Effects of different fertilization practices on the glucose, fructose, sucrose, taste and texture of carrot

Authors

• Aino-Maija Evers Kemira Oy, Espoo Research Centre, Luoteisrinne 2, SF-02270 Espoo, Finland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72359

Abstract

The effects of different fertilization practices on the glucose, fructose, sucrose, taste and texture of carrot cv. Nantes Duke Notabene 370 Sv were studied in field experiments carried out in southern Finland in 1985 and 1986. The effects of unirrigated and irrigated placement and broadcast fertilization, NPK fertirrigations without basic fertilization, NPK fertirrigations with NPK basic fertilization, and PK placement with N fertirrigations were compared. Further, the effects of single application were compared with those of split applications. Sugar analyses were made by high performance liquid chromatography, and sensory evaluations were performed for taste and texture. The results were analysed by contrast analysis. In 1985, fertilization and fertilization practices had no effects on sugar contents. In 1986, the unfertilized treatments had a tendency to yield higher glucose and fructose, and thus also total sugar contents than did the fertilized treatments on the average. Placement fertilization had a tendency to increase the glucose content as compared to NPK fertirrigations. No significant differences or tendencies were found in sucrose content. The glucose and fructose contents were higher in 1985 than in 1986. The sucrose content was mainly opposite, being higher in 1986.Weather conditions were more favourable for photosynthesis in 1986 than in 1985. The mean total sugar content in fresh weight was 7.8 % in 1985 and 6.7 % in 1986. Indicative results of taste and texture are presented. The sugar content in organically cultivated carrots did not differ from that of conventionally grown carrots, but the taste was worse.