage of carrots in cold store

41. PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDERS
1) Root splitting: Splitting or cracking of carrot roots is a
major problem
Causes:
• Dry weather followed by wet weather is conductive to
cracking of roots. Increased amount of N also leads to root
splitting.
Management:
• Maintain optimum moisture in soil.
• Harvest the crop at right maturity stage.
• Grow resistant varieties.
• Sow the seeds at close spacing
• Supply recommended dose of nitrogen.

42. 2) Forking: A common disorder in carrot formed by the
enlargement of secondary root growth.
Causes:
• Excess moisture during the root development.
• It occurs on heavy soils due to compactness
Management:
• Avoid excessive moisture.
• Avoid heavy soils for root production.
3) Cavity spot: It appears as a cavity in the cortex.
Causes:
• Calcium deficiency associated with increased accumulation
ok K
Management:
• Incorporate calcium containing fertilizers in the soil.

43. Cavity spot
Root splitting
Forking

44. DISEASES
1) Cercospora Leaf Blight (Cercospora carotae):
• The disease produce severe blighting on carrot leaves and petioles
if wet weather is prolonged during the growing season.
• Entire leaves and petioles may die on severely infected plants.
The symptoms first appear along the margins of the leaves, often
causing the leaves to curl.
• Spots inside the leaf edges are small, roughly circular, and tan or
gray to brown with a dead center. As the lesions increase in
number and size, the entire leaflet withers and dies.
• The fungus attacks younger leaves and plants in preference to
older ones. In heavily infested fields, however, both older and
younger leaves are subject to attack.
• The pathogen also produces lesions on the petioles and stems. The
lesions may merge and girdle the stems, causing the leaves to die.

45. MANAGEMENT:
• The leaf blight pathogens can survive from one year to the next in
infected plant debris. Therefore, a two-to three-year rotation is
recommended to allow for natural decline in the pathogen population.
• The use of disease-free seed is strongly recommended because the
fungus can survive on or in the seed.
• Early applications of Copper Oxychloride (0.3%), starting at the first
sign of infection, effectively control leaf blights on carrots. Best control
is achieved when fungicides are applied at high pressure and in sufficient
water to reach the lower leaves in a dense canopy.
2) Alternaria Blight (Alternaria dauci):
• Alternaria leaf spots first appear at the margin of the leaflets and
are dark brown to black and irregular in shape. Lesions produced
on the petioles and stems are dark brown and often coalesce and
girdle the stems.
• As the disease progresses entire leaflets may shrivel and die,
appearing scorched. Alternaria leaf lesions are generally more
prevalent on older foliage and plants than on young foliage.

46. • The disease spreads rapidly on the older leaves of a maturing crop
after the rows have closed. This is due in part to poor air
circulation among the older lower leaves in the canopy and to the
moisture-holding capacity of the dense foliage.
MANAGEMENT
• The disease can be kept under check if a well-drained soil is
selected and suitable crop rotation is adopted.
• Since the fungus can survive in the seed, hot water treatment at
50°C for 15 minutes is recommended. Seed treatment with Thiram
(3g/kg of seed) before sowing is effective to control the disease.
• Crop rotation and destruction of infected plant material in the field
will minimize the disease infection, Fungicidal applications with
Copper Oxychloride (0.3%) satisfactorily controls the disease.
3) Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni):
• The symptoms appear as white powdery growth on the leaves and
petioles causing the leaves to turn brown and wilt.

47. MANAGEMENT
• Sulphur dust is the most effective management. It can even be
applied after appearance of disease as it is both eradicative and
protective.
• Before observing symptoms, spray dinocap (0.05%) or wettable
Sulphur (0.2%) at 10-15 days interval.
4) Watery soft Rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum):
• Carrots are susceptible to this disease, especially late in the season
and during storage. The disease is present in soil or storage areas
and often shows up after the crop has been harvested.
• Symptoms can be identified in the field as characteristic white
mold with black sclerotia present on the crown of infected carrots.
In storage, a soft, watery rot with white mold and black sclerotia
characterizes the disease.
• Control: Crop rotation, weed control (to improve air circulation),
planting on raised beds, winter flooding, rapid cooling prior to
storage and meticulous sanitation of all storage components are all
necessary to reduce losses from this disease.

