36th International Carrot Conference Abstract

Breeding Coloured Carrots for Organic Production

Thomas Nothnagel¹, Reiner Krämer¹ and Detlef Ulrich²

¹Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural and Fruit Crops, ²Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Plant Analysis and Stored Product Protection, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, D-06484 Quedlinburg, Germany

In the last decade, the organic carrot production in Germany has risen to over 20%. In this sector coloured carrots for local markets and gastronomy are of high interest, but coloured cultivars, especially op-cultivars, are are of limited availability. Currently, the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection assist a project for initiating breeding of coloured carrots for organic production. The Julius Kühn-Institute co-ordinates the project, a German breeding company, a Regional Institute for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry and five organic farmers are involved as well.

The activities of the Julius Kühn-Institute are focused on breeding research and pre-breeding with three main topics: i - Selection of new coloured carrot genotypes varied in outer and inner colour expression and shape (Selection and cross breeding), ii - Evaluation of genotypes with a high level of resistance against fungi diseases (Resistance breeding), iii - Selection of coloured carrot genotypes with good taste and sensorial acceptance (Quality breeding). The poster presentation will give an overview of the project network and the breeding strategies.

Last updated Thursday, 25-Jul-2013 11:54:35 CDT