Carrot Plants Research Articles

Field performance of cryopreserved seed-derived carrot, tomato and asparagus plants

Field performance of cryopreserved seed-derived carrot, tomato and asparagus plants

Morpho-physiological changes in carrots by foliar γ-aminobutyric acid under drought stress

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of foliar spray of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the morpho-physiological traits of water-stressed carrot cultivars (Supertaj and Bharat). The different levels of GABA (0, 1, 2, and 4 mM) were sprayed after 20 days of carrot germination grown under 100% and 50% field capacity of soil moisture. The samples were taken after 2 weeks of GABA application and morphological characteristics, integrity of cell-membrane, photosynthetic pigments, and enzymatic antioxidants were measured. The results revealed that the foliar application of GABA improved the vegetative growth and significantly increased the levels of free amino acids, plastid pigments, enzymatic antioxidants, and the relative water content in the roots grown under 50% field capacity as compared to control. Additionally, the GABA application decreased the electrolyte leakage of ions and malondialdehyde content in carrot leaves. The protein contents of GABA-treated carrot plants did not significantly vary with untreated plants. In conclusion, the application of GABA for the production of carrots may help plants to mitigate the adverse effects of water deficit stress.

Role of Daucus carota in Enhancing Antiulcer Profile of Pantoprazole in Experimental Animals.

The carrot plant (Daucus carota) and its components are traditionally reported for the management of gastric ulcers. This study was performed to evaluate the role of carrot when administered concurrently with a conventional antiulcer treatment, pantoprazole, in alleviating gastric and duodenal ulcers in female experimental animals. The study involved standard animal models to determine the ulcer preventive effect using pylorus ligation, ethanol, and stress induced acute gastric ulcer models and duodenal ulcer models involving cysteamine. Acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models were used to evaluate the ulcer healing effect. Carrot fruit (500 mg/kg) and its co-administration with pantoprazole produced significant protection in an ethanol- and stress-induced acute gastric ulcer and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. The healing of the acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer was also augmented with this combination. Both total proteins and mucin contents were significantly increased in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers. Similarly, in pylorus ligation, the pepsin content of gastric juice, total acidity, and free acidity were reduced. Overall, both ulcer preventive effects and ulcer healing properties of the pantoprazole were significantly enhanced in animals who received the co-administration of carrot fruit (500 mg/kg).

First report of leaf blight and petiole rot of carrot caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IB

Carrot plants with leaf blight and petiole rot were found in Hokkaido, Japan, in September 2016. The causal fungus, identified as Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group (AG)-1 IB, caused leaf blight and petiole rot on carrot but not root rot in inoculation tests. We also confirmed that it can be discriminated on the basis of symptoms and pathogenicity from the pathogen R. solani AG-2-2 IV, which causes carrot root rot. This is the first report of leaf blight and petiole rot of carrot caused by R. solani AG-1 IB.

The Influence of Trichoderma harzianum Rifai T-22 and Other Biostimulants on Rhizosphere Beneficial Microorganisms of Carrot

