Studies on baby carrot production

Abstract

Abstract Effects of sowing rates, times, and methods on baby carrot production were investigated. Plant survival averaged approximately 50% 4 weeks after emergence started, and 20% at harvest. In early- and mid-season sowings survival at harvest was 5-10% higher and more consistent from year to year than in late-season sowings. It decreased with increasing sowing rate and was lower after sowing pelleted seed than after sowing natural seed. Survival after sowing with a perforated drum was higher than with a Stanhay drill in early-and mid-season sowings, but in late-season sowings the reverse occurred. In each year yield was similar in early-season, more variable in mid-season, and more variable still in late-season sowings. It increased nearly linearly over the range of populations at harvest at each sowing time. At Levin, yields reached 55 t/ha and at Ohakune, in lighter soil, 70 t/ha. The maximum yield of baby carrots reached a peak at each population for about 1 week in early- and mid-season sowings and for about 2 weeks in late-season sowings. Maximum yield was reached later in late-season sowings and with high populations at harvest. Root quality in precision sown and broadcast plots was similar. Root length decreased with increasing plant population in all sowings. Roots were longer in light soil.