Carrot

Dr Khushbu Kholiya, Dr K K Misra and Nagmani Kumar

Botanical Name: - Daucus caroto L.

Family: Umbellifrea.

Introduction

The carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a root vegetable, usually orange in colour, though
purple, black, red, white, and yellow cultivars exist.[1] Carrots are a domesticated form of the
wild carrot, Daucus carota, native to Europe and southwestern Asia. The plant probably
originated in Persia and was originally cultivated for its leaves and seeds. The most commonly
eaten part of the plant is the taproot, although the stems and leaves are eaten as well. The
domestic carrot has been selectively bred for its greatly enlarged, more palatable, less woody-
textured taproot.
The carrot is a biennial plant in the umbellifer family Apiaceae. At first, it grows a rosette
of leaves while building up the enlarged taproot. Fast-growing cultivars mature within three
months (90 days) of sowing the seed, while slower-maturing cultivars are harvested four months
later (120 days). The roots contain high quantities of alpha- and beta-carotene, and are a good
source of vitamin K and vitamin B6, but the belief that eating carrots improves night vision is a
myth put forward by the British in World War II to mislead the enemy about their military
capabilities. The
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that world production of
carrots and turnips (these plants are combined by the FAO) for the calendar year 2013 was 37.2
million tonnes; almost half (~45%) were grown in China. Carrots are widely used in many
cuisines, especially in the preparation of salads, and carrot salads are a tradition in many regional
cuisines. Carrot
is most important root crop in curries and made into pickles and sweet meats, ‘Gajar Halwa’ is a
delicious dish prepared from carrot. Carrot juice is also used. Carrot is rich source of carotene a
precursor of vitamin A. the tops of carrots can be used as source of essential oil. Carrot has
medicinal properties also. Carrot is annual or biennial herb with react to much branched stem.
The edible portion or carrot root is an enlarged fleshy tap root. It consists primarily of phloem or
cortex and minimum of core. Carrot plants bear compound umbel. It is the umbel or umbel of the
first order or primarily umbel that flower first. In succession, secondary and tertiary ambles are
formed at certain interval.

History

Both written history and molecular genetic studies indicate that the domestic carrot has a single
origin in Central Asia. Its wild ancestors probably originated in Persia (regions of which are now
Iran and Afghanistan), which remains the centre of diversity for the wild carrot Daucus carota.
A naturally occurring subspecies of the wild carrot was presumably bred selectively over the
centuries to reduce bitterness, increase sweetness and minimise the woody core; this process
produced the familiar garden vegetable. A depiction labeled "garden" carrot from the Juliana
Anicia Codex, a 6th-century AD Constantinopolitan copy of Dioscorides' 1st-century Greek
pharmacopoeia. The facing page states that "the root can be cooked and eaten."When they were
first cultivated, carrots were grown for their aromatic leaves and seeds rather than their roots.
Carrot seeds have been found in Switzerland and Southern Germany dating back to 2000–3000
BC.[8] Some close relatives of the carrot are still grown for their leaves and seeds, such as
parsley, cilantro, coriander, fennel, anise, dill and cumin. The first mention of the root in
classical sources is from the 1st century ADthe Romans ate a root vegetable called pastinaca,
which may have been either the carrot or the closely related parsnip. The plant is depicted and
described in the Eastern Roman Juliana Anicia Codex, a 6th-century AD Constantinopolitan
copy of the Greek physician Dioscorides' 1st-century pharmacopoeia of herbs and medicines, De
Materia Medica. Three different types of carrots are depicted, and the text states that "the root
can be cooked and eaten".

Carrots in a range of colours

The plant was introduced into Spain by the Moors in the 8th century. In the 10th century, roots
from West Asia, India and Europe were purple.The modern carrot originated in Afghanistan at
about this time. The 11th-century Jewish scholar Simeon Seth describes both red and yellow
carrots, as does the 12th-century Arab-Andalusian agriculturist, Ibn al-'Awwam. Cultivated
carrots appeared in China in the 14th century, and in Japan in the 18th century.

There are many claims that Dutch growers created orange carrots in the 17th century to honor the
Dutch flag at the time. Other authorities argue these claims lack convincing evidence. Modern
carrots were described at about this time by the English antiquary John Aubrey (1626–1697):
"Carrots were first sown at Beckington in Somersetshire. Some very old Man there [in 1668] did
remember their first bringing hither." European settlers introduced the carrot to colonial America
in the 17th century.

