Damaged carrot roots - Ask Extension
Are you able to ID the culprit of this carrot damage?
If so, how can they be controlled - without chemicals if possible.
Thanks.
Knowledgebase
Damaged carrot roots #776588
Asked October 27, 2021, 3:46 PM EDT
Are you able to ID the culprit of this carrot damage?
If so, how can they be controlled - without chemicals if possible.
Thanks.
Houghton County Michigan
Expert Response
I wonder if its wire worms? You can dig around in the soil to see if you see them. To prevent the damage without the use of chemicals, you should rotate your field to a new site.
Do wireworms coil up when disturbed?
Leah,
Wireworms do not coil up when disturbed but millipedes do coil up. They are not usually a pest but they can damage carrots. Damage is usually after some rot or damage from other pest. Carrot rust fly maggots, carrot weevils, and wireworms are your most likely "culprits". Crop rotation is your best tool for all of these (do not follow root crops with root crops). Row cover can help and traps can help monitor the pests. Check out the following links:
- http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/93-077.htm#IdentifyingDamage
- http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/09-009w.htm
- http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/onions/insects/wireworms.html#advanced
I hope this is helpful.
