Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Organic and conventional vegetable growers, marketers, and consumers; vegetable seed companies; plant science researchers in horticulture, plant breeding, plant pathology, nematology, soil science, botany Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Extension activities included creating project promotion and educational materials, coordinating outreach and evaluation activities, and delivering educational events. The project communications team created standardized forms for delivering outreach events and tracking event participation and evaluation. Forms include an event signup sheet to track participation, an event evaluation form to report on impacts and improve future events, and an online tool for coordinating and tracking outreach activities related to the project. A website and printed brochure were also created in year one and updated in year 4 to educate the public about the project and related resources. Each project collaborator received printed copies of the brochure to disseminate at outreach events. On-farm trials of select advanced material, including 15 novel colored entries and 10 orange entries with superior flavor and productivity and variable disease resistance and top size, were planted in cooperation with key organic carrot producers in California, Indiana, Wisconsin (two farms), and Washington. These trials enabled the project team to view the most promising material in multiple environments, and provided organic farmers in key regions with early input into determining which entries may be suitable for their needs and, therefore, commercialized. As part of education activities, undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctorates are being trained in vegetable breeding, crop and seed production, disease protection and diagnosis, and soil science with a focus on organic systems as they participate in research projects critical to the COIA Project achieving the research goals. Collaborators hosted public farmer field days in conjunction with each trial. Field days in CA, IN, WI, and WA coincided with timing of trial evaluations. Participants engaged in flavor evaluations, learned about disease management in carrot production, and discussed variety traits and availability. Farmer participants hosting on-farm trials were invited to participate in the evaluations and provide input on project direction. The project team developed a standardized evaluation form for farmer participation in trial evaluations and seed production, and a survey for farmer feedback on the project. These tools were utilized in participatory evaluations and outreach activities. In addition to field days, collaborators provided education on organic plant breeding, and conducted organic on-farm variety trials and organic carrot production at various educational events, both field-based and at conferences. In addition, the project team plans to report results to the scientific community as progress is made with the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational events and conference presentations delivered during year 5: February 4-6, 2016. Scientific research poster session and plant breeder roundtable. Organic Seed Growers Conference, Portland, Oregon. February 8-9, 2016, Oral presentation and panel discussions. Soil and Nutrition Conference, Stockbridge, MA. February 26, 2016. Oral presentation. Organic Agriculture Research Symposium, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Websites, patents, inventions, or other community resources created throughout this project: The project name for public communications is Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA). A project logo and acronym for public communications was created in year 1 and utilized in all outreach materials. The project team created a workspace on eOrganic for project coordination and development of outreach materials, including a webinar on plant breeding for human nutrition. Since 2011, eOrganic has worked with the Carrot Improvement project to present webinars, produce a public website, and create an online gallery of carrot varieties in order to make project activities and results available to the public. The following outreach activities, including quantitative data on stakeholder impact, were completed over the course of the project: • Created a public website for the Carrot Breeding Project website at http://eorganic.info/group/7645. (http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement) The project website includes a photo gallery of novel nematode resistant and novel color carrot germplasm available at http://carrots.eorganic.info/ . Clicking on an image brings up bulleted lists of unique characteristics, and information on availability of materials. The website also lists contact information of collaborators, announced news and events, and includes links to educational materials, journal articles and videos created by the project members at http://eorganic.info/node/7649 . • Carrot trial data from 2011 and 2012 was added to the Organic Variety Trial Database hosted by eOrganic at http://eorganic.info/group/7645 in collaboration with the NIFA OREI funded NOVIC vegetable breeding project. • Hosted public webinars and archived conference presentations from this project through eOrganic: o March, 2012: Breeding for Nutrition in Organic Systems. (273 registered, 111 attended). Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUtGWBlqpW0 (487 views) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-3TnnQlLho (675 views) o February, 2014: Research Updates: Vegetable Crops: CIOA. Presentation at the Organic Seed Growers Conference. (395 attended online). Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?=W9WnapGo_6w&index=6&list=PLZMuQJAj6rOpFS40cWZ8Xn4O96tKisMHb (538 views). o February, 2015: Location and Genetic Influence on Carrot Field Performance and Flavor. Presentation at the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium. 179 attended online. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPln7cMbFvY (120 views) o February, 2015: Effects of Planting Densities on Carrots in Organic Systems. Presentation at the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium. 179 attended online. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYgVSVr8htU (233 views) o March, 2015: Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture. (181 registered, 61 attended). Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gUYbMAGQxA. (265 views) o March, 2016: Carrots in the CIOA Project. Presentation at the Organic Seed Growers Conference. (338 attended online). Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnQSj7GllUk (78 views) These activities have fulfilled the eOrganic plan of work for this project, and have been instrumental in spreading the word about project activities to a national audience. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project addressed the critical needs of organic carrot producers by developing novel colored carrots with improved disease and nematode resistance, improved weed competitiveness, and improved nutritional value and flavor. Focus was placed on traits critical for crop production, seed production, and market and consumer quality. Organic production of carrots presents several significant challenges from pests (nematodes) and diseases (leaf blights). About 100,000 acres of carrots are grown annually in the U.S. The 2014 Census of Agriculture, estimated 14% of this carrot production is in organic systems, vs. 3% for vegetable crops overall. Carrot traits evaluated during this project included root-knot nematode and foliar disease resistance; stand establishment, top size and weed competitiveness; and flavor, nutritional value, and productivity. A direct comparison of the performance of orange and novel-colored carrots was made in paired organic-conventional trials in each of four states, with promising genetic stocks evaluated further in growers' fields. Project impacts for organic agriculture are: 1) delivery of new breeding populations and varieties well suited to enhance organic production systems and markets, 2) development of organic produce with superior flavor and nutritional quality, 3) improved understanding of the role of genetics in organic compared to conventional systems in relation to cultivar performance, and 4) informing of growers about cultivar and soil factors that impact economic returns and reduce environmental impacts. Goals & annual progress: 1) Development and release of carrot germplasm with improved disease and nematode resistance, weed competitiveness, marketable yield, nutritional value, flavor, and storage quality Research activities included comparison trials of commercial standard carrot cultivars, varieties for which organic seed is available, and elite breeding populations under organic and conventional fields in California, Wisconsin, Indiana and Washington. Field trials with 34 diverse carrots varying in top size, disease and pest resistance, root shape and color, flavor, and nutritional value were evaluated by the Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) Project. Wide ranges of seedling growth rates and canopy sizes were observed in this diverse carrot germplasm that includes not only orange carrots, but also novel purple, yellow, and red storage root colors. Variation in top height and mass were significant, providing an opportunity to evaluate the role of variable carrot top size in competing with weeds. Desirable flavor is critical to consumers, and often considered to be lacking. Superior flavor was noted in several CIOA project carrots, including both experimental entries and commercial cultivars. Assays comparing soil sampled from the organic and conventional trials in each state indicated significant differences among locations and between organic vs. conventional paired trials in all four states for various characteristics, including labile organic matter pools, and bacterial, fungal and archaeal community composition. To evaluate root knot nematode resistance, select material was planted in a trial on nematode infested ground at the UC- Kearney Ag Center. Leaf blight resistance was evaluated in trials at the UW Hancock Station. Nematode and Alternaria leaf blight resistance trials demonstrated a wide range of variation among genetic stocks. Other diseases observed in some of the trials were bacterial blight, Cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew. A brochure was prepared and distributed, and a web site developed through eOrganic to inform growers, the carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about the project, including trial results. Weed competitiveness evaluation was completed. The competitive ability of 9 carrot lines was studied in-depth in WI and WA during two growing seasons. The ability to maintain carrot yield in the presence of weeds (weed tolerance) and the ability of the carrot tops to suppress weeds competitively were quantified. Carrot lines differed greatly in emergence rate and canopy leaf development. Lines that emerged and formed a full canopy earlier than others resulted in the greatest crop yield in the presence of weeds as well as the greatest ability to suppress weeds. This study indicates that selection of lines that favor early and full top canopy growth can be used as a low input, integrated weed management tool. Complementary research focused on evaluations of diverse carrot breeding populations and germplasm for improved gene sources of nematode and Alternaria leaf blight resistance, and rapid stand establishment and top size. Three new germplasm sources of M. incognita root knot nematode resistance were identified, five major genomic regions controlling resistance were mapped, markers developed to facilitate selection, and germplasm was released. Approximately half of the USDA carrot germplasm collection (930 accessions) was evaluated for Alternaria leaf blight resistance, and several new sources of resistance were identified. Genetic control of carrot top size was evaluated in a diallel and among recombinant inbred lines (RILs) to estimate heritability and identify genomic regions controlling this trait that is important for the organic industry. 2) Improved understanding of cultivar responses to organic production systems and identification of additional desirable traits Differences were detected among carrot entries for top width, root weight, sweetness, and harshness. For all of the above traits, the relative ranking of entries was consistent between organic and conventional systems within a region in a given year. Some carrot entries were more stable in performance across environments than others, allowing entries to be divided into groups based on stability of these characteristics. 3) Improved understanding of soil quality, nutrient availability, and microbial communities in organic and conventional growing conditions Soil assays comparing the paired organic and conventional trials in each state indicated significant differences among locations, and between organic vs. conventional trials in all four locations, including labile organic matter pools, and bacterial, fungal and archaeal community composition. Additional analyses are underway including focused evaluations of variation in endophytic and mycorrhizal microbial communities in selected carrot genotypes in diverse growing conditions. 4) Informed growers and consumers about the positive environmental impact of organic production systems, and about carrot nutritional quality and flavor A brochure was prepared and distributed, and a web site developed through eOrganic (http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement) to inform growers, the carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about the project, including trial results. The CIOA Project reached ~300 farmers annually with education on organic breeding and variety trials. This project has a diverse advisory panel, and is creating a model for farmer-researcher participation in breeding, seed production and evaluation programs for organic systems. 5) Demonstration of techniques and challenges associated with organic carrot seed production Seed increase plots were established and utilized for demonstrating techniques for organic carrot seed production in two on-farm workshops. Seed production was completed for carrot germplasm and release of selections made. 6) Training undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs in critical organic agricultural issues This project is training graduate students focused on research in organic systems and organic plant breeding. The long-term impact of this important educational element is to establish the next generation of researchers, extension, and industry representatives with organic systems expertise. This project is training 4 Ph.D. students and 12 undergraduate students.