Carrot malformation - Ask Extension
Most of my carrots were delicious and well formed, however a few were disfigured. Can you suggest who might have caused this damage.
Thanks. Stay saf...
Knowledgebase
Carrot malformation #708780
Asked August 03, 2020, 9:52 AM EDT
Most of my carrots were delicious and well formed, however a few were disfigured. Can you suggest who might have caused this damage.
Thanks. Stay safe and treasure the quiet moments.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Carrot storage roots are prone to splitting, with larger-rooted cultivars worse affected than small ones, as they can take up more water. An erratic supply of water, such as heavy irrigation after a dry soil period, is the main cause of roots splitting in carrot. Under these conditions, the roots abruptly take up a great deal of water and undergo a surge in growth that their structure cannot cope with. Excessive nitrogen and fluctuating temperatures can also favor splitting of carrot storage roots. Luckily, only a few carrots suffered splitting in your planting, and it doesn't appear that any secondary disease problems occurred. Sometimes these split-open roots are attacked by soft rot bacteria. Enjoy your beautiful carrots, they look delicious.
