Agronomic Evaluation of Carrot Cultivars under Raised and Traditional Cultivation Methods in Tiraque

Abstract

Growing carrots (Daucus carota L.) in raised beds can increase root yield, quality, and uniformity. This study evaluated the agronomic performance of three INIAF‑developed varieties - Altiplano, INIAF Larga Vida, and Montenegro 1 - at the Koari Alto and Koari Lagunillas sites in Tiraque, Cochabamba, Bolivia, during the 2022-23 growing season. A row‑and‑column experimental design with four replications was employed. Principal component analysis identified commercial yield, first‑grade roots, second‑grade roots, and discarded roots as the key variables differentiating variety performance. Under the study conditions, Altiplano exhibited delayed development (emergence and harvest) compared to the earlier‑maturing INIAF Larga Vida, which nonetheless showed a tendency to bolt. The raised‑bed system enhanced commercial yield and improved root quality across all varieties. Altiplano stood out with the highest commercial root yields (Koari Alto: 29.57 t ha-1; Koari Lagunillas: 39.66 t ha-1) and greater uniformity in first‑ and second‑grade classifications, outperforming Montenegro 1, INIAF Larga Vida, and the control. Although producers valued INIAF Larga Vida for its favorable morphological traits, its bolting tendency indicates a need for genetic improvement to optimize adaptation to conditions like those studied.