White mold—Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
White mold of carrots, sometimes known as cottony soft rot, may occur at any stage of growth. Extensive
root decay may occur before symptoms of wilt appear on the upper part of the plant. Infection is always
accompanied by a characteristic cottony, white mycelium that appears on the surface of the infected area.
On or inside the white mycelium appear black, round to irregular-shaped structures called sclerotia.
SolutionsHigh
temperatures and a wet soil surface favor white mold. Use raised beds and careful furrow irrigation.
Avoid planting in infested soil. Space plants well enough to allow good air circulation. Remove and destroy
entire infected plants as soon as you see the mold. Bury old plant debris to help destroy sclerotia. |