The principles of good agricultural and horticultural practice, which consider both giving environmental protection and high yielding of plants, require modern cultivation methods. Modern cultivation of horticultural plants uses, for example, cover crops, living mulches, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), plant growth regulators (PGRs) and other biostimulants protecting the soil against degradation and plants against phytopathogens and stress. The purpose of field and laboratory studies was to determine the effect of Trianum P (containing Trichoderma harzianum Rifai T-22 spores), Beta-Chikol (a.s.—chitosan), Timorex Gold 24 EC (based on tea tree oil) and fungicide Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS (a.s.—tiuram 75%) on the health of carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants and the microorganism population in the rhizosphere of this plant. Moreover, the antagonistic effect of rhizosphere fungi on selected carrot fungal pathogens was determined. Laboratory mycological analysis allowed one to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of fungi colonizing the underground parts of carrot plants. In addition, the total population of fungi and bacteria was determined (including Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.) based on the microbiological analysis of the rhizosphere soil. The application of the plant growth-promoting fungus (Trichoderma harzianum T-22), chitosan and tea tree oil positively influenced the growth, development and health status of carrot plants. T. harzianum T-22, chitosan and fungicide most effectively protected carrots against infection by soil-borne fungi from the genus Alternaria, Fusarium, Haematonectria, Sclerotinia and Rhizoctonia. The rhizosphere population of Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. in the treatments with Trianum P or Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS was bigger than in the other experimental treatments. A reverse relationship was observed in the population of rhizosphere fungi. T. harzianum T-22, chitosan and tea tree oil promoted the growth of antagonistic fungi (Albifimbria sp., Clonostachys sp., Penicillium sp., Talaromyces sp. and Trichoderma sp.) in the carrot rhizosphere. Antagonistic activity of these fungi towards Alternaria dauci, Alternaria radicina, Sclerotiniasclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani was higher after the application of the preparations compared to control. Consequently, Trianum P, Beta-Chikol and Timorex Gold 24 EC can be recommended as plant biostimulants in ecological agricultural production, including Daucus carota cultivation.

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ distribution and diversity in Scotland and the characterisation of novel haplotypes from Craspedolepta spp. (Psylloidea: Aphalaridae)

The phloem limited bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is associated with disease in Solanaceous and Apiaceous crops. This bacterium has previously been found in the UK in Trioza anthrisci, but its impact on UK crops is unknown. Psyllid and Lso diversity and distribution among fields across the major carrot growing areas of Scotland were assessed using real-time PCR and DNA barcoding techniques. Four Lso haplotypes were found: C, U, and two novel haplotypes. Lso haplotype C was also found in a small percentage of asymptomatic carrot plants (9.34%, n = 139) from a field in Milnathort where known vectors of this haplotype were not found. This is the first report of Lso in cultivated carrot growing in the UK and raises concern for the carrot and potato growing industry regarding the potential spread of new and existing Lso haplotypes into crops. Trioza anthrisci was found present only in sites in Elgin, Moray with 100% of individuals harbouring Lso haplotype C. Lso haplotype U was found at all sites infecting Trioza urticae and at some sites infecting Urtica dioica with 77.55% and 24.37% average infection, respectively. The two novel haplotypes were found in Craspedolepta nebulosa and Craspedolepta subpunctata and named Cras1 and Cras2. This is the first report of Lso in psyllids from the Aphalaridae. These new haplotypes were most closely related to Lso haplotype H recently found in carrot and parsnip. Lso was also detected in several weed plants surrounding carrot and parsnip fields. These included two Apiaceous species Aegropodium podagraria (hap undetermined) and Anthriscus sylvestris (hap C); one Galium sp. (Rubiaceae) (hap undetermined); and Chenopodium album (Amaranthaceae) (hap undetermined).

Effect of planting date on postharvest quality of roots of different carrot cultivars grown in the Brazilian semiarid region

ABSTRACT In regions with high temperatures, carrot cultivation is difficult because high temperatures tend to reduce the size and pigmentation of the root and, consequently, the yield and quality of the product. However, with the advent of summer cultivars, the cultivation of quality carrots under high temperatures has been viable. The aim of this work was to evaluate the postharvest quality of ten carrot cultivars as a function of different planting dates. The experiments were carried out on the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Arido (UFERSA). Four experiments were carried out in May, June, July and August 2017. The experimental design was a randomized block with ten treatments and four replications. The following was evaluated: white halo percentage, soluble solids content, total soluble sugars, total titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio and beta-carotene content. The interaction between the carrot cultivars and planting date had a significant influence on the postharvest quality of carrot roots. The hybrid cultivars had an overall better post-harvest quality. The carrots sown in July had better quality traits; however, they were more affected by the “white halo” disorder.

