Please login first
Pigmentation Diversity and Nutritional Profiling of Multicolored Tropical Carrots (Daucus carota L.)
* 1 , 2 , 2 , 1 , 3
1  Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
2  Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
3  Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
Academic Editor: Rodomiro Ortiz

Abstract:

The increasing demand for nutrient-rich and visually appealing vegetables has driven efforts to develop innovative carrot (Daucus carota) genotypes. This study focuses on the biochemical profiling of rainbow carrots, with a specific emphasis on black with red, black-yellow, and black-orange carrots, aiming to enhance pigmentation diversity and improve nutritional value. These unique carrot varieties were screened and hybridised under open-field conditions using drip irrigation to optimise growth. The carrot genotypes were analyzed for their biochemical composition, including anthocyanins (280-420mg/100g FW), beta-carotene (3.5-7.5mg/100g FW), lycopene (0.2-4.5mg/100g FW), and lutein (2.5-6.8mg/100g FW) content. The presence of anthocyanins in the black carrots, particularly those with red (328–420 mg/100 g FW), yellow (280–310 mg/100 g FW), and orange (300–330 mg/100 g FW) pigmentation, was explored to understand the diversity in pigment profiles. Selection criteria prioritized pigment intensity, root morphology, and yield potential (18–25 t/ha, 15–20% higher than orange controls), while high-throughput nutritional profiling was used to assess the metabolic composition and nutritional enrichment of the carrots across multiple generations . Advanced lines of these black-coloured carrot varieties were evaluated for stability and adaptability across diverse growing conditions. The trials confirmed superior performance in pigmentation, root quality, and nutritional enrichment, making them viable candidates for commercial production. This study highlights the potential of black with red, black-yellow, and black-orange carrots to meet growing consumer demands for both health-promoting and aesthetically appealing vegetables, thereby contributing to market diversification and improved dietary health.

Keywords: Rainbow carrot; biochemical profiling; pigmentation; beta-carotene; lycopene; nutritional value; breeding

 
 
Top