Novel approaches to minimize the incidence of carrot (Daucus carota L.) splitting

Carrot taproots are prone to longitudinal tissue fracture (splitting). This study examined the underlying mechanism of carrot splitting and assessed leaf trimming as a treatment to abate its incidence. The radial growth of carrot taproots was monitored using linear variable differential transducers. The diurnal growth pattern of taproots was characterised by an increase in diameter during the nighttime, shrinking slightly during the daylight hours before expanding again approaching dusk. Splitting susceptibility (SS) of taproots was strongly linked to the pattern of growth. SS was highest during periods of taproot radial expansion (pre-dawn and dusk) and lowest during periods of shrinkage (middle of the day). Partial defoliation of carrots reduced the net daily radial growth of the taproot and also reduced the level of splitting when applied to commercially grown crops prior to harvest.