Effects of Phytopathogens on the Quality Parameters of Carrots Seeds (Daucus carota L.) in a Three-Year Period

Abstract

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is one of the most important root vegetables in the Apiaceae family grown around the world. Production of carrots in Serbia is generated in Vojvodina with the highest yields 27.4 t/ha, while other regions generate lower yields. Current studies on carrots mainly focus on nutrient content and carotenoid synthesis. Seeds can be infected with phytopathogens, which can contaminate other seeds or spread the infection to other crops. Out of the 16% of annual crop losses due to plant diseases, at least 10% are caused by seed-borne diseases. Changes in the quality of Nantes carrot seeds were monitored for three years (2019- 2021). Total germination was highest in the first year with 92% (2019). In 2020, there was a significant decrise in total germination of 8%. Accordingly, germination energy was reduced (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference in total germination was not obtained between 2020 and 2021 (p>0.05). The decrease in total germination from 2019 to 2021 was significant (p<0.05%). It has been noticed that the infection of Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. was the lowest in 2019 and increased in 2020 and 2021 (4% and 5%, p<0.05), respectively. The results may indicate an association between the percentage of phytopathogens present and germination. In conclusion, pathogen-free seeds are necessary to create a healthy plant population, better germination and higher yields.