Effect of Salinity on Plant Growth, Yield and Root Nutritional Value of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) in the Sahelian Area of Cameroon

Context: Salinity is a permanent threat to the survival of plants. An improved understanding of the responses of species to salinity may aid the development of more tolerant cultivars and improved management practices. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of different levels of NaCl salinity on plant growth, nutritional value and root yield of three carrot varieties. Methodology: Four levels of NaCl, 0, 60, 120 and 240 mM and three varieties of carrot (Pamela, New kuroda, Touchon) were used for this pot experiment. The two-factor experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications. Results: The nutritional value, growth and yield components varied significantly between three carrot varieties and intensity of salt concentration. From 0 to 240 mM NaCl, root yield decrease (to 25.4%, 30.5% and 30.3% in New kuroda, Touchon and Pamela respectively), root beta-carotene reduced (to 11.4%, 13.5% and 15.8% in New kuroda, Touchon and Pamela respectively), pH of root (to 12.5%, 16.9% and 16.5% in New kuroda, Touchon and Pamela respectively) and accumulation of osmolytes, fiber content, total phenolic, Na content of root and root titrable acidity (to 35%, 27.8% and 36.8% in New kuroda, Touchon and Pamela respectively). The accumulation of Na+ content is very important in the root of sensitive variety Pamela and the lowest in the root of tolerant variety New Kuroda. Salinity stress at certain level remarkably enhances nutritional quality of the root of Daucus carota. Conclusion: It can be summarized that New Kuroda and Touchon showed relatively salt tolerant ability as compared to Pamela. So, New Kuroda and Touchon can be recommended for cultivation in saline prone areas of Cameroon.