Carrots are actually not very susceptible to diseases. But waterlogging and lack of space can trigger various fungal diseases. Read here which diseases can spread specifically in carrots.
The 6 most well-known carrot diseases
1. Bacterial Rot
Rot pathogens are particularly common in waterlogged areas, including bacterial rot.
Recognize
In the case of bacterial rot, the carrots show sunken spots, which are also watery. Over time, these spots turn brown and begin to rot. Once an infection has occurred, the pathogens spread quickly. Even if the vegetables are stored away, the rot can continue to spread.
Fight
Infested fruit must be destroyed immediately and under no circumstances be stored. If the infestation is very severe, you should stop growing carrots for three years.
Mildew is very widespread in domestic gardens, so it can also attack carrots.
Recognize
The surface of the leaves shows a white coating reminiscent of flour, hence the name. Carrots are gradually deprived of vital nutrients, preventing them from developing well and subsequently dying.
Fight
The affected parts of the plant should be removed immediately. Only water the plants in the root area so that the leaves do not get wet. Powdery mildew can be combated with household remedies such as nettle manure, skim milk, a mixture of washing-up liquid and oil or horsetail broth.
3. Carrot Red
If there is an infestation with the so-called carrot blush, there is no chance of success in the home garden when it comes to combating it.
It is suspected that the pathogen is transmitted by the ground elder aphid, so you should remove ground elder from the garden as preventively as possible. The leaves yellow more and more as the disease progresses, later they turn red and wither. It is noticeable that the leaf veins remain green. Bearded formations appear at the roots. alsothese wither away over time.
4. Carrot BlacknessA fungus is also responsible for this disease of carrots.
Recognize
Blackening of carrots can be recognized by dark spots forming on the leaves with a yellowish border. If the infestation is severe, the leaves will wither and eventually die. If young plants are affected, there can be a complete failure of the harvest. The carrots will not develop properly if the leaves are infested with the fungus.
Fight
Carrot blackhead cannot be fought directly. However, you can save your carrots from further infestation by destroying infested plants immediately. Also, you should refrain from growing carrots for at least a year, as the fungus can survive in the soil for a long time.
To prevent blackening of carrots, it is best to choose resistant varieties and do not plant them too densely. Cultivation in a windy location has also proven itself.
5. Black Rot
Detect
This fungal infection first affects the root, which turns black. In young seedlings, however, discoloration can also occur at the base of the leaves.
Control
The infested plants should be removed immediately. To prevent black rot, ensure dry soil, sufficient planting distance and a windy location in the garden. Fertilizing with nitrogen can also encourage black rot infestation.
As a precaution, no celery or parsley should be planted near the carrots.
6. Violet RootslayerThe purple root killer is also a fungal disease, you can recognize it by thick, purple growths on the carrots. It quickly rots and the plant dies. The host plants of this pathogen also include, for example, beets, celery, parsley, chicory, asparagus and potatoes.
The fungus can survive in the soil for several years and lead to new infections. Warm and constantly moist soil as well as strong weed growth favor such an infestation. Affected plants must be destroyed immediately. You can prevent this with optimal crop rotation. Cultivation of the corresponding host plants should be avoided.