48. Cercospora Leaf Blight (Cercospora carotae)
Alternaria Blight (Alternaria dauci)
Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni):
Watery soft Rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)

49. • VIRAL DISEASE:
1) Carrot Yellows:
• The affected leaves become yellow accompanied by vein
clearing. Dormant buds in the crown grow out into chlorotic
shoots, which give a withers broom appearance on the top.
Size and quality of roots are reduced and malformed.
• The internal texture of roots show marked changes causing
reduction in value carrots for fresh market as well as for
processing. Roots of infected plants have a bitter taste with
astringent flavour. The disease is transmitted by the six-
spotted leaf hopper.
CONTROL:
• Weed control especially of those acting as alternate host
eliminates the disease. Spraying insecticides to control the
leaf hopper population helps to reduce the disease attack.

50. PESTS
1. Carrot Rust Fly:
• Larva burrows into the roots, often causing it to become
misshapen and subject to decay, leaves becomes rusty or
dried.
CONTROL:
• Mix malathion dust (5%) @ 20-25 kg/ha in soil at time of
soil preparation.
2. Aphids:
• Both adults and nymphs suck sap from leaves and flowers
due to which plant becomes weak and curls.
CONTROL:
• Spray malathion (0.05%) at 15days interval on root crop. On
seed crop spray oxy-demeton methyl (0.025%).

51. Carrot Rust Fly damage
Aphid attack in carrot Carrot yellows

52. Protected cultivation of carrot
• The demand for fresh vegetable prevails round the year but supply is restricted to
cultivation season. The performance of the different vegetable crops is highly
influenced by changes in climatic vagaries like fluctuation in temperature, light,
humidity, wind velocity etc. that adversely affect the growth, physiological
process, flowering, fruit setting and finally yield and economic return.
• The unpleasant climate drastically reduced the total production or even result in
total crop failure. To increase the availability of the fresh vegetables beyond
normal season, promotion of off-season cultivation is the need of the hour.
Summer crop of winter season vegetables under open field condition is not
possible as scorching sun and higher day and night temperature adversely affects
the vegetative growth, prompted flower and fruit drop.
• Again cultivation of summer crop during winter months in open field suffers
from low temperature, cold waves and freezing injury.
• By adopting proper protection technologies and providing favorable
environment, the crops can be raised during off season. With the introduction of
shade net which partially control the temperature and light and creates a
favorable environment for crop growth that enables raise the crop under intense
summer months with desirable yield and quality.

53. SHADE HOUSE CULTIVATION
• Supply of winter vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, carrot radish, turnip etc
become restricted during summer months. The price of these vegetables remain
very high due to restricted production and long distance transportation.
• Cultivation of winter carrot during summer month is possible through adoption
of agro shade net house cultivation. A Shade house is a structure enclosed by
shade nets or any other woven material to allow required sunlight, moisture and
air to pass through the gaps. It creates an appropriate micro climate conducive to
the plant growth.
• A shade house structure composed of two basic components i.e. frame and
cladding material. The shade house frame provides support for cladding material
and designed to protect against wind, rain and crop load.
• The life span of shade house can be up to 5 years depending on the climatic
condition and the structural material utilized. Shade nets are available in wide
range of shade percentages viz. 25%, 30%, 35%, 50%, 60%, 75% and 90%.

54. • The partial shade and ventilation reduce the temperature inside the
structure and provide favourable environment for crop production. The
structures also protect the crop against pest attack and natural weather
disturbances.
• The structures can also be utilized for raising seedlings of different
winter vegetable for early season open field cultivation. Negi et al.
POLY TUNNEL
• Poly tunnel Poly tunnels are widely used during rainy season for
cultivation of low heights vegetable crops like carrot, radish, palak,
coriander etc. It protects the crop from direct sunshine and heavy rains.
• The tunnels are elongated semi circular shaped low height structures
made up of polyethylene. These are the temporary structures which can
be moved to another places easily if required so.
• Nowadays, different types of micro greens are cultivated inside poly
tunnel to catch off-season markets of herbs and salads.

55. Different carrot cropping systems
• Intercropping of carrots (Daucus carota L.) and
sweetcorn (Zea mays L.) in a multiple cropping
system effectively increased the combined yield of
these vegetable crops. The best planting sequence
was seeding sweetcorn first, followed by drilling of
carrots 20 days later. Sweetcorn seeded on 26 May,
followed by 3, 2 or 1 rows of carrots produced the
highest yield and value per unit of land as evaluated
by land equivalent ratio and gross monetary return

56. • This study aimed to evaluate combinations of cowpea-vegetable
cultivars with carrot cultivars in a strip-intercropping system
fertilized with roostertree.
• The characteristics evaluated in cowpea-vegetables were: number of
green pods per area, productivity and dry weight of green pods,
number of grains per pod, productivity of grains, weight of 100
grains, and dry weight of green grains. In the carrot cultivars, we
evaluated total, commercial, and classified productivity of roots.
• The cultivar combinations were evaluated in terms of land equivalent
ratio, productive efficiency index, score of the canonical variable, as
well as indicators of gross and net income, rate of return, profit
margin, and modified monetary advantage.
• The intercropping system using the cultivars BRS Guariba (cowpea)
and Alvorada (carrot) achieved highest agronomic/biological
efficiency. Highest economic efficiency was achieved with the
combination BRS Tumucumaque (cowpea) and Brasilia (carrot).

