Yield of carrot cultivars in organic farming system at high temperature

ABSTRACT:

Carrot is the fourth most consumed vegetable in Brazil and one of the most consumed one worldwide. Considering the need to adapt genotypes for organic systems, this study aimed to evaluate carrot cultivars under organic cultivation in Petrolina, Pernambuco State, Brazil, under conditions of high temperatures (summer). The experiment was carried out from December 2009 to March 2010, using a randomized block design with twelve cultivars (Alvorada, Brasília, Brazlândia, Carandaí, Danvers, Karine, Kuronan, Marly, Nantes, Shin Kuroda, Suprema and Tropical). The plant height ranged from 49 to 63 cm, cultivar Brasilia presenting the highest plants (63 cm). Total yield of roots ranged from 26.9 to 58.6 t/ha, cultivars Brasília (58.6 t/ha) and Brazlândia (56.0 t/ha) being the most productive ones, without significant differences between them. Yield of roots ranged from 22.3 to 53.5 t/ha, the highest yield being presented by the cultivar Brasília (53.5 t/ha). Root fresh mass of the highest-yielding cultivars ranged from 66 to 77.6 g. Brasilia, Brazlândia and Kuronan cultivars, due to the best agronomical characteristics, are recommended for planting in organic farming system with high temperatures.

Keywords:
Daucus carota; yield; cultivars competition; organic production.