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Organic and conventional vegetable growers, marketers, and consumers; vegetable seed companies; plant science researchers in horticulture, plant breeding, plant pathology, nematology, soil science, botany Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Year 4 Extension activities included creating project promotion and educational materials, coordinating outreach and evaluation activities, and delivering educational events. The project communications team created standardized forms for delivering outreach events and tracking event participation and evaluation. Forms include an event signup sheet to track participation, an event evaluation form to report on impacts and improve future events, and an online tool for coordinating and tracking outreach activities related to the project. A website and printed brochure were also created in year one and updated in year 4 to educate the public about the project and related resources. Each project collaborator received printed copies of the brochure to disseminate at outreach events. On-farm trials of advanced select material including 11 novel colored entries and 8 orange entries with superior flavor and productivity and variable disease resistance and top size were planted in cooperation with key organic carrot producers in California, Indiana, Wisconsin (two farms), and Washington are underway in 2015-2016. These trials allow the project team to view the most promising material in more environments, and provide organic farmers in key regions with early input into determining which entries may be suitable for their needs, and commercialized. As part of education activities, undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctorates are being trained in vegetable breeding, crop and seed production, disease protection and diagnosis, and soil science with a focus on organic systems as they participate in research projects critical to the COIA Project achieving the research goals. Collaborators hosted public farmer field days in conjunction with each trial. Field days in CA, IN, WI, and WA coincided with timing of trial evaluations. Participants engaged in flavor evaluations, learned about disease management in carrot production, and discussed variety traits and availability. Farmer participants hosting on-farm trials are also invited to participate in the evaluations and provide input on project direction. The project team is developing a standardized evaluation form for farmer participation in trial evaluations and seed production, and a survey for farmer feedback on the project. These tools will be utilized in participatory evaluations and outreach activities in year four. Field days for 2015-2016 are currently planned for all four trialing locations. In addition to field days, collaborators are providing education on organic plant breeding, conducting organic on-farm variety trials, and organic carrot production at various educational events, both field-based and at conferences. In addition, the project team plans to report results to the scientific community as progress is made with the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational events and conference presentations delivered during year 4 include: September 17-19, 2014. Oral presentation and proceedings. Carrot and other Apiaceae International meeting, Angers, France. September 29, 2014. Variety tasting and educational outreach. Culinary Breeding Network Variety Showcase, Portland, Oregon. November 7-9, 2014. Scientific research poster session. Tilth Producers of Washington's 40th Anniversary Conference, Vancouver, Washington. January 23-25, 2015. Oral presentation. Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York's (NOFA-NY) Winter Conference, Saratoga Springs, New York. February 5-7, 2015. Scientific research poster session, variety tasting, and plant breeder roundtable. Organicology Conference, Portland, Oregon. February 26, 2015. Oral presentation. Organic Agriculture Research Symposium, La Crosse, Wisconsin. July 17-19, 2015. Oral presentations. Seed Savers Exchange Annual Conference and Campout, Decorah, IA. July 27-30, 2015. Oral presentation. National Association of Plant Breeders Annual Meeting, Pullman, Washington. August 12, 2015. Variety tasting and oral presentation. Washington State University Carrot Field Day, Pasco, Washington. Websites, patents, inventions, or other community resources created: The project name for public communications is - Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA). A project logo and acronym for public communications was created in year 1 and is utilized in all outreach materials. The project team created a workspace on eOrganic for project coordination and development of outreach materials including a webinar on plant breeding for human nutrition. Through eOrganic a public website was created for educational and project promotion purposes. The CIOA public website is: http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement. The CIOA website includes information about the project, the project collaborators, resources related to carrot breeding and seed production, notifications of events, relevant news, and a link to the eOrganic variety trial database. In year 2 project team created a variety trial report and a photo library of trial entries. Since its launch in July 2012, the CIOA website has received 2,766 views, 929 of them in Year 4. The photo library is hosted independently from the main CIOA site and has received 108 views since it was launched on June 18, 2015 in Year 4. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?On-farm field trialing and all research activities described for Year 4 will continue in Year 5. In addition, seed increase of promising genetic stocks included in trials will be expanded, release of top-performing selections will be initiated, and data gathered throughout this project will be summarized. Future educational events planned for Year 5: Presentations on breeding for organic and the CIOA project will be delivered at events throughout Year 5 including confirmed the 37th International Carrot Conference , September 15-17, 2015, Alliston, Ontario, Canada; Culinary Breeding Network's Annual Variety Showcase, September 28, 2015, Portland, OR; Organic Seed Alliance Field Day, October 14, 2015, Chimacum, WA; Tri-Societies Meeting, November 15-18, 2015, Minneapolis, MN; 8th Organic Seed Growers Conference, Corvallis, Oregon. The project team plans to hold an annual planning meeting in conjunction with the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project addresses the critical needs of organic carrot producers by developing novel colored carrots with improved disease and nematode resistance, improved weed competitiveness, and improved nutritional value and flavor. Focus is placed on traits critical for crop production, seed production, and market and consumer quality. Organic production of carrots presents several significant challenges from pests (nematodes) and diseases (leaf blights). About 100,000 acres of carrots are grown annually in the U.S. The 2014 Census of Agriculture, estimated 14% of this carrot production is in organic systems, vs. 3% for vegetable crops overall. Traits evaluated for this project include root-knot nematode & foliar disease resistance; stand establishment, top size & weed competitiveness; flavor, nutritional value, and productivity. A direct comparison of the performance of orange and novel-colored carrots was made in paired organic-conventional trials, with promising genetic stocks evaluated further in grower fields. Project impacts for organic agriculture are 1) delivery of new breeding populations and varieties well suited to enhance organic production systems and markets, 2) development of organic produce with superior flavor and nutritional quality, and 3) improved understanding of the role of genetics in organic as compared to conventional systems as they relate to cultivar performance and inform growers about cultivar and soil factors that impact economic returns and reduce environmental impacts. Goals & annual progress: 1) Development and release of carrot germplasm with improved disease and nematode resistance, weed competitiveness, marketable yield, nutritional value, flavor, and storage quality Research activities for year 4 focused on expanded comparison trials of commercial standard cultivars, varieties for which organic seed is available, and elite breeding populations under organic and conventional fields in California, Wisconsin, Indiana and Washington. Field trials of 34 diverse carrots varying in top size, disease and pest resistance, root shape and color, flavor, and nutritional value were evaluated by the Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) Project in 2015. Wide ranges of seedling growth rates and canopy sizes were observed in this diverse carrot germplasm that includes, not only orange carrots, but also novel purple, yellow, and red storage root colors. Variation in top height and mass was