2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): Develop carrot breeding stocks for production in organic agriculture systems with improved nutritional value, trial carrots in diverse growing locations, and release germplasm to the seed industry. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): a) Select for and produce carrot seed with elite nematode and alternaria resistance and weed tolerance for large-scale testing and deployment to the seed and crop production industries. b) Select for improved flavor and nutritional value in elite germplasm. c) Provide carrot breeding tools for seed companies, production information for growers, and flavor, nutritional quality and environmental impact information for consumers about nematode resistant carrot germplasm. d) Evaluate diverse carrots with disease and pest resistance for rapid seedling and top growth. e) Evaluate nutrient-rich, disease and pest resistant carrots in infested fields. f) Evaluate nutrient-rich, disease and pest resistant carrots with improved weed tolerance in grower fields. 3.Progress Report: Carrot seed was distributed to collaborators in California, Indiana, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the crop is being grown. A web site for the project has been developed and is being populated. This research relates to Sub-objective 2.B., Fine map pigment and carbohydrate genes in carrot and onion, resistance genes for nematode in carrot and viruses in cucurbits, and epistasis, yield and quality components in cucumber.