57. • Field experiment on effect of intercropping system on growth, yield and
system productivity was conducted at National Research Centre on Seed
Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan during rabi 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07. The
experiment comprising of 13 treatments viz., sole coriander, sole onion,
sole garlic, sole carrot, coriander + garlic (1:1), coriander + garlic (1:2),
coriander + garlic (2:2), coriander + carrot (1:1), coriander + carrot (1:2),
coriander + carrot (2:2), coriander + onion(1:1), coriander + onion (1:2)
and coriander + onion (2:2) was laid in randomized block design with
three replications.
• Coriander + carrot with all ratios gave higher coriander equivalent yield,
net return, benefit cost ratio and land equivalent ratio over coriander
intercropped with onion/garlic. Thus coriander + carrot in 1:1 ratio is best
for realizing higher system productivity and profitability.

60. • This investigation was conducted during 2017 to 2018 on carrot variety ‘Early nantes’
in red laterite soil at kethorai village, Coonoor, The Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu,
during 2017 to 2018 to study the effect of biostimulants on yield of carrot.
• The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with ten treatments
and replicated thrice. The treatments includes various sources of biostimulants viz.
Humic acid, Chitosan, Sea weed extract, Effective microorganisms and Panchagavya
were given as foliar application on three stages viz., first spray on 2 leaves stage,
second spray on 5-7 leaves stage and third spray on when root attains 5-6cm diameters
in size. The various yield characters were recorded.
• The results of the experiment revealed that the yield parameters viz., length of root,
root diameter, root girth, root weight, root dry weight, root yield plot-1 and total root
yield ha-1 were favorably influenced by foliar application of sea weed extract at a
concentration of 3 ml per litre.
• Sea weed extract was found to be superior because of high level of organic matter
aids in retaining moisture and minerals in upper soil level available to roots.
• Yield and yield attributes increased by sea weed extract may be due to the presence of
plant growth regulators (indole 3 acetic acid, gibberellins, kinetin and zeatin).

62. • The study aimed to assess the suitability of slow-release fertilizers
in cultivation of carrot subspecies Daucus carota L in the
integrated production system.
• The fertilizers were applied during the formation of the ridges.
Traditional fertilizers (ammonium phosphate, potassium salt,
ammonium nitrate, and a multi-component fertilizer Polifoska 6),
as well as a multi-component fertilizer with slow release of
nutrients, NPK Mg (18-12-24-4), were used.
• In individual variants of the experiment, different fertilization
strategies were applied: integrated production fertilization,
traditional fertilization, and fertilization based on the use of slow-
release fertilizers. The control treatment comprised of unfertilized
plants.

63. • The efficiency of nitrogen fertilization was evaluated based on
agronomic efficiency, partial factor productivity, physiological
efficiency.
• Fertilization strategy significantly impacted the quantity of
obtained yield. In the control sample, prior to mineral fertilization,
the crop yield was 33.53 Mg·ha−1.
• The largest yields were obtained from plants fertilized with a
combination of slow-release fertilizers, with nitrogen introduced
in the form of ammonium phosphate, and through conventional
fertilization.
• The highest productivity and environmental efficiency were
obtained in treatments with fertilization according to the principles
of integrated production and with slow-release fertilizers.
• In terms of environmental efficiency, the best results were
obtained through nitrogen fertilization using 400 kg of slow-
release fertilizers.
• The use of slow-release fertilizers in carrot cultivation can
significantly improve the efficiency of fertilization, both in terms
of production and environmental protection.

64. • An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Hajee Mohammad
Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur, Bangladesh
to find out the effects of mulch and different manures and fertilizers on the
yield components and quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.).
• Twelve treatment combinations were evaluated in two factors Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Different doses of
manures and fertilizers viz.
• F0 = Control
• F1 = Cowdung (CD) @ 10 t/ha
• F2= Mustard Oil Cake (MOC) @ 0.25 t/ha
• F3= Cowdung (CD) @ 5.0 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake (MOC) @ 0.125 t/ha
• F4 = Urea @ 326.08 kg/ha + Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) @ 93.75 kg/ha+
Muriate of Potash (MoP) @ 200 kg/ha and
• F5= Cowdung (CD) @ 5 t/ha+ Urea @ 163.04 kg/ha + Triple Super
Phosphate (TSP) @ 46.87 kg/ha + Muriate of Potash (MOP) @ 100 kg/ha
were applied under mulched (M1) and non-mulched (M0) conditions.

