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Cavity Spot

Pythium violae and Pythium sulcatum

Pathogen

Pathogen

Hosts

Carrots

Symptoms

Small sunken lesions on the root surface. Usually less than 1.3 cm in diameter and extending in a horizontal direction. These lesions, usually associated with the top third of the tap root, can be further invaded by other saprophytic bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Development

Soil borne Pythium disease which can penetrate early in the crop growing season and enlarge as the roots develop.

Favourable factors

Heavy rainfall and cool, wet growing conditions.

Importance

All varieties are susceptible and also a disease of parsnips.

More visible after washing and can severely affect crop quality rendering produce unmarketable for processing or the fresh market.

Control

  • Raised beds

  • Reduced irrigation

  • Long rotation

  • Start protective fungicide programme in furrow at drilling

  • Grow on light soils

  • Harvest early