significant, providing an opportunity to evaluate the role of variable carrot top size in competing with weeds. Desirable flavor is critical to consumers, and often considered to be lacking. Superior flavor was noted in CIOA project carrots, including both experimental entries and commercial cultivars. Assays comparing soil sampled from the organic and conventional trials at each site indicated significant differences among locations and between organic vs. conventional paired trials in all four locations for various characteristics, including labile organic matter pools, and bacterial, fungal and archaeal community composition. To evaluate root knot nematode resistance, select material was planted in a trial on nematode infested ground at the UC- Kearney Ag Center. Leaf blight resistance was evaluated in trials at the UW Hancock Station. Nematode and Alternaria leaf blight resistance trials demonstrated a wide range of variation among genetic stocks. Other diseases observed in some of the trials were bacterial blight, Cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew. A brochure was prepared and distributed, and a web site developed through eOrganic to inform growers, the carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about the project, including trial results. Year 4 research marked the second year of weed competitiveness. The competitive ability of 9 carrot lines was studied in-depth in WI and WA during the 2015 growing season. The ability to maintain carrot yield in the presence of weeds (weed tolerance) and the ability of the carrot tops to competitively suppress weeds were quantified. Carrot lines differed greatly in emergence rate and canopy leaf development. Lines that emerged and formed a full canopy earlier than others resulted in the greatest crop yield in the presence of weeds as well as the greatest ability to suppress weeds. This study indicates that selection of lines that favor early and full top canopy growth can be used as a low input integrated weed management tool. Complementary research focused on evaluations of diverse carrot breeding populations and germplasm for improved gene sources of nematode and Alternaria resistance, and rapid stand establishment and top size. Three new germplasm sources of M. incognita root knot nematode resistance were identified, five major genomic regions controlling resistance were mapped and markers to facilitate selection were developed, and germplasm was released. Approximately half of the USDA carrot germplasm collection (930 accessions) is being evaluated for Alternaria leaf blight resistance, and several previously unidentified sources of resistance were identified. Genetic control of carrot top size was evaluated in a diallel and among RILs to estimate heritability and identify genomic regions controlling this trait important for the organic industry. 2) Improved understanding of cultivar responses to organic production systems and identification of additional desirable traits Differences were detected between entries for top width, root weight, sweetness, and harshness. For all of the above traits, the relative ranking of entries was consistent between organic and conventional systems within a region in a given year. Some carrot entries were more stable in performance across environments than others, allowing entries to be divided into groups based on stability of these characteristics. 3) Improved understanding of soil quality, nutrient availability, and microbial communities in organic and conventional growing conditions Soil assays comparing the organic and conventional trials at each site indicated significant differences among locations, and between organic vs. conventional paired trials in all four locations, including labile organic matter pools, and bacterial, fungal and archaeal community composition. Additional analyses are underway including focused evaluations of variation in endophytic and mycorrhizal microbial communities in selected carrot genotypes in diverse growing conditions. 4) Informed growers and consumers about the positive environmental impact of organic production systems, and about carrot nutritional quality and flavor A brochure was prepared and distributed, and a web site developed through eOrganic (http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement) to inform growers, the carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about the project, including trial results. The CIOA Project reached ~300 farmers in 2015 with education on organic breeding and variety trials. This project has a diverse advisory panel, and is creating a model for farmer-researcher participation in breeding, seed production and evaluation programs for organic systems. 5) Demonstration of techniques and challenges associated with organic carrot seed production Seed increase plots were established and utilized for demonstrating techniques for organic carrot seed production in two on-farm workshops. Seed production for carrot germplasm to be released was initiated and release of selections made during the project is anticipated in the next year. 6) Training undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs in critical organic agricultural issues This project is training graduate students focused on research in organic systems and organic plant breeding. The long-term impact of this important educational element is to establish the next generation of researchers, extension, and industry representatives with organic systems expertise. This project is training 4 Ph.D. students and 12 undergraduates.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Parsons, J., W. Matthews, M. Iorizzo, P. Roberts, and P.W. Simon. QTL for Meloidogyne incognita nematode resistance in carrot. Molec. Breeding 35:114. 2015.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Simon, P.W., Zystro, J, Roberts, P.A., Waters, T., Colquhoun, J., Navazio, J., Colley, M., McCluskey, C., Hoagland, L., duToit, L., Silva, E., Nunez, J., The CIOA (Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture) Project: Location, cropping system, and genetic background influence carrot performance including top height and flavor. Acta Hort.- In Press
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Organic and conventional vegetable growers, marketers, and consumers; vegetable seed companies; plant science researchers in horticulture, plant breeding, plant pathology, nematology, soil science, botany Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Year 3 Extension activities included creating project promotion and educational materials, coordinating outreach and evaluation activities, and delivering educational events. The project communications team created standardized forms for delivering outreach events and tracking event participation and evaluation. Forms include an event signup sheet to track participation, an event evaluation form to report on impacts and improve future events, and an online tool for coordinating and tracking outreach activities related to the project. A website and printed brochure were also created in year one and updated in year 3 to educate the public about the project and related resources. Each project collaborator received printed copies of the brochure to disseminate at outreach events. On-farm trials of select material, planted in cooperation with key organic carrot producers in California, Wisconsin (two farms), and Washington are underway in 2014-2015. These trials allow the project team to view the most promising material in more environments, and provide organic farmers in key regions with early input into determining which entries may be suitable for their needs, and commercialized. As part of education activities, undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctorates are being trained in vegetable breeding, crop and seed production, disease protection and diagnosis, and soil science with a focus on organic systems as they participate in research projects critical to the COIA Project