Production

Production of carrots (and turnips) in 2016

Country Production (millions of tonnes)

China 20.5
European Union 5.9
Uzbekistan 2.3
Russia 1.8
United States 1.4
Ukraine 0.9
World 42.7

Source: FAOSTAT of the United Nations

Nutrition

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 173 kJ (41 kcal)

Carbohydrates 9.6 g

Sugars 4.7 g
Dietary fibe 2.8 g

Fat 0.24 g

Protein 0.93 g

Vitamins %DV† Quantity

Vitamin A equiv. 104% 835 μg

beta-Carotene 77% 8285 μg

lutein zeaxanthin 256 μg

Thiamine (B1) 6% 0.066 mg

Riboflavin (B2) 5% 0.058 mg

Niacin (B3) 7% 0.983 mg

Pantothenic acid (B5) 5% 0.273 mg

Vitamin B6 11% 0.138 mg

Folate (B9) 5% 19 μg

Vitamin C 7% 5.9 mg

Vitamin E 4% 0.66 mg

Vitamin K 13% 13.2 μg

Minerals %DV† Quantity

Calcium 3% 33 mg

Iron 2% 0.3 mg

Magnesium 3% 12 mg

Manganese 7% 0.143 mg

Phosphorus 5% 35 mg

Potassium 7% 320 mg

Sodium 5% 69 mg

Zinc 3% 0.24 mg

Other constituents Quantity

Water 88 g

Types of carrot

Varieties of carrots are divided into categories based on their shape. There are four different
carrot types that will be discussed in this article, they include Danvers, Nantes, Imperator,
Chantenay and Ball (or Mini):

Danvers –
When most people think of a carrot this is the type that they visual. They are long,
skinny, taper to a point and typically are orange in color, although they are available in more
shades. The foliage and taproot are longer than Chantenay. They are more tolerant to poor soil.
The name comes from where they were developed in Danvers, Massachusetts. Preferred varieties
include ‘Yellowstone.'
Nantes –
They were first described as almost perfectly cylindrical being both round at the tip and
top, having sparse foliage and with near red flesh that was sweet flavor and nice crunch. Their
name is taken from the Atlantic coast of France where the area is ideal for growing this type of
carrot. This category can also be referred to as Scarlet Nantes, Early Coreless or Nante Superior.
There is estimated to be over 40 different varieties of carrots that fall into this category. A very
quick growing carrot and matures faster. Preferred varieties include: ‘Napoli’, ‘Touchon’, ‘Napa’
or ‘White Satin.’
Imperator –
This category is what most commercial growers produce and commonly found in
grocery stores throughout the country. They are very similar looking to Danvers, but thicker in
width and often a higher sugar content than the other categories. The foliage is very fast growing
compared. The roots of this grouping is longer than all others listed above. Preferred varieties
include: ‘Japanese Imperial Long’, ‘Cosmic Red’ or ‘Sugarsnax 54.'

Chantenay –
Before Nantes were developed this category was the best to plant in heavy or rocky soil
due to its size. Chantenay typically only reach 6 to 7 inches long making them very short and
broad. These are a great choice for those gardening in containers or soil described above.
However, it is important to harvest at the length mentioned because they do become woody and
not tasty if harvested too late in the season. Very vigorous top growth and store extremely well.
Preferred varieties include: ‘Red-Cored Chantenay’, ‘Hercules’ or ‘Carson Hybrid.'
Ball or Mini – This grouping includes carrot varieties that are shaped like radishes or miniature
compared to Chantenay. Again they work extremely well for those gardening in containers due
to their short taproot and required growing area. The miniature forms that only reach about 3 to 4
inches long are typically served whole with the tops attached. Radish-shaped varieties are
typically cross-sectioned to see the beautiful circular pattern inside. Preferred varieties include:
‘Babette’, ‘Romeo’ or ‘Paris Market.'

Varieties

Various Kinds of Carrots – Depending on Soil, Carrot Roots Type:

 As it is mentioned above that there are five main categories depending on soil, root types,
planting seasons and weather.

But, There are mainly 4 types of soil that can grow carrots
1. Sandy Loomy Soil- They can grow 90% of varieties.
2. Rocky Soil- On different Stats of USA, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and so on.
3. Hard/heavy soil- This includes hard not cracked clay, Also includes Indian Territory Soils.
4. Red and Black soils- African typical soil, found in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa and others.
Nantes Type [ Thrives coastal Area, Hard soils]:
 Soil & Season: A heavy/hard soil carrot which mainly grows during Nantes carrot
summer.

 Carrot Size: Cylindrical ,length 6 – 7″ inches, 1-2″ in diameter.