65. • Results from our study revealed that maximum fresh weight (3.57
kg plot-1), individual root weight (101.90 g), root length (14.64
cm), root diameter (3.27 cm), total yield (23.78 t ha-1),
marketable yield (20.53 t ha-1) and beta-carotene content (8.78
mg 100-1 g) were recorded from F5 treatment.
• The mulching also had a significantly positive effect on
maximizing the root yield components as well as beta-carotene
contents over non-mulched treatment.
• On the other hand, the interaction effect of M1F5 performed
superior in producing yield components and beta-carotene content
of root compared to other combinations.
• The highest marketable yield (25.10 t ha-1) along with best
economic gross return (TK. 2,47,167 ha-1) and the benefit-cost
ratio (2.91) were also noted from M1F5.
• It was concluded that organic and inorganic sources of nutrients
along with mulch effectively increase the carrot yield than the sole
application of higher doses of manures and fertilizers.
• The mulch performed comparatively more pronounced in quality
and yield parameters compared to non-mulch conditions.

67. • Organic production is one of the fastest growing food sectors globally. However, average
yield in organic vegetable production is up to 33% lower than in conventional production.
This difference could be due to higher fertilization rates in conventional, compared to
organic, farming. We aimed to compare yield and quality characteristics of carrots
produced under equal nitrogen fertilization rates over four years in organic and
conventional conditions.
• Research showed a 14.5% higher marketable, and 10.0% lower discarded, yield in the
organic compared to the average conventional treatments. In addition, carrots managed
organically had 14.1% lower nitrate and 10.0% higher vitamin C content than carrots
managed conventionally.
• There were no convincing effects of cultivation system on the nitrogen, total sugar, or dry
matter content of carrots. Organically managed carrots were free of pesticide residues,
while several residues were found in carrots managed conventionally. ]
• Study reveals that organic management of carrots may exceed that of conventional
methods in yield and several quality characteristics, while being free of pesticide residues.
Organic fertilizer gave an advantage over mineral fertilizer, when equal rates of nitrogen
were used in both production systems.

68. • This study was carried out for management of postharvest decay through
ecofriendly approaches. Under this study, botanicals, plant volatiles,
organic acids, organic salts and essential oils were used against E.
carotovora subsp. carotovora under in vitro. Based on antibacterial
efficacy, curative application was formulated against decay in carrot by
dipping under laboratory conditions.

71. • Based on the results of the in vitro test, botanical (Cinnamon bark
extract – 10%), plant volatiles (Benzaldehyde and Thymol –
10%), organic acid (Acetic acid – 0.5%), organic salt (Calcium
chloride 2.0% and EC formulated essential oils like, lemongrass,
cinnamon and thyme were used as 0.1% concentrations. A well
prepared eco-based consortia (EC formulated solution) was used
and the freshly harvested carrots (200g) were dipped in 15
minutes and kept in sterilized plastic trays under 28°C for two
weeks (Controlled atmosphere) and maintained with completely
randomized design. Healthy control was maintained without
treatments.
• After application of eco-based consortia, the treated carrots were
observed from first day to 10 days on the phenomic and sensory
nature via., appearance, colour, flavour, texture taste and overall
edible acceptance.
• Out of these all treatments, EC formulated consortia (cinnamon +
lemongrass + thyme) oils at 0.1% given the better results against
disease reduction (98.0%), weight loss (3.0%), and preserve the
edible nature.

73. State whether the statement is true or false
Answers
1. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (a precursor of Vitamin A which is good for eyes). TRUE
2. Increased content of Potassium succinate is responsible for bitterness in carrot. FALSE
3. During seed sowing seeds are sown at the depth of 1cm. TRUE
4. Floral development in carrot is centripetal. TRUE
5. Carrot is a highly self pollinated crop. FALSE
6. China is largest producer of carrot in world. TRUE
7. Asiatic carrots requires chilling (4.8–10˚C ) for flowering (vernalization). FALSE
8. Colour development in carrot roots starts from tip to top of the roots. FALSE
9. At higher temperature the carrot roots become shorter, thicker and non-juicy. TRUE
10. Ca deficiency with increased accumulation ok K causes forking in carrot. FALSE

