ORGANIC SEED PRODUCTION OF CARROT IN BRAZIL

Organic carrot production has increased over the last five years in Brazil. The organic cultivation system demands that seeds be obtained exclusively from organic sources. To establish an organic carrot seed production program, studies were conducted to develop new cultivars adapted for organic production and with high germination, vigor and sanitary quality. These studies include the selection of carrot populations more adapted for organic production systems, the identification of the most appropriate seed harvesting time, and the development of physical and alternative chemical root and seed treatments, such as seed debearding and use of organic compounds to improve seed quality. Preliminary results indicated that it is possible to obtain organic carrot seeds with good physiological and pathological quality.