 Short Classification: Almost ideally cylindrical, the top to bottom round. It has sweet taste,
nearly red meat, blah blah. Nantes type of carrot are larger but there are some other large types.
 Best Varieties: The profitable kinds are “Newmarket F1″,”Bolero” Touchon, “Nairobi
F1” and Ingot. ‘Napoli’, ‘Touchon’, ‘Napa’ or ‘White Satin.’
 Growing Periods: 60 days to 70 days long.

Danvers Types [ Most Tolerant to Poor Soil ]:

Danvers carrot types

Soil & Season: This produces stocky squarish roots into the real heavy soil where some longer
tribe do not grow remarkably.
 Carrot Size: half long carrot length is about 6 – 7 inches, 2 inches diameter. Conical shape,
wider at the head than a narrow bottom.
 Short Classification: If you imagine a carrot the first picture that came to your mind is Denver
carrots. It has the strong flavor.
 Best Varieties: Danvers 126, Heirloom Carrot.
 Growing Periods: About 70 days.
 Round types [Trives in hard soil, Red Soil And a Short time Varities]:

o Soil & Season: This produces stocky squarish roots into the real heavy soil where some
longer tribe do not grow remarkably.
round types carrots

o Carrot Size: Short, Small and round shape. About 2-3 inches long and have the same
diameter.
o Short Classification: Farmers grow them as an early crop. Basically, this is a short time
crop. Often cultivated with Baby Corn, Cabbage, Onions, and Chilies.
o Best Varieties: There are some modernized/improved types early crops denominated as
“Early French Frame Lisa” “Rondo”, “Parmex” and “Kundulus”.
o Growing Periods: About 40 to 50 days.

Chantenay type [heavy or rocky soils]:

 Soil and Season: The old and common hard soil carrots varieties. They are extremely dependent
on weather. Planting season is winter if there is no frost, spring for the frosty area.

 Carrot Size: 4 1/2 – 5 1/2 inches long and in a conical shape.

 Short Description: Before Nantes types of carrots are engineered, this is the most common
varieties all over the world. Chantenay types are short and stout.
 Best Varieties: Regular races for commercial producers “Royal”, “Supreme” and “Chantenay
Red Cored”. etc.
 Growing Periods: About 60 to 70 days.
Amsterdam types [less than ideal soil]:
 Soil and Season: This Amsterdam species is durable and faster growing. They even grow in a
pot.
 Carrot Size: Small, slim, carrots, Less than 3 inches.
 Short Description: Often they are raized in the in the pot or small gardens. Sweet and cute and
They are quick growing that’s why it can be used as early crops.
 Best Varieties: Popular varieties- “Souko”,”Amsterdam Forcing”, “Prim F1″,”Amsterdam
Sweetheart”.
 Growing Periods: About 35 to 50 days.
Imperator Types [ sandy loam soil, market friendly]:
 Soil and Season: This Imperator type is durable and grows sandy loam soil. Grow normally
under a variety of temperature. Normal seed sowing starts in late May. For a fall crop, sowings
start in late July.
 Carrot Size: Less than 7-10 inches. Smooth-skinned, slender roots, small core.
 Short Description: They are the most common carrot kinds all over the world. Commercial
farming friendly kinds & suitable strong tops allow mechanical harvesting.
 Best Varieties: The popular ones areHeritage, Autumn King, Imperator 58, Nelson Nogales,
Atomic Res, Orangette Orlando Gold, Premium 80, Sunrise, Sweetness, Bejo etc.
 Growing Periods: About 70 to 75 days. But for some species, it is about 60 days.

Commercial Carrot Variations:

Commercial varieties are more immune to pests and diseases. The best carrots varieties are
engineered to give vast harvests. And un debatably they are the best carrot varieties.

To select this category carrots, I apply this rules below:

 These commercial carrots varieties are profitable.

 The production is high and low-cost farming.

 Storable – Keep the same taste and color for a long time.

 Attractive, Sweet & healthy.

Here, I include some species, that are proven as a commercially farmable and attractive.

Autumn King – a true Winter carrot:

Considered as the largest of carrots (Imperator type) but need slightly more time to get mature. It
is a remarkably healthful plus vigorous carrot with the potential to be the greatest yielding of all.
It grows in loose loam soil but it does not grow in either cold or hard soil.
The best varieties “Autumn King Vita Longa”.

Berliculum Type:
Quite extended cylindrical carrots which are actually late crop but highly profitable.

