What to do about premature bolting in carrots? Detailed explanation of causes and control methods
During the growth of carrots, premature bolting can occur, also known as immature bolting. It refers to the phenomenon in which the carrot's fleshy root is affected by low temperatures early on, and bolting occurs during vegetative growth, resulting in carrots with more fiber that cannot be eaten normally, seriously affecting yield and quality. So what causes premature bolting in carrots? How should it be controlled? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.
1. Low temperature at the seedling stage
During the carrot seedling stage, if it encounters low temperatures below 15 degrees, just over half a month is enough to vernalize it and cause flower bud differentiation. For spring-sown carrots, because the early temperature is relatively low, the mid-stage temperature is high, and sunshine is long, bolting is extremely likely to occur. The higher the sowing [position], the longer the seedlings are exposed to low temperatures, and the higher the bolting rate; conversely, the lower it is.
Control method: When sowing carrots in spring, choose a suitable sowing time, try to avoid low temperatures during the seedling stage, and sow when the temperature is stable. If low-temperature weather occurs during the seedling stage, then do a good job of heat preservation measures to reduce the bolting rate.
2. Variety reasons
In addition to environmental factors, carrot bolting is also related to its own genetics. Some varieties have a relatively high natural bolting rate. In addition, old seeds with low vigor will also produce weak seedlings, and the bolting rate will also rise later.
Control method: When planting, choose varieties with strong winter hardiness and late bolting, and use new seeds. Sow at the appropriate time according to local climate conditions; it should not be sown too early or too late.
3. Improper cultivation
The soil's fertility status and an improper ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during fertilization can all affect the carrot's growth and development, indirectly causing flower bud differentiation and leading to premature bolting.
Control method: Strengthen fertilizer and water management, choose deep, loose, and fertile soil for planting, base fertilization mainly on organic fertilizer, use chemical fertilizer mainly as nitrogen and potassium fertilizer, apply less phosphorus fertilizer, and reduce the bolting rate.
4. Growth regulator reasons
During carrot growth, in order to promote its growth and improve yield and quality, many farmers spray growth regulators, but carrots are relatively sensitive to acetic acid substances, which will promote their growth, so caution is needed when using them.
Control method: Be cautious when using growth regulators. For those spraying acetic acid substances or for carrots showing early bolting, growth regulators that inhibit bolting can be sprayed, such as 0.1%-0.5% maleic hydrazide growth regulator substances, which can delay the bolting time of carrots.
The above is an introduction to the causes of premature bolting in carrots and control methods. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.