Impact of biochar on plant growth and uptake of ciprofloxacin, triclocarban and triclosan from biosolids

Application of municipal biosolids in agriculture present a concern with potential uptake and bioaccumulation of pharmaceutical compounds from biosolids into agronomic plants. We evaluated the efficacy of biochar as a soil amendment to minimize uptake of antimicrobial agents (ciprofloxacin, triclocarban, and triclosan) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and carrot (Daucus carota) plants. Biochar reduced the concentration of ciprofloxacin and triclocarban in lettuce leaves and resulted in a 67% reduction of triclosan in carrot roots. There was no substantial difference in pharmaceutical concentrations in carrot and lettuce plant matter at low (2.0 g kg−1 soil) and high (20.4 g kg−1 soil) rates of applied biochar. The co-amendment of biochar and biosolids increased soil pH and nutrient content which were positively correlated with an increase in lettuce shoot biomass. Our results demonstrate the potential efficacy of using walnut shell biochar as a sorbent for pharmaceutical contaminants in soil without negatively affecting plant growth.

Effects of different surface-coated nTiO2 on full-grown carrot plants: Impacts on root splitting, essential elements, and Ti uptake

The production and environmental release of surface-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) have increased. Hence, crops may be directly exposed to the nTiO2 in soil. In this study, we grew carrots in soils amended with pristine, hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface-coated nTiO2 at 100, 200, and 400 mg kg−1 until full-plant maturity. The content of Ti in plant secondary roots treated with different nTiO2 at 400 mg kg−1 was in the order of hydrophobic > hydrophilic > pristine treatments, with values of 140.1, 100.5, and 64.3 mg kg−1, respectively. The fresh biomass of the taproot was significantly decreased by all nTiO2 forms at 400 mg kg−1 by up to 56 %, compared to control. Pristine nTiO2 at 100 mg kg−1 enhanced the fresh weight of leaves by 51 % with respect to control. Remarkably, an abnormal increase of taproot splitting was found in plants treated with all nTiO2 forms. In carrots treated with the surface-coated nTiO2, the accumulation of Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn increased in leaves; but Mg, Mn, and Zn decreased in taproots. These results suggest that future regulation of nTiO2 release into soils should consider its surface coating properties since the phytotoxicity effects depend on nTiO2 outer structure.

Effect of Different Soil Amendments and Variety on the Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

The objective for the study was to determine the effect of variety and different soil amendments on the growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carota L.). The study was conducted in Mampong-Ashanti which is located in the transitional zone of Ghana. The experiment was laid out in a 5 x 2 factorial and treatments arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). There were two varieties (Tokita and Kuroda) and five different types of soil amendment which were: control (T1), 5 ton/ha poultry manure (T2), 45-45-45 kg/ha NPK (T3), 5 ton/ha compost (T4) and 5 ton/ha biochar (T5). Each treatment was replicated four times. Data was collected on vegetative growth and yield of carrot. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT Version 11.1. Results from the study showed that carrot plants amended with 5 ton/ha poultry manure significantly (P=.05) produced the tallest height and greater number of leaves. Application of 5 ton/ha compost recorded the widest (P=.05) canopy spread. Application of 5 ton/ha poultry manure recorded the highest (p < 0.05) fresh root weight, root length, root diameter and marketable root weight with the control treatment recording the least among all treatments. With respect to variety, Kuroda produced the tallest (P=.05) plants, greater (P=.05) number of leaves and wider (P=.05) canopy spread. In conclusion, the application of 5 t/ha poultry manure had improved growth performance with higher productivity in terms of marketable root weight and total yield. Among the two varieties Kuroda was the best with higher growth performance and yield.

'Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum' Is Unlikely to Be Transmitted Spontaneously from Infected Carrot Plants to Citrus Plants by Trioza Erytreae.

