Chemical characterization of different lines of Daucus carota L. roots

Carrot lines grown under commercial conditions in central Washington State in 1995 and in 1996 were analyzed for quality parameters. Significant diffe rences (p<0.05) of refractive index, color, and volatile terpenes between c arrot lines were observed. High correlations between a*/b* (r(2) = 0.79) or hue angle (r(2) = -0.78) and the sum of concentrations of alpha- and beta- carotenes in carrot juice were observed. The concentrations of alpha- and b eta-pinene, myrcene, alpha- and gamma-terpinene, limonene, p-cymene, terpin olene, caryophyllene, bornyl acetate, and 2-nonenal varied depending on the carrot line. Lines with the highest degrees Brix to terpinolene ratios ind icating a higher degrees of sweetness (and lower bitterness) were Coral II, HMX8287, and (2566 x 6274) x 9304. Identification of the differences that exist among carrot lines would allow for selection of carrot lines that pos sess desirable quality attributes.