NC State University will host the 41st International Carrot Conference for the first time July 8-10, 2024.

“It is exciting to organize this conference for the first time in North Carolina,” says Massimo Iorizzo, professor of horticultural science at NC State, who is heading up the university’s organizing committee for the conference. “I look forward to this networking opportunity for the carrot community where we can hear about the latest innovations in carrot research and to see how carrots grow in a different environment.”

Last year, Iorizzo published a new study of the genetic blueprints of more than 600 types of carrot showing that three specific genes are required to give carrots an orange color. Surprisingly, the three required genes all need to be recessive. The paper’s findings provide insight into the traits important to carrot improvement efforts and could lead to better health benefits from the vegetable.

The International Carrot Conference brings together growers, packers, shippers, seed producers, breeders, pathologists, sellers, marketers, university and government researchers, Extension specialists, students and anyone interested in the carrot industry.

The event will feature talks focused on on pest and disease management, genetics/breeding, production and marketing. Abstract presentations and posters will highlight some of the most recent scientific findings and technical advances, and conference participants will have the opportunity to explore carrot cultivar field trials. Registration for the conference can be secured on the website, www.internationalcarrots.org.