Simple SummaryThe potential transmission of the bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ from infected carrot plants to citrus plants by the African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae) should be considered and therefore studied, because this psyllid is an efficient vector of citrus huanglongbing disease (associated to bacteria from the same genus). The aim of this study was to assess the bacterium transmission by three different ways: dodder, grafting and the African citrus psyllid. Additionally, the feeding behavior and oviposition of this psyllid were also evaluated. The bacterium was only transmitted from carrot plants to citrus plants through dodder, although the infection was not established. The African psyllid could settle and oviposit in carrot plants, but it was not able to complete its life cycle on them. This psyllid acquired and transmitted the bacterium from carrots to carrots but was not able to transmit it to citrus plants. In conclusion, after having assessed all relevant possibilities by experimental transmissions from infected carrot plants to citrus plants, the bacterium was transmitted but not established. Our data suggest that the bacterium transmission to citrus plants by the African citrus psyllid is unlikely.Bacteria belonging to ‘Candidatus Liberibacter spp.’ are associated with various severe diseases in the five continents. The African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is an efficient vector of citrus huanglongbing-HLB disease, absent in the Mediterranean basin. This psyllid is currently present in the islands and mainland Portugal and Spain, where the prevalence of ‘Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum’ (CaLsol) associated to a carrot disease is high. Trioza erytreae normally feeds on citrus plants but has also been observed on other crops. It would be a great concern to the Mediterranean citrus industry if T. erytreae could transmit this bacterium from carrots to citrus and cause disease; therefore, the transmission of CaLsol from carrot plants to citrus plants was experimentally assessed. Although CaLsol was initially detected on receptor citrus plants in transmission assays by dodder and budding, the infection was not established. The feeding behavior by electrical penetration graphs and oviposition of T. erytreae on carrot plants versus citrus plants was evaluated. Trioza erytreae only reached the phloem in citrus plants. However, it was able to acquire CaLsol from infected carrots but unable to transmit it to citrus plants. CaLsol was detected in some carrot plants immediately after 7 and 14 days (inoculation access period), but it was not detected after one month. Trioza erytreae was unable to complete its life cycle on carrot plants. In conclusion, the efficient vector of bacteria associated to huanglongbing was unable to transmit CaLsol from carrot to citrus plants, but it acquired and transmitted the bacterium from carrot to carrot plants with low efficiency.

Application of sequential selections in the selection of table carrots for resistance to <i>Fusarium sp.</i> and <i>Alternaria sp.</i>

Relevance. Research is devoted to increasing the horizontal, polygenic resistance of table carrots of the Surazhevskaya variety to Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. infections. The aim of the research was to conduct sequential (at different stages of development) and multiple (over several reproductive generations) individual selections of table carrot plants resistant to a complex of pathogens using traditional phytopathological methods.Methods. The research was carried out in 2011–2019 in the Department of breeding and seed production in the laboratory of root crops and onions of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Vegetable Growing — Branch of the FSBSI Federal Scientific Vegetable Center. The source material for research was a variety of carrots in the Surazhevskaya dining room, obtained in 2006 from the Flakke variety type. Assessment for resistance to Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. it was performed in the field, on two artificial infectious sites and in the laboratory in accordance with the methods. The correspondence (significance of differences) between the compared series (families) in the frequency distribution of the corresponding average scores of disease manifestations was assessed using the χ 2 criterion.Results. With each subsequent selection cycle, not only did the number of relatively resistant plants increase, but the average score of the lesion also decreased. As a result of four consecutive selection cycles at different stages of ontogenesis and in three nurseries with natural and artificial infection, the selection population changed in terms of resistance to Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. It is advisable to assess susceptibility to pathogenic flora in parallel on the natural and infectious backgrounds. Field assessment and selection of carrot plants should be carried out at different periods of the two-year development cycle, as well as during the storage of Queen root crops.

Insulative effect of plastic mulch systems and comparison between the effects of different plant types

Abstract To address agricultural needs of the future, a better understanding of plastic mulch film effects on soil temperature and moisture is required. The effects of different plant type and mulch combinations were studied over a 3.5-month period to better grasp the consequence of mulch on root zone temperature (RZT) and moisture. Measurements of (RZT) and soil moisture for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and carrot (Daucus carota) grown using polyolefin mulch films (black and white-on-black) were conducted in Ontario using a plot without mulch as a control. Black mulch films used in combination with pepper and carrot plants caused similar RZTs relative to uncovered soil, but black mulch film in combination with tomato plants caused a reduction in RZT relative to soil without mulch that increased as plants grew and provided more shade. White-on-black mulch film used in combination with tomatoes, peppers or carrots led to a reduction in RZT relative to soil without mulch that became greater than the temperature of soil without mulch. This insulative capability was similarly observed for black mulch films used with tomato plants. Apart from white-on-black film used in combination with tomatoes, all mulch film and plant combinations demonstrated an ability to stabilize soil moisture relative to soil without mulch. RZT and soil moisture were generally stabilized with mulch film, but some differences were seen among different plant types.

