Abstract
Potash has significant role in improving yield, quality and seed structure but its availability is becoming limiting in most of the
areas on the globe. This study was carried out during winter 2015 and 2016 to investigate the impact of various potash levels
(0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha-1
) on seed yield and quality of carrot (Daucus carota) cv. T-29. Potash significantly
affected yield as well as seed quality attributes of carrot. Application of potash @ 80 to 100 kg ha-1 produced highest seed
yield, 1000-seed weight of primary and secondary umbels. Seed quality traits, including final germination percentage (17%
and 15%) and vigour index of seeds (49% and 42%), respectively, from primary and secondary umbels was also enhanced with
potash @ 80 to 100 kg ha-1
. Moreover, yield and quality, in terms of 1000-seed weight, germination (%) and vigour of tertiary
umbel seeds was appreciably enhanced by potash application up to 60%, 45% and 80%, respectively, compared to control.
Interestingly, all seed biochemical attributes including electrical conductivity and lipid peroxidation were the lowest, while
activities of defense related enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, catalase) were enhanced for seeds collected from
primary, secondary and tertiary umbel of plants supplied with potash @ 80 or 100 kg ha-1
. However, further increase in potash
did not result in significant enhancement of various seed attributes from all umbel types. It may be concluded that farmers and
seed companies can apply potash @ 80 to 100 kg ha-1
for getting higher yield and good quality of carrot seeds from all umbel
orders, keeping in view the fertility status of their soils.
