Evaluation of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) for Traits Related to Early Seedling Establishment and Canopy Growth at Different Planting Densities

Carrot production is limited by erratic germination, poor seedling growth, and delayed canopy establishment, all of which make weed control a major challenge. Plants with early germination, quick seedling growth, and competitive growth response are one viable option for improving weed management. Preliminary field trials have demonstrated that carrot genotypes have variable germination rates and responses to planting density, ranging from no response to an increase in canopy growth as planting density increases. This project aims to elucidate competitive growth response in carrot breeding stocks. Four genotypes with small canopy size and four with large canopy size were planted at different densities (30, 60, and 90 plants per meter) using a split-plot design with three replications.  Emergence rate, canopy height, and canopy width were monitored throughout the growing season and postharvest measurements of fresh leaf weight, root weight, and dry leaf weight were taken. Current progress will be reported. Increasing planting density promoted top growth, specifically with genotypes that tended to have smaller tops.