Mining for Candidate Genes Controlling Secondary Growth of the Carrot Storage Root.

Background: Diverse groups of carrot cultivars have been developed to meet consumer demands and industry needs. Varietal groups of the cultivated carrot are defined based on the shape of roots. However, little is known about the genetic basis of root shape determination. Methods: Here, we used 307 carrot plants from 103 open-pollinated cultivars for a genome wide association study to identify genomic regions associated with the storage root morphology. Results: A 180 kb-long region on carrot chromosome 1 explained 10% of the total observed phenotypic variance in the shoulder diameter. Within that region, DcDCAF1 and DcBTAF1 genes were proposed as candidates controlling secondary growth of the carrot storage root. Their expression profiles differed between the cultivated and the wild carrots, likely indicating that their elevated expression was required for the development of edible roots. They also showed higher expression at the secondary root growth stage in cultivars producing thick roots, as compared to those developing thin roots. Conclusions: We provided evidence for a likely involvement of DcDCAF1 and/or DcBTAF1 in the development of the carrot storage root and developed a genotyping assay facilitating the identification of variants in the region on carrot chromosome 1 associated with secondary growth of the carrot root.

Biological and genetic characterization of carrot red leaf virus and its associated virus/RNA isolated from carrots in Hokkaido, Japan

AbstractCarrot motley dwarf (CMD) is caused by mixed infection of carrot red leaf virus (CtRLV) with either carrot mottle virus (CMoV) or carrot mottle mimic virus, and additional infection with CtRLV‐associated RNA (CtRLVaRNA). Here, the author investigated the viruses or virus‐like RNA isolated from carrots with reddening symptoms in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan. Three types of infections were mainly detected: single infection with CtRLV, which was most prevalent; double infection with CtRLV and CMoV; and triple infection with CtRLV, CMoV, and CtRLVaRNA. Fields with the three agents were severely affected, with diseased plants showing mottling, whereas in fields where disease incidence was low and sporadic, CtRLV was often found alone in plants with mild symptoms. Inoculation tests using carrot plants showed that CMoV enhanced disease severity, and the RNA accumulation of CtRLV. However, in the presence of CtRLVaRNA (+ CMoV), distinct symptoms such as systemic mottling and stunting developed, while the enhancement of CtRLV accumulation was abolished. These results imply that CtRLVaRNA (+ CMoV) antagonizes CtRLV despite its dependence on CtRLV for aphid transmission, and that mixed infection with CtRLVaRNA is involved in the development of the conspicuous mottling. All agents detected in Hokkaido were very similar to European and American isolates in terms of their genomic sequences and host range. This represents the first report of CMD in Japan, and provides further information on the genetic and biological properties of CMD‐associated agents, as well as the aetiology of the disease.

Effect of Soil Salinity and Foliar Application of Jasmonic Acid on Mineral Balance of Carrot Plants Tolerant and Sensitive to Salt Stress