achieving the research goals. Collaborators hosted public farmer field days in conjunction with each trial. Field days coincided with timing of trial evaluations. WSU, OSA and UW partners held a field day in WA in August, 2014 with over 25 industry attendees. Participants engaged in taste evaluations, learned about disease management in carrot production, and discussed variety traits and availability. Farmer participants hosting on-farm trials are also invited to participate in the evaluations and provide input on project direction. The project team is developing a standardized evaluation form for farmer participation in trial evaluations and seed production, and a survey for farmer feedback on the project. These tools will be utilized in participatory evaluations and outreach activities in year four. Field days for 2014-2015 are currently planned for all four trialing locations. In addition to field days, collaborators are providing education on organic plant breeding, conducting organic on-farm variety trials, and organic carrot production at various educational events, both field-based and at conferences. In addition, the project team plans to report results to the scientific community as progress is made with the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Educational events and conference presentations delivered in 2014 include: January 13-14, CIOA poster presented at NIFA project director meeting, Washington DC. January 22-25, CIOA poster presented and workshops on organic plant breeding, Ecofarm Conference, Monterey CA January 31 - February 1, CIOA poster and oral presentation at the Organic Seed Growers Conference, recorded as a live webinar and aired through eOrganic, Corvallis, OR. Feb. 21-22, 2014 - Indiana Small Farms Conference, Danville, IN August 14th, Organic Variety Selection and Seed Saving workshop, included carrot trial growers and was hosted at Purdue University, IN August 17-20, Presentation on organic plant breeding, Student Organic Seed Symposium, Ithaca, NY. September 17-19. Oral presentation and proceedings. Carrot and other Apiaceae International meeting, Angers, France. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? All field trialing and research activities described for Year 3 will continue in Year 4. In addition, seed increase of promising genetic stocks included in trials will be expanded, and carrot weed competitiveness of genetic stocks in our trials that vary for plant growth rate and top size will be evaluated for a second year. Future educational events planned for Year 4: Presentations on breeding for organic and the CIOA project will be delivered at PNW Veg Meeting - presentation on carrot diseases in PNW, November 13-14, Kennewick, WA; Carolina Farm Stewards Association Conference, November 15-16; Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo, Grand Rapids, MI, December 9-12; Carrot For the Future Summit, Bakersfield, CA, January 9; Organicology Conference, Portland, OR February 4-5; Organic Agriculture Research Symposium, February 25-26; Midwestern Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) conference, Wisconsin, February 27 - March 1; California Advisory Board Meeting, Bakersfield, CA, March date to be determined. The project team plans to hold an annual planning meeting in conjunction with the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project addresses the critical needs of organic carrot producers by developing novel colored carrots with improved disease and nematode resistance, improved weed competitiveness, and improved nutritional value and flavor. Focus is placed on traits critical for crop production, seed production, and market and consumer quality. Organic production of carrots presents several significant challenges from pests (nematodes) and diseases (leaf blights). About 100,000 acres of carrots are grown annually in the U.S. The 2014 Census of Agriculture, estimated 14% of this carrot production is in organic systems, vs. 3% for vegetable crops overall. Over 80% of the U.S. carrot production land is infested with one or more of the common species of root-knot nematodes. Alternaria leaf blight and other foliar diseases are major carrot pests in virtually all production areas of the world. It is urgent and vital to the future of the US organic vegetable industry that effective non-chemical methods of nematode and leaf blight control be developed. Carrots are one of the slowest crops for growers to establish and grow. This often makes weed control the most expensive cost of organic carrot production. Farmers surveyed identified improved germination as a top breeding priority. Among novel colored carrots are breeding stocks with some of the most vigorous growing seedlings and large tops. This project is developing novel carrots improved for nutrition and flavor characteristics, integrated with critical pest and disease resistance traits. These combined qualities address the needs of the expanding organic vegetable industry. Organic producers surveyed said that flavor is the most important trait to breed for in carrots. Nutrition was considered the most important product quality in organic food by consumers. Carrots growers also require high nutrition and novel color and flavor characteristics to fit well into expanding organic markets. This project also expands our understanding of the genetic by environment interaction in organic versus conventional systems. The project impacts for organic agriculture are 1) delivery of new breeding populations and varieties well suited to enhance organic production systems and markets, 2) development of organic produce with superior flavor and nutritional quality, and 3) improved understanding of the role of genetics in organic as compared to conventional systems as they relate to cultivar performance and inform growers about cultivar and soil factors that impact economic returns and reduce environmental impacts. Goals and annual progress: 1) Development and release of carrot germplasm with improved disease and nematode resistance, weed competitiveness, marketable yield, nutritional value, flavor, and storage quality Research activities for year 3 focused on continued comparison trials of commercial standard cultivars, varieties for which organic seed is available, and elite breeding populations under organic and conventional fields in California, Wisconsin, Indiana and Washington. Field trials of 34 diverse carrots varying in top size, disease and pest resistance, root shape and color, flavor, and nutritional value were evaluated by the Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) Project in 2014. Wide ranges of seedling growth rates and canopy sizes were observed in this diverse carrot germplasm that includes, not only orange carrots, but also novel purple, yellow, and red storage root colors. Variation in top height and mass was significant, providing an opportunity to evaluate the role of variable carrot top size in competing with weeds. Desirable flavor is critical to consumers, and often considered to be lacking. Superior flavor was noted in several CIOA project carrots, including both experimental entries and commercial cultivars. Assays comparing soil sampled from the organic and conventional trials at each site indicated significant differences among locations and between organic vs. conventional paired trials in all four locations for various characteristics, including labile organic matter pools, and bacterial, fungal and archaeal community composition. To evaluate root knot nematode resistance, select material was planted in a trial on nematode infested ground at the UC- South Coast Center. Leaf blight resistance was evaluated in trials at the UW Hancock Station. Nematode and Alternaria leaf blight resistance trials demonstrated a wide range of variation among genetic stocks. Other diseases observed in some of the trials were bacterial blight, Cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew. A brochure was prepared and distributed, and