Morphological characteristics and nutritional value of purple-coloured storage roots of carrots protected with a biofungicide

Abstract

A b s t r a c t. A field experiment was conducted in 2013-2014. The experiment had a randomised block design with three replicates. The first experimental factor was two carrot (Daucus carota L.) cultivars, ‘Purple Haze F1’ and ‘Deep Purple F1’, and the second experimental factor was the application of the biocontrol agent Bioczos BR. In the control treatment, plots were sprayed with water. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Bioczos BR on selected morphological traits and the nutritional value of purple-coloured storage roots of carrots. The analysed carrot cultivars differed considerably in root weight and length. Carrots of cv. ‘Deep Purple F1’ had higher average root weight. Consistent changes were observed in the nutrient content of carrot roots. Bioczos BR contributed to an increase in the content of dry matter (by 14%), total sugars (by 28%), reducing sugars (by 31%) and nitrates (V) (by 32%) in carrot roots, in comparison with the control treatment. K e y w o r d s: carrots, morphology, nutritional value, storage roots