Carrot

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

1. Identification and origin

The carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a biennial herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family, originating from Central Asia and later spread throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. It is cultivated globally as a root vegetable, being one of the most important crops in intensive horticulture.

2. Economic importance

The carrot is widely consumed fresh, processed, frozen or transformed. It has high commercial value, being essential in the horticultural chain due to its versatility, storability and constant demand. It is also relevant in the food industry and in exports.

3. Botanical characterisation

Biennial plant grown as an annual. The root is tuberous, rich in carotenoids, with variable colouring (orange, purple, yellow, white). The leaves are compound, finely divided, forming a basal rosette. The inflorescence is a compound umbel typical of the Apiaceae. The root system is taprooted, sensitive to compaction and poor drainage.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers cool temperate climates, with optimal temperatures between 15–22 °C. It develops best in loose, deep, sandy or sandy-loam soils, well-drained and with pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It is sensitive to compaction, stoniness and waterlogging, which cause root deformations. It requires good water availability, especially in the initial phase and during root thickening.

5. Main pests

• Carrot fly (Psila rosae): tunnels in the root and commercial loss.
• Aphids (Aphididae): transmission of viruses and reduced vigour.
• Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): root deformations and reduced productivity.
• Caterpillars (Lepidoptera): foliar damage.
• Mites (Tetranychidae): chlorosis and loss of vigour.

6. Main diseases

• Alternaria leaf blight (Alternaria dauci): leaf spots and defoliation.
• Powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp.): white mycelium on leaves.
• Leaf blight (Cercospora carotae): foliar lesions and reduced growth.
• Bacterial rots (Erwinia, Pectobacterium): post-harvest deterioration.
• Fungal rots (Rhizoctonia, Sclerotinia): root damage and field losses.

7. General crop management

Management includes crop rotation, use of certified seeds, adequate soil preparation, adjusted sowing density and balanced fertilisation. Monitoring of carrot fly and Alternaria leaf blight is essential. Harvesting should be carried out when the roots reach commercial size, followed by washing and storage in cool and humid conditions to prolong storage.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Daucus carota.
• CABI Crop Compendium – Daucus carota.
• Rubatzky, V. E., & Yamaguchi, M. (1997). World Vegetables. Chapman & Hall.
• Simon, P. W. (2000). Carrot in: Vegetable and Spice Crops. CABI Publishing.
• Strandberg, J. O. (2008). Compendium of Umbelliferous Crop Diseases. APS Press.