Suggested species – Bangor F1, Bericulum Berjo, Cardinal F1, Carotene

200* and Camberley.
Red-Cored Chantenay:
Red-Cored Chaney is common, 7 inches long 2-inch thick. The best part of them that, they
remain sweet and tasty even they been stored/refrigerated.

Heirlooms
Color is the most effective aspect of heirloom carrots. They can be found in different colors i.e
white, orange, yellow, red and purple.
Best Heirloom Species are Lunar White, Cosmic Purple, and Atomic Red.
Other profitable kinds are Swamp King (late Spring), Paris Market (Short
rooted), Bolero,Spring Market Improved (New Zealand, Autumn sowing), and Viva La
France Hybrid

Climate:

Carrot is grown in winter i.e. from October – November. Very high or low temperature is not
conductive for root development. Carrots produce largest roots with good colour are sown by the
end of October to November to obtain hinge yields, with good quality roots. At optimal
temperatures of 15-18C, yields can be 55 and even 70 t/ha. The lower threshold air temperature
for carrot production is 7C. Low temperatures can reduce yields by 20% as well as increasing the
risk of premature bolting. Conversely, increasing air temperature to 15-25C while roots are still
at 15C can increase shoot growth at the expense of root development. Higher
day temperatures can be tolerated by carrots provided night temperature drops to 15-16C. New
F1 hybrid varieties mean carrots can be grown in warmer climates, e.g. year-round production in
coastal WA. However, sustained high temperatures (27-30C) can cause roots to develop
abnormal shapes and have reduced colour development. Yields can be reduced by up to
30%.Because carrot roots store photosynthate, it has been suggested that yield may be very
responsive to increased CO2 concentration. Yield increases of up to 110% in the presence of
double normal CO2 levels have been reported. However, these should not be seen as typical.In a
study in tunnels where temperature ranged from 7.5 – 10.9C, a 31% increase in root weight was
observed when CO2 concentration was increased to 550ppm. On average, carrot yields increased
about 34% for every 1C increase in temperature due to faster growth and development.
Another study found that carrot yield more
than doubled with high CO2, although this research found the effect only occurred at
temperatures over 12C. More work is needed to evaluate the effect of predicted changes in CO2
concentration and temperature on carrots.

Soil:

It can be grown on all types of soil but be growth is obtained in a deep, loose, loamy soil. For
early crop sandy loam soil preferred but for large yield silt-loam is desirable. In well drained,
deep soil, long smooth slender roots are formed. The carrots grown on heavy soil are rough and
coarse. Maximum yield is expected at soil PH 6.5.
Since roots develop the soil. It is necessary to prepare soil to a fine tilth. If soil is not thoroughly
prepared and if it contains soil clods or undercomoposed organic matter, good quality and well
shaped roots cannot be produced.

Sowing:

Carrots are grown from direct seedling,. The seeds are sown either by broadcasting or drilling in
lines. To facilitate even distribution seeds are mixed with fine sand. Seeds can be sown on flat
bed at loser spacing of 15-25 cm or on both sides of ridge, while sowing soil should have
sufficient moisture. After sowing, give light irrigation with due to care to avoid flooding of
seeds. Follow shallow sowing for better seed germination. Seed soaking in water for 12-24
shallow before sowing gives good germination. Follow sowing at 15 X 15 cm distance in flat
bed. In case of ridges and furrow layout 45 X 15 cm spacing is kept. On an average 6 -8 kg seed
is required for a hectare.

Manures and Fertilizer:

30 to 50 cartload has a fairly extensive and widely drenched root system. Carrot can absorb
water from deeper layer. Carrot grows on well retentive of soil moisture needs less water. It
needs frequent irrigation during germination and vegetative growth which gives more yield.
Irrigation frequency should be reduced on month before the due date of harvesting. Irrigation is
almost stopped 15 – 20 days before harvesting which helps increasing sweetness. Excessive
irrigation induces adventitious roots can carrot which impact root quality. If the soil in your
garden is not rich in nutrients, you may need to fertilize your carrots. Carrots should be fertilized
when the tops have reached 3 inches tall. A granular type fertilizer will work well, if used in
moderation. Choose a fertilizer that has little nitrogen and more potassium and phosphate - 0-10-
10 or 5-15-15 will work well. Pay attention to the 3 number code on the bag of fertilizer. These
three numbers indicate the amount of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium that are contained in
that particular fertilizer, respectively. For instance, a 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen,
10% phosphate and 10% potassium. A 5-10-10 bag would contain 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphate
and 10% potassium. Nitrogen encourages a plant to produce more foliage. Phosphate and
potassium encourages more root development. Because carrots are a root vegetable that grow
below the surface of the soil, phosphate and potassium are more beneficial to carrot growth.