a web site developed through eOrganic to inform growers, the carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about the project, including trial results. Year 3 research marked the first year of weed competitiveness. The competitive ability of 9 carrot lines was studied in-depth in Wisconsin during the 2014 growing season. The ability to maintain carrot yield in the presence of weeds (weed tolerance) and the ability of the carrot tops to competitively suppress weeds were quantified. Carrot lines differed greatly in emergence rate and canopy leaf development. Lines that emerged and formed a full canopy earlier than others resulted in the greatest crop yield in the presence of weeds as well as the greatest ability to suppress weeds. This study will be repeated in 2015, but preliminary results indicate that selection of lines that favor early and full top canopy growth can be used as a low input integrated weed management tool. 2) Improved understanding of cultivar responses to organic production systems and identification of additional desirable traits Differences were detected between entries for top width, root weight, sweetness, and harshness. For all of the above traits, the relative ranking of entries was consistent between organic and conventional systems within a region in a given year. Some carrot entries were more stable in performance across environments than others, allowing entries to be divided into groups based on stability of these characteristics. 3) Improved understanding of soil quality, nutrient availability, and microbial communities in organic and conventional growing conditions Soil assays comparing the organic and conventional trials at each site indicated significant differences among locations, and between organic vs. conventional paired trials in all four locations, including labile organic matter pools, and bacterial, fungal and archeal community composition. Additional analyses are underway. 4) Informed growers and consumers about the positive environmental impact of organic production systems, and about carrot nutritional quality and flavor A brochure was prepared and distributed, and a web site developed through eOrganic (http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement) to inform growers, the carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about the project, including trial results. The CIOA Project reached approximately 250 farmers through 2014 with education on organic breeding and variety trials. This project has a diverse advisory panel, and is creating a model for farmer-researcher participation in breeding, seed production and evaluation programs for organic systems. 5) Demonstration of techniques and challenges associated with organic carrot seed production Seed increase plots were established and utilized for demonstrating techniques for organic carrot seed production in two on-farm workshops. Seed production for carrot germplasm to be released was initiated. 6) Training undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs in critical organic agricultural issues This project is additionally expanding graduate students focused on research in organic systems and organic plant breeding. The long-term impact of this important educational element is to establish the next generation of researchers, extension, and industry representatives with organic systems expertise.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
du Toit, L.J., Derie, M.L., Christianson, C.E., Hoagland, L., and Simon, P. 2014. First report of bacterial blight of carrot in Indiana caused by Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae. Plant Disease 98:685
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Organic and conventional vegetable growers, marketers, and consumers; vegetable seed companies; plant science researchers in horticulture, plant breeding, plant pathology, nematology, soil science, botany Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Year 2 Extension activities included creating project promotion and educational materials, coordinating outreach and evaluation activities, and delivering educational events. The project communications team created standardized forms for delivering outreach events and tracking event participation and evaluation. Forms include an event sign-up sheet to track participation, an event evaluation form to report on impacts and improve future events, and an online tool for coordinating and tracking outreach activities related to the project. A website and printed brochure were also created to educate the public about the project and related resources. Each project collaborator received print copies of the brochure to disseminate at outreach events. As part of education activities, undergraduates, graduate students and post-doctorates are being trained in vegetable breeding, crop and seed production, disease protection and diagnosis, and soil science with a focus on organic systems as they participate in research projects critical to the COIA Project achieving its research goals. Collaborators host public farmer field days in conjunction with each trial. Field days coincide with timing of trial evaluations. Participants learn about the project goals and preliminary trial results. Farmer participants are invited to participate in the evaluations and provide input on project direction. The project team is developing a standardized evaluation form for farmer participation in trial evaluations and seed production, and a survey for farmer feedback on the project. These tools were utilized in participatory evaluations and outreach activities. 2013-2014 field days are currently planned for all four trialing locations. In addition to field days, collaborators are providing education on organic plant breeding, conducting organic on-farm variety trials, and organic carrot production at various educational events, both field based and at conferences. The project team is reporting on results to the scientific community. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Educational events and conference presentations delivered in 2013 include: January 23-26, CIOA poster presented and workshops on seed production and on-farm variety trials presented, Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, Little Rock, Arkansas February 7-9, CIOA poster presented and breeders to eaters roundtable session held, Organicology Conference, Portland, Oregon February 21-23, CIOA poster presented and 1 day intensive on plant breeding for farmers, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Conference, LaCrosse, WI. July 21-25, CIOA poster and oral presentation at 2013 ASHS meetings, Palm Desert, CA August 6th, Organic seeds and breeds field tour, including CIOA breeding, presented for graduate students farmers in conjunction with the Student Organic Seed Symposium, Mt. Vernon, WA. August 14th, Organic Variety Selection and Seed Saving workshop, included carrot trial growers and was hosted at Purdue University, Indiana August 15-16, CIOA poster and field tour at the 36th International Carrot Conference in Madison, WI. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? All field trialing and research activities described for Year 2 will continue in Year 3. In addition, seed increase of promising genetic stocks included in trials will be expanded, and carrot weed competitiveness of genetic stocks in our trials that vary for plant growth rate and top size will be evaluated. Future educational events planned for Year 3: Presentations on breeding for organic systems and general promotion of the CIOA project will be Organic Seed Growers Conference, Corvallis, OR, Jan 31st-Feb 1st, Midwestern Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) conference, Wisconsin, February 27 – March 1. Proposals will be submitted for posters and presentations at additional conferences including Carolina Farm Stewards Association meeting, November. The project team plans to hold an annual planning meeting in conjunction with the Organic Seed Growers Conference.