The aim of the study is to determine the effects of soil salinity stress and foliar application of jasmonic acid (JA) on the mineral balance in plants of salt-sensitive doubled haploid carrot line (DH1) and salt-tolerant local DLBA variety (DLBA). Concentrations of 28 elements were determined in roots and leaves and in the soil. The DcNHX4 gene (cation:proton exchange antiporter) expression was assessed. The salinity stress reduced the mass of roots and leaves more in DH1 than in DLBA. DLBA plants accumulated larger amounts of Na and Cl in the roots and had an increased transport of these elements to the leaves. The salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive carrot varieties differed in their ability to uptake and accumulate some elements, such as K, Mg, Zn, S, Cd, P and B, and this response was organ-specific. A selective uptake of K in the presence of high Na concentration was evident in the tolerant variety, and a high Na content in its leaves correlated with the expression of DcNHX4 gene, which was expressed in DLBA leaves only. JA application did not affect the growth of DLBA or DH1 plants. In the sensitive DH1 variety grown under salinity stress, JA induced changes in the mineral balance by limiting the uptake of the sum of all elements, especially Na and Cl, and by limiting Zn and Cd accumulation.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles: a potential micronutrient fertilizer for horticultural crops with little toxicity

Whether zinc nanoparticles (NPs) are phytotoxic or beneficial to plants remains controversial because of limited research. In this study, we investigated the effect of various concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs (0, 1, 5, 20, 100, and 1000 mg kg−1 of soil) on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) plants. Plants of both crop species grown in ZnO NPs showed a significant increase in biomass compared with control plants (0 mg kg−1), except for lettuce plants grown in the highest concentration of NPs (1000 mg kg−1), indicating that ZnO NPs acted as a fertilizer. Additionally, control plants showed lower levels of chlorophyll and zinc, magnesium, and potassium than plants grown in ZnO NPs, except for the Mg content of carrot roots grown in 20 mg kg−1 ZnO NPs. Plants of both species grown in 5 and 20 mg kg−1 ZnO NPs showed the highest concentration of nitrogen. Negative effects of ZnO NPs were evident only in lettuce plants grown in 1000 mg kg−1 ZnO NPs, which is more likely an exaggerated level rather than an environmentally realistic concentration. Thus, our data suggest that ZnO NPs are a fertilizer for crop plants and would increase crop productivity when used carefully.

Degree-day models to predict carrot weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) emergence and oviposition in Nova Scotia, Canada

AbstractCarrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a pest of carrot (Daucus carota var. sativus Hoffmann; Apiaceae) throughout eastern Canada. Carrot weevil emergence and oviposition were monitored in commercial carrot fields in Nova Scotia. Cumulative degree days were calculated using a base temperature of 7 °C (DD7), and models were developed to predict cumulative emergence and oviposition using nonlinear regression. Cumulative emergence and oviposition were adequately explained as functions of DD7 by a three-parameter sigmoidal Hill equation. Our emergence model predicted initial and peak adult emergence at 35 and 387 DD7, respectively, with oviposition on carrot baits occurring as early as 42 DD7. Models were then validated to evaluate how well they performed. Oviposition on carrot plants began at the fourth true-leaf stage (342 DD7) and continued until eleventh true-leaf stage. Growers using these models can identify their window of opportunity to manage their carrot weevil populations targeting the majority of emerged adults before oviposition begins in the field.

Effect of Sulfadimethoxine, Oxytetracycline, and Streptomycin Antibiotics in Three Types of Crop Plants—Root, Leafy, and Fruit

(1) Background: Plants act as the natural sink for a variety of toxins in the environment, including veterinary antibiotics (VAs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the uptake and fate of sulfadimethoxine (SDZ), oxytetracycline (OTC), and streptomycin (STR) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), carrot (Daucus carota), and pepper (Capsicum annum) grown in VAs amended soil. (2) Methods: 0, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 VA laced manure was applied in a sandy clay loam soil. (3) Results: 30-d (lettuce) and 60-d (carrot and pepper) greenhouse experiment showed that SDZ and OTC were taken up by all three plants, with concentrations in plant tissue ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 mg kg−1 dry weight. The concentration of VAs in plant tissues increased with a corresponding increase of antibiotics in manure. The highest plant tissue concentrations were found in carrot and lettuce, followed by pepper. An increase in NADPH P450 reductase and glutathione-s-transferase enzyme activity with increasing SDZ and OTC concentration was evident, signifying the induction of the detoxification process. The activity of plant detoxification enzymes under STR treatment was found not to be significantly different from control. (4) Conclusions: These results raise potential human health concerns of consuming low levels of antibiotics from produce grown on manure-amended soils. The result indicates that SDZ, OTC, and STR antibiotics posed high, medium, and low acute ecological risks in lettuce, carrot, and pepper plants when grown in sandy clay loam soil.

