Growth and yield performance of carrot (Daucus carota L.) as influenced by plant population density under irrigation condition

Abstract

Poor agronomic practices, such as inadequate plant density, can result in suboptimal carrot (Daucus carota L.) yield and quality in some regions. In 2020, a field experiment was conducted under irrigation conditions in Gerado, South Wollo administrative zone, Ethiopia, using the Nantes variety as a test crop, to investigate the impact of inter-row and intra-row spacing on carrot yield. The treatments involved three inter-row (row) spacing levels (10, 15, and 20 cm) and three intra-row (plant) spacing levels (5, 10, and 15 cm) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Row and plant spacing significantly affected (P<0.05) total yield, plant height, leaf fresh weight, root length, root diameter, and root fresh weight. The highest marketable yield (490.4 q ha^-1) was achieved with a plant density of 20 x 5 cm. In contrast, the highest unmarketable yield (36.3 q ha^-1) was obtained with a spacing of 20 x 15 cm. Hence, a plant density of 20 x 5 cm is recommended for optimal marketable carrot yield in the study region and similar agroecologies, although further research across multiple locations and seasons is necessary to validate the results.