Investigating the Origins of Carrot Seed Germination Failure

This study (2008–2011) investigates the origins of germination defects in carrot (Daucus carota) seed production in France, where germination rates vary widely among lots, varieties, years, and production zones. Field trials monitored seed development from 17 to 60 days after flowering, assessing moisture content, germination tests, and embryo health. The results show that seeds harvested before 30 days are largely immature and unviable; beyond 30 days, non-germinating seeds are mainly healthy but often exhibit embryo necrosis or lack an embryo. Despite morpho-physiological analyses and agroclimatic surveys, factors such as pollination failure, fertilization defects, and biotic stress remain hypotheses for non-germination.