Effects of growth regulators and controlled atmosphere on stored carrots

Abstract

SummaryPreharvest sprays with 6-hydroxy-3-(2H)-pyridazinone (MH), or immersion in solutions of MH, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon), coumarin or (2-chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) inhibited both sprouting and rooting of treated carrots during storage at 0 °C whencompared with water-dipped or untreated carrots, while N-6-benzyl-adenine (BA) dips stimulated extensive rooting and sprouting. In contrast, immersion in gibberellic acid (GA3) solutions had very little effect.Storage atmospheres containing 1, 2.5, 5 or 10% oxygen inhibited both sprouting and rooting but increased mould infection. Atmospheres containing 21% (air) or 40% oxygen reduced mould infection, but increased sprouting and rooting of stored carrots. Washing carrots in water before storage did not significantly affect mould infection, while washing in 0.5% clorox increased it. However, washing in water followed by immersion in MH inhibited both sprouting and rooting and also reduced mould infection. ‘Jumbo’ and large-size carrots stored better than medium and small carrots.