Seven carrot varieties perform well in Benguet

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Seven varieties of carrots have been found to perform well under climatic conditions in this university town.

This was found in a study done by Joel Long-a, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Horticulture graduate of the Benguet State University (BSU) here. BSU, headed by Dr. Rogelio Colting, president, is the regional university in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Long-a conducted the study, titled "Varietal Evaluation of Carrot under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition," to determine the growth and yield characteristics of the seven carrot varieties and to ascertain the best adapted variety in the locality.

The varieties are Victoria F1, New Kuroda S and G, Tokita Improved, Golden State, New Kuroda Guson, KS Kuroda, and Agro Super Kuroda.

Earlier studies had found that Chantenay Red Core and Takiis New Kuroda felt at home in La Trinidad.

Results of the Long-a study, as reported by Romulo Bagacina Jr., showed that there were no significant differences among the seven varieties when it came to plant height, root length, average root weight, and diameter.

However, N.K. Guzon had the highest total and marketable storage root yield and sugar content; and is most resistant to powdery mildew (white to grayish spots in the leaves). Like Victoria F1 which had the least cracked roots, it also had the biggest root.

"Proper selection of cultivars with high yield and quality is essential in successful carrot production," Long-a concluded. – Rudy A. Fernandez