Tunnel production enhances quality in organic carrot seed production

Abstract

In Denmark, organic vegetable seed production is possible for some of the late-maturing species when the maturing is performed in lightweight tunnels which are also relevant for the isolation of small-scale production. The tunnel system offers several advantages, e.g., it is possible to control water supply and thereby introduce drought at proven optimum times, restrict geneflow through insect-and pollen-proof netting, raise the temperature to prolong the growing season and hence the crop duration, and reduce pest attack by preventing pest entrance to the tunnel. In an experiment, tunnel production of open-pollinated carrot varieties increased the yield and germination percentages when compared with normal field conditions. Yield was in the range of 100-250 g and 2-17 g seeds m-2 respectively, and germination percentage was 84-95 and 43-55, respectively. However, hybrid carrot seed production showed lower yields than did their open-pollinated counterparts. Yields ranging from 60-123 g seeds m-2 can be obtained, but the production needs to be carefully planned and monitored. Different growing systems in tunnels have been studied in both open-pollinated and hybrid carrot (Daucus carota L.) for their seed production. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.