Factors Affecting Colour, Shape and Size of Carrot
Colour of the carrot is due to presence of pigment. The orange colour is due to carotenes and yellow due to anthyocyanin. The variation colour is due to accumulation of carotenoids in varying degree. The colour development depends on cultivar, growing season and age of the root. A temperature of1.5 to 21.1 0 c is best for colour development. Wet weather proceeding to harvesting results in low carotene. Carotene synthesis is more in bright sunshine. The shape and size of carrot roots are influenced by soil type, temperature etc. branching in carrot due to hereditary, and presence of undercomoposed organic matter or injury to the cap root system or check in heavy soil at lower temperature. Roots are longer and slender at 13 to 20 0 C than at higher temperature. High temperature and irregular results in rough root surface.