A research initiative is underway to enhance the resilience of carrots against environmental stressors such as water scarcity and diseases. This effort is supported by a grant of half a million dollars from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), with an equal contribution from various industry stakeholders. The project is spearheaded by a collaborative team from UC Davis and the USDA.
The focus is on the inherent capabilities of wild carrots to withstand drought conditions and fend off Alternaria, a common pathogen. By screening a range of wild carrot varieties, the researchers aim to pinpoint those with the most advantageous traits.
The next phase involves hybridizing these selected wild carrots with domesticated variants to transfer these desirable characteristics into commercially viable carrot breeds. Additionally, the team is delving into the genetic underpinnings of these traits to facilitate their consistent inheritance in future carrot populations.
The outcomes, including enhanced carrot seeds and breeding methodologies, will be disseminated to leading seed corporations and agricultural breeders, aiming to bolster the overall resilience of carrot crops.
Source: AgNet West Radio Network