EFFECT OF ROOT SIZE AND UMBEL ORDER ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF CARROT (DAUCUS-CAROTA VAR SATIVUS) SEEDS

An experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1989-90 and 1 990-91 to find out the suitable size of stecklings and umbel order for higher yield of quality seed in 'Pusa Yamdagni' carrot (Daucus carota L. var sativa DC.). In stecklings from large-size roots, the seed yie ld from secondary umbels and seed yield/ha increased significantly due to greater initial vegetative growth. The seed germination in all the root grades and umbel orders was considerably higher (90.12-92.93%) t han the minimum prescribed limit (60%) due to low rainfall at seed mat uration and harvesting of umbels. Though 'A' grade (root diameter 3.61 -4.12 cm) yielded the highest seed yield of 3 796.7 kg/ha, 'B' grade ( root diameter 3.51-3.60 cm) was superior in germination.