Nematode damage - Ask Extension
We are harvesting carrots and found that many of them have hairy roots coming off the root and small bulbous growths along the carrot and in the small...
Knowledgebase
Nematode damage #809367
Asked September 03, 2022, 7:04 PM EDT
We are harvesting carrots and found that many of them have hairy roots coming off the root and small bulbous growths along the carrot and in the small roots. The carrots are somewhat bitter, the tops appear to be healthy without yellowing or wilt. These were planted in a new raised bed filled