74. 1. The chromosome number of carrot is .
2. Carrots are rich source of which is a precursor of Vitamin A.
3. Eating too much carrot can lead to , causing the skin to turn yellowish
orange.
4. Carrot is a pollinated crop and pollination is usually done by
.
5. Temperate type carrots requires chilling temperature of ˚C for flowering.
6. Inflorescence of carrot is .
7. Asiatic group of carrots are rich in pigment whereas, temperate group
of carrots are rich in pigment.
8. Pusa Ashita is a colored variety of carrot.
9. ___________ is the important cultural practice in carrot to maintain optimum
plant to plant distance.
10. Dry weather followed by wet weather and increased amount of N leads to
which type of physiological disorder in carrot .
Answers: 1. 2n=18, 2. beta-carotene, 3. carotenemia, 4. cross, honey bees, 5. 4.8-10˚C, 6.
compound umbel, 7. lycopene, carotene, 8. black, 9. Thinning, 10. root splitting.
FILL IN THE BLANKS

75. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. …….. Is the largest producer of carrot in world.
a. China b. India c. Afghanistan d. America
2. The inflorescence of carrot is a ………
a. Racemose b. Umbel c. Cyme d. none of these
3. …………. Is a black coloured variety of carrot
a. Pusa Kesar b. Pusa Rudhira c. Nantes d. Pusa Ashita
4. ………… is only variety in tropical group having orange flush.
a. Pusa Meghali b. Pusa Kulfi c. Pusa Vrishti d. Pusa Rudhira
5. Maximum number of flowers are present on……….. umbel.
a. secondary b. primary c. tertiary d. quaternary
6. Pollination in carrot flowers is usually done by……………
a. ants b. housefly c. honey bees d. butterfly
7. Carrot seeds are sown at the depth of ………….
a. 1cm b. 5 cm c. 6 cm d. 10 cm
8. Contents of carotene, Vitamin C and sugars decreases in roots due to heavy
application of which fertilizer?
a. Phosphorus b. Calcium c. Nitrogen d. Boron

76. 9. …….. operation is done 20-30 days after sowing to maintain optimum plant to plant
distance.
a. Thinning b. Hoeing c. Mulching d. Weeding
10. Carrots are susceptible to this disease, especially late in the season and during
storage.
a. Cercospora leaf spot b. Alternaria leaf spot c. Powdery mildew d. Watery soft rot

77. MATCH THE FOLLOWING
Column A Column B Answers
1 Isocoumarins A) Black colour variety 7
2 Bilocular schizocarp B) Compound umbel 5
3 Root and leaves C) Calcium deficiency 10
4 Afghanistan D) Edible parts 3
5 Inflorescence E) Daucas carota L. 6
6 Botanical Name F) Carrot fruit 2
7 Pusa Ashita G) Enlargement of secondary root
growth
8
8 Forking H) Beta-carotene 9
9 Precursor of Vitamin A I) Bitterness in carrot 1
10 Cavity spot J) Primary centre of origin 4

78. CORRECT THE STATEMENTS
1. Carrot belongs to family Brassicaceae.
2. Carrot is self pollinated crop.
3. Potassium succinate is responsible for bitterness in carrot.
4. The inflorescence of carrot is a cyme.
5. Asiatic type carrot Requires chilling (4.8–10˚C ) for flowering
(vernalization).
6. Accumulation of carotene pigment first occurs in new cells of
phloem and then new cells of xylem.
7. Core contains more carotene then cortex.
8. At higher temperature the roots become longer and develop
poor colour and at lower temperature roots become shorter,
thicker and non-juicy.
9. For better development of roots, sowing on flat land is preferred
over ridge sowing.
10. Dry weather followed by wet weather and increased amount of
N leads to cavity spot.

79. ANSWERS
1. Carrot belongs to family Umbelliferae.
2. Carrot is cross pollinated crop.
3. Isocoumarins is responsible for bitterness in carrot.
4. The inflorescence of carrot is a compound umbel.
5. Temperate type carrot Requires chilling (4.8–10˚C ) for flowering
(vernalization).
6. Accumulation of carotene pigment first occurs in old cells of phloem
and then in old cells of xylem.
7. Cortex contains more carotene then core.
8. At lower temperature the roots become longer and develop poor
colour and at higher temperature roots become shorter, thicker and
non-juicy.
9. For better development of roots, sowing on ridges is preferred over
flat sowing.
10. Dry weather followed by wet weather and increased amount of N
leads to root splitting.