First Report of Root and Collar Rot Caused by Fusarium tricinctum and Fusarium avenaceum on Carrot in France

In 2017, carrot (Daucus carota L.) seed production represented around 22% of the area devoted to the production of vegetable fine seeds. Since 2015, symptoms of root and collar rot have been observed in carrot seed parcels located in the Central Region, one of the most important production zone in France. Diseased plants became dried prematurely, compromising seed development. Depending on the year and the climatic conditions, the disease in a same field can be considered as epidemic (rate losses between 30 to 100% of plants in 2016) or can impact plants more sporadically (less than 10% in 2017 and 2018). Sixteen diseased carrot samples (Nantaise type) were collected from five fields of seed production in the Central Region: two fields in 2016 and 2017, one field in 2018. Seven fungal isolates, obtained from lesions, were grown on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium and incubated for one week at 20°C in darkness. From the colony top, fluffy mycelium pigmented in pink, red, purple or orange was observed, with a red color at the reverse. To induce sporulation, isolates were grown on Synthetischer Nahrstoffarmer Agar (SNA) medium during three weeks at 24°C in near-UV radiations under a 12h-photoperiod. Four isolates (FT001, FT003, FT007, FT017) developed orange sporodochia with lunar or crescent-shaped macroconidia (40.3 ± 0.8 × 5.9 ± 0.1 µm; n=90) and lime or pear-shaped microconidia (10.7 ± 0.2 × 7.7 ± 0.2 µm; n=60), as described in Fusarium tricinctum (Leslie and Summerell 2006). Three isolates (FA001, FA002, FA006) developed orange sporodochia with sickle-shaped macroconidia (50.5 ± 1.1 × 5.0 ± 0.1 µm; n= 60), but no microconidia, as observed in Fusarium avenaceum (Leslie and Summerell 2006). To confirm the identification, DNA was extracted from the mycelium of the seven isolates and molecular markers (ATP citrate lyase, ACL1; RNA polymerase II, RPB2) were used for PCR amplification (Grafenhan et al. 2011; O’Donnell et al. 2013). The ACL1 sequences from the seven field isolates (GenBank Accession numbers MK183788-MK183791; MK181528-MK181530) were 99-100% identical with the ACL1 sequence of a reference F. tricinctum isolate (query coverages 99-100%; E-values of 0.0) and a reference F. avenaceum isolate (query coverages 98-99%; E-values of 0.0) [respectively DAOM 235630 isolate, GenBank Acc. No. JX397813 and BBA64135 isolate, GenBank Acc. No. JX397768, Niessen et al. 2012]. Using RPB2, sequences from field isolates (GenBank Acc. No. MK183109-MK183115) were 98.5-99.9% identical with the RPB2 sequence of a reference F. tricinctum isolate (query coverages 96-100%; E-values of 0.0) and a reference F. avenaceum isolate (query coverages 95-100%; E-values of 0.0) [respectively MRC 1895 isolate, GenBank Acc. No. MH582113 and MRC 1413 isolate, GenBank Acc. No. MH582082, O’Donnell et al. 2018]. To confirm pathogenicity, FT001 and FA002 were inoculated on collars of 10-weeks old carrot plants in the greenhouse. Forty plants per isolate and 40 control plants were used. Ten microliters of a conidial suspension (105 conidia.mL-1) - or sterile water for the controls - were deposited at the collar, previously wounded using a scalpel blade. Necrotic lesions developed at 20 dpi (FT001) and at 30 dpi (FA002). Fusarium tricinctum and F. avenaceum were re-isolated from the lesions and identified by sequencing using ACL1 and RPB2 markers. No isolation of Fusarium was obtained from the controls. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. tricinctum and F. avenaceum in carrot in France.