Crop Profile for Carrot in Canada - December 2004 (37 pp) - Synopsis

The carrot (Daucus carota) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley family). Carrots are grown in all regions of Canada, with the majority of carrot production occurring in Ontario (44%) and Quebec (35%). Carrots are a cool season vegetable adapted to long, cool growing seasons.

Carrots are biennial plants, but they are grown as an annual crop and harvested for the enlarged taproot. They are grown for both the fresh market and processing industries and are a crop of high per capita consumption.

The Crop Profile for Carrot provides an overview of production and pest management practices for carrot in Canada. Information is provided on abiotic factors affecting its growth. The biology of key disease, insect and mite and weed problems is presented as well as cultural, chemical and alternative methods of control. Detailed information is provided in tabular form on pest occurrence, integrated pest management options and registered pesticides available to growers.

Grower issues/ gaps in pest management, identified through stakeholder consultations are described in each of the three main sections (disease, insect and mite and weed) and under each pest description. Research contacts and sources of additional information, are list at the end of the profile.

Limited crop production and market statistics are provided in the profile to give context to the economic importance of the commodity. For more detailed statistics pertaining to the crop, the reader is referred to Statistics Canada.

The Crop Profile for Carrot is not intended for use as a crop production guide. Please refer to provincial ministry of agriculture websites and crop specialists for detailed information on crop production and pest management in a specific region.

This profile is based on a report prepared under contract (01B68-3-0044) by:

Steve Howatt Atlantic Agritech Inc., Hunter River, Prince Edward Island

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