Long Carrot Tops

Apply the fertilizer at half the rate suggested by the manufacturer. If the directions call for 1 1/2
pounds for every 100 square feet, use 1/2 to 3/4 pound. Too much fertilizer will result in less
flavorful carrots with forked and hairy roots. Once you have applied the granular fertilizer, water
it in well. Most of the time, water soluble fertilizers (the kind that are mixed with water and then
sprayed onto theplants) contain too much nitrogen and should not be used. If you want to grow
carrots organically, work plenty of compost into the soil prior to planting. You can also apply a
side dressing of fish emulsions to add nutrients to the soil.

Interculture:
Prompt weeding in early period of one half month after sowing is essential as the cross sown
closely. Later on it is difficult to weed. In this regard clean cultivation before sowing is
important. Weed competition causes heavy loss of top and impair root quality. Manual weeding
not only control not only controls the weeds but improves aeration resolution in better root
growth. Earthling up is also practiced which control the weeds and also covers the exposed roots
to prevent discoloration of roots.

Irragation

Requirements

Carrot seeds may be sown directly in the soil in springtime or started indoors to produce
seedlings for later transplantation outdoors. According to the Iowa State University Extension,
carrots generally do best when they receive about 1 inch of water weekly. If they receive
significantly less water, small woody roots with poor flavor may result. In contrast, too much
water may produce forked, hairy roots that tend to crack if heavy watering follows a dry spell.

Using a Sprinkler

An automatic sprinkler can provide an efficient method to irrigate carrots. Position the sprinkler
so that water reaches all parts of the carrot bed. Water once each week during morning hours so
surface water will dry quickly, helping prevent fungal diseases. Choose a fine mist spray and a
sprinkler with a water meter and automatic shut-off, ending the watering session when 1 inch is
reached. Alternatively, check the bed after watering to ensure water has penetrated several inches
into the soil.

Soaker Hoses

A soaker hose can provide an efficient and water-saving approach to irrigating a bed of carrots.
Choose a hose that is less than 100 feet in length for effective watering. Place it on the ground
throughout the bed, keeping it level and spacing it about 2 inches from the plants. Set your faucet
so that the entire soaker hose seeps water evenly without spraying. Use a water meter at your
faucet to determine when 1 inch of water has been released, or check the soil after watering to
ensure that it is thoroughly moistened.

Drip Irrigation

A drip irrigation system is also an efficient irrigation method for carrots. A plastic pipe carries
water through the bed, with emitters spaced evenly along the pipe. Adjust the water pressure so
water flows from the emitters in a slow, steady drip and check that water reaches all of the
plants. Place emitters near the soil line so foliage remains dry, minimizing water waste and
preventing certain plant diseases. Use a meter at the faucet to measure the amount of water
dispensed, or check the soil near the plants to ensure that soil is well-moistened after irrigating.

Harvesting and Yield:

Harvesting of carrots at proper stage of maturity is essential to fetch good price in the market.
Delay in harvesting deteriorates the quality of the roots and becomes unfit for consumption.
Every variety has certain period for harvesting. Delay in harvesting results in splitting of roots.
Formation of adventitious roots, increase in dry matter sucrose, carotene and bolting.

Harvesting is done manually. Give light irrigation before harvesting to facilitate easy pulling of
roots without damage. In heavy soil, roots are removed from soil by digging. After harvesting
roots are washed, cleaned, graded and tied in bunches. On an average tropical carrot up to 150-
250 quintals/ hectare.

RECAPE

Climate  Carrot is grown in winter

 Optimal temperatures is 15-18C
 Sustained high temperatures (27-30C)
 The effect only occurred at temperatures over 12C.
Soil  It can be grown on all types of soil
 Soil PH 6.5.
 Well drained soil give better yield
Irragation  receive about 1 inch of water weekly.
 !st irrigation after 1st week of sowing
 Irragate after 1week interval
Manures and  30 to 50 cartload has a fairly extensive and widely drenched root system.
fertilizer  Choose a fertilizer that has little nitrogen and more potassium and
phosphate - 0-10-10 or 5-15-15 will work well.
Harvesting  Delay in harvesting deteriorates the quality of the roots and becomes unfit
for consumption
 Delay in harvesting results in splitting of roots.
 After harvesting roots are washed, cleaned, graded and tied in bunches.
Yield  On an average tropical carrot up to 150- 250 quintals/ hectare.