The effects of mechanical stress on carrot growth

Abstract

SummaryCarrots grown indoors were subjected to mechanical stress (MS) by brushing the shoots with paper for 1.5 mineach day. Shoot height and the dry weight of the various plant parts were measured at three harvests 25, 36 and 43 days after the start of the treatment. Brushing reduced shoot height and weight, and fibrous root weight when compared to unbrushed controls at all three harvests. Storage root weight was not significantly changed by brushing and total root weight was reduced only at the first harvest. As a result the storage root/shoot, the total root/shoot and the storage root/fibrous root weight ratios of the brushed carrots were increased at the 1st and 3rd harvests.