Drip Irrigation of Carrot Seed

                                                                       Carrot Seed

Research by OSU crop scientists shows that drip irrigation on high value carrot seed crops in central Oregon reduces water use, increases seed yields and germination of the seed, and may reduce disease. Increased efficiency with drip irrigation can reduce water use by 50 percent, while increasing seed yields by 20 percent or more. Just as important to growers, germination rates are consistently 4 percent higher with drip irrigation. Drip irrigated seed is more marketable and brings higher prices to local growers. Since 2001, nearly 40 percent of the carrot seed acreage in central Oregon is now being grown with drip irrigation.

Central Oregon is the Number 1 carrot seed producing area in the world with 40% of market share. “This collaborative project has helped improve the quality of seed and has produced real results that give hope for solving the most difficult problems facing this $12 million dollar industry,” states Mike Weber of Central Oregon Seeds, Inc.

Marvin Butler, COARC Superintendent & Crop Scientist.