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project addresses the critical needs of organic carrot producers by developing novel colored carrots with improved disease and nematode resistance, improved weed competitiveness, and improved nutritional value and flavor. Focus is placed on traits critical for crop production, seed production, and market qualities. Organic production of carrots presents several significant challenges from pests (nematodes) and diseases (leaf blights). About 100,000 acres of carrots are grown annually in the U.S., primarily on loamy sand and sandy loam soils. The 2007 Census of Agriculture, estimated 9% of this carrot production is in organic systems, vs. 3% for vegetable crops overall. Over 80% of the U.S. carrot production land is infested with one or more of the common species of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne). Alternaria leaf blight and other foliar diseases are major carrot pests in virtually all production areas of the world. It is urgent and vital to the future of the US organic vegetable industry that effective non-chemical methods of root-knot nematode and alternaria leaf blight control be developed. Germplasm exists with effective resistance to both pests; and resistance can be incorporated into carrot varieties. Carrots are one of the slowest crops for growers to establish. Once established, growth continues to be slower than most weeds, making weed control often the most expensive costs of organic carrot production. Farmers surveyed identified improved germination as a top breeding priority. Among novel colored carrots are breeding stocks with some of the most vigorous growing seedlings and large tops. Commercializing these stocks requires a focused breeding, screening and evaluation effort. This project is developing novel carrots improved for nutrition and flavor characteristics, integrated with critical pest and disease resistance traits. These combined qualities address the needs of the expanding organic vegetable industry. OSA conducted a survey of over 1000 organic producers and flavor was deemed the most important trait to breed for in carrots. Nutrition was considered the most important product quality in organic food by consumers. The development of carrots improved for growers that also include high nutrition and novel color and flavor characteristics will fit well into the expanding organic agricultural production sector. This project also expands our understanding of the genetic by environment interaction in organic versus conventional systems. The project impacts for organic agriculture are 1) delivery of new breeding populations and varieties well suited to enhance organic production systems and markets, 2) development of organic produce with superior flavor and nutritional quality, and 3) improved understanding of the role of genetics in organic versus conventional systems as they relate to cultivar performance and inform growers about cultivar and soil factors that impact economic returns and reduce environmental impacts. We reached approx.. 200 farmers with education on organic breeding and variety trials. This project is also engaging graduate students and post-doctorates in organic systems research and breeding founding the next generation of experts in organic research and development. Goals and annual progress: 1) Development and release of carrot germplasm with improved disease and nematode resistance, weed competitiveness, marketable yield, nutritional value, flavor, and storage quality Research activities for year 2 focused on continued comparison trials of commercial standards, organically available varieties, and elite breeding populations under organic and conventional fields in California, Wisconsin, Indiana and Washington. Using seed increases were grown and selected on organic farms, field trials of 34 diverse carrots varying in top size, disease/pest resistance, root shape and color, flavor, and nutritional value were evaluated in 2013. Wide ranges of seedling growth rates and canopy sizes were documented in this diverse carrot germplasm that includes not only orange carrots, but also novel purple, yellow, and red storage root colors. A wide range of pigments (carotenoids and anthocyanins) accounts for the diverse color differences. These color differences consequently provide different nutrients for carrot consumers. Within each color category, nutrient content varied. Among orange carrots, provitamin A carotene content varied four fold. Among yellow carrots, lutein (important for eye/macular health) varied 1.5 fold. Among red carrots, lycopene (implicated in reducing the incidence of certain forms of cancer) varied 2 fold. Among purple carrots, anthocyanins (very strong antioxidants implicated in reducing the incidence of heart disease/strokes) varied 15 fold. Molecular markers were developed for all pigment classes and are being evaluated for their usefulness in facilitating the selection for improved nutritional content and unusual color. To evaluate root knot nematode resistance, select material was planted in a trial on nematode infested ground at the University of California South Coast Research & Extension Center. Leaf blight resistance was evaluated in trials at the University of Wisconsin Hancock Experiment Station. Nematode and alternaria leaf blight resistance trials demonstrated a wide range of variation among genetic stocks. Other diseases observed in some of the trials were bacterial blight, Cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Molecular markers were developed for nematode resistance genes, and are being used by carrot breeders to facilitate selection for improved resistance. 2) Improved understanding of cultivar responses to organic production systems and identification of additional desirable traits Top height varied two-fold among entries at a given location, and fresh carrot flavor (sweetness and harsh, turpentiney flavor) also varied widely among the genetic stocks evaluated across the locations and production systems. Relative top height ranking among genetic stocks was quite consistent, with no system-by-variety interaction detected for this trait. Relative ranking of flavor scores was also relatively consistent across locations. 3) Improved understanding of soil quality, nutrient availability, and microbial communities in organic and conventional growing conditions Soil assays comparing the organic and conventional trials at each site indicated significant differences among locations, and between organic vs. conventional paired trials in all four locations, including labile organic matter pools, and bacterial, fungal and archeal community composition. 4) Informed growers and consumers about the positive environmental impact of organic production systems, and about carrot nutritional quality and flavor A brochure was prepared and distributed, and a web site developed through eOrganic (http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement) to inform growers, the carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about the project, including trial results. The CIOA Project reached approximately 160 farmers in 2012-2013 with education on organic breeding and variety trials. This project has a diverse advisory panel, and is creating a model for farmer-researcher participation in breeding, seed production and evaluation programs for organic systems. 5) Demonstration of techniques and challenges associated with organic carrot seed production Seed increase plots were established and utilized for demonstrating techniques for organic carrot seed production in two on-farm workshops. 6) Training undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs in critical organic agricultural issues This project is additionally expanding graduate students focused on research in organic systems and organic plant breeding. The long-term impact of this important educational element is to establish the next generation of researchers, extension, and industry representatives with organic systems expertise.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: To evaluate carrot field characteristics and quality, trials included 34 diverse carrots varying in top size, disease and pest resistance, root shape and color, flavor, and nutritional value. Trials were established on organic and conventional farms in WA, WI, IN, and CA selected within each region with a goal of minimizing differences in soil type and growing climate, and both planted on the same date in each state to coincide with regional production windows. To evaluate root knot nematode resistance, select material was planted in a trial on known nematode infested ground at UC South Coast Research & Extension Center in CA. Carrot growers and seed companies participated. Leaf blight resistance was evaluated in 2012 in infested trials on the UW Hancock Expt. Station. All trial results are being posted at our web site (below). Extension activities included creating project promotion and educational materials, coordinating outreach and evaluation activities, and delivering educational events. The project communications team created standardized forms for delivering outreach events and tracking event participation and evaluation. A website and printed brochure were also created to educate the public about the project and related resources. As part of education activities, undergraduates, grad students and postdocs are being trained in vegetable breeding, crop and seed production, disease protection/diagnosis, and soil science with a focus on organic systems as they participate in research projects critical to the project achieving its research goals. Collaborators provided education on organic plant breeding, conducting organic on-farm variety trials, and organic carrot production training at various educational events, both field based and at conferences including (Jan. 19-21) Organic Seed Growers Conference, attended by organic farmers, and educators, Port Townsend, WA; (Mar. 23) Breeding for Nutrition eOrganic Webinar, open to the public and archived on eOrganic and the CIOA website; (Aug.2) SCRI workshop, presented for horticulturists, 2012 ASHS meetings, Miami; (Aug. 8) Developing Participatory Systems for On-farm Plant Breeding workshop, presented for farmers along with the Student Organic Seed Symposium, Vermont; (Aug. 9) Breeding Carrots workshop, presented at the Organic Seed School hosted by High Mowing Seeds, Vermont; (Aug. 16) Organic Variety Selection and Seed Saving workshop, included carrot trial growers, Purdue University. A project poster was presented at the annual OREI national meeting (Oct.). A project logo and acronym - Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) was created. A workspace was developed on eOrganic for project coordination and development of outreach materials including a webinar on plant breeding for human nutrition. Through eOrganic a public website (http://eorganic.info/carrotimprovement) was created for educational/project promotion purposes with project information, collaborators, resources for carrot breeding and seed production, events and news, and a link to the eOrganic variety trial database. The project was prominently featured in Carrot Country Magazine targeting the carrot industry. PARTICIPANTS: Included co-PIs P.W. Simon, J. Navazio, M. Colley, L. Hoagland, and P. A. Roberts; and collaborators L. DuToit and T. Waters, Washington State University; J. Colquhoun and E. Silva, University of Wisconsin; and J. Nunez, University of California; as well as scientists and students with the USDA, ARS at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Organic Seed Alliance, Washington State University, the University of California-Riverside, Purdue University, organic farmers, carrot seed industry and producers. Professional development and training included presenting information to organic vegetable growers groups at meetings and at field days for CIOA trials, carrot nematode resistance evaluation trials and carrot germplasm evaluation trials. Participants from the general public were in attendance in lectures and field days described in "Outputs". TARGET AUDIENCES: Included organic vegetable growers, carrot seed producers, crop production industry, small-scale and organic specialty crop growers and support industry, vegetable researchers, plant geneticists, and consumers. A web site was developed to inform organic growers, carrot industry, researchers, and consumers about project progress, and oral and poster presentations were made at crop production, national horticulture, and plant breeding meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project addresses the critical needs of organic carrot producers by 1) delivery of novel germplasm well suited to enhance organic production systems and markets, 2) development of organic produce with superior flavor and nutritional quality, and 3) Improved understanding of the genetic by environment interactions in organic versus conventional systems as they relate to cultivar performance and inform growers about cultivar and soil factors that impact economic returns and reduce environmental impacts. Focus is placed on traits critical for crop production, but includes evaluation of storage quality important for both extending the market window of the crop and for successful seed production. Organic farmers surveyed listed alternaria leaf blight resistance and improved seedling germination as top breeding priorities for field production of organic carrots. Flavor was deemed the most important consumer trait to breed for in carrots in a survey of organic producers and nutrition is the most important product quality variable in organic food by consumers. A wide range of nematode and leaf blight resistance, seedling growth rates and canopy sizes have been observed in diverse carrot germplasm including land races with novel purple, yellow, and red storage root color. Novel colored carrots included in this project have nematode and leaf blight resistances, some of the most vigorous growing seedlings and large tops, very diverse flavor, and a wide range of nutrients. Commercializing these stocks requires a focused breeding, screening and evaluation effort. The project is currently in its first year and collaborators are just now collecting and analyzing data, but the model for identifying key traits for organic systems, and subsequently breeding for those traits has been established. In the first year we've reached approximately 60 farmers with education on organic breeding and variety trials with plans in place to reach an additional 100 growers by the end of year two. Organic growers require vegetable varieties that are adapted to organic growing conditions and hold market qualities demanded by the organic consumer including superior nutrition and exceptional flavor. However consolidations in the seed industry and a focus on restrictive intellectual property, coupled with a shift in public breeding programs toward fundamental research has resulted in marginalization of organic systems in breeding priorities. This project provides crucial support for public breeding programs to advance the development of organic agriculture. In addition to the important research impacts and new germplasm this project is creating a model for farmer-researcher participation in breeding, seed production and evaluation programs for organic systems. Our advisory panel structure includes representation from both small and large scale organic carrot industry, including both the production and seed systems components. Their feedback will be used to refine project goals throughout the process, assist in assessing impacts, identifying additional traits and participating in cultivar evaluation
Publications
- Woolson, E. National project to improve organic production systems launched. Carrot Country - Winter 2012 pages 6-8.
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