Overview of Genetics and Breeding of Carrot (Daucas Carota L.): A Review

Carrot is one of the most important vegetable crops consumed in the world. It is grown for its taproot which contains carbohydrate in large amount. Carrot is domesticated in ancient year and originated in Asian countries. The crop is highly diversified in color, shape, size, nutritional content and so on. Crop diversity identification was done through morphological identification and DNA markers. Carrot is well known for its beta carotene content. To increase the crop yield and quality many breeding programs have been established and achieved some objectives through conventional breeding methods and using some biotechnological tools. So there is a need to have better understanding of crop genetic characteristics and breeding methods are useful in germplasm collection, conservation and utilization, particularly in case of carrot. Since carrot is highly cross pollinated crop appropriate breeding program and method should be used to improve crop yield and quality especially in developing countries like Ethiopia.