The growth and development of carrot roots Das Wachstum und die Entwicklung der Mohrrübe

Summary

The growth and root development of carrots was studied by means of x-ray Computer Tomography. Carrots were grown in a phytotron at constant diurnal temperatures 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21°C, in natural daylight during the period June 21- December 13, 1995. Pictures were taken every 10-11th day during a three-month period. Root length increased most at 9 and 12°C, and less at 21°C. A termination of the root tip was observed after 45 days at all temperatures except for carrots grown at 9°C. However root length continued to increase until harvest. At 9 and 12 °C the root length increased partly by means of a formation of bulbs which later became part of the carrot root. This phenomena was most pronounced at 9 and 12°C, and could also be observed at 15°C, but not at18 and 21°C. At 18 and 21°C root growth seemed to occur more smoothly by a slow increase in thickness of the root’s lower part. The experiment shows that the growth of the carrot root is a continuous process. Thus, a carrot root with a well-rounded root termination might continue to grow if growing conditions are favourable.