Observations regarding mericarp and seedling variability by Daucus carota L. Ssp. Carota

Abstract

Related with possible evolutionary connections between the different populations of wild and cultivated carrot (Daucus carota L. ssp. Carota and ssp. Sativa/ Hoffm./ Aro.), mericarp and seedling variability by two different groups of wild carrot populations collected in Transylvania (Eastern Europe) and Germany (Central Europe) have been studied. A marked variability was observed in the coloration of the hypocotyls region of the seedlings. Seed characters were not sufficient for the detection of a variability pattern. A marked variation pattern was observed in juvenile stage: populations from Germany or that from carrot growing regions of Transylvania developed more vigorous roots. This indicates the existence of possible evolutionary pressure acting on the wild populations through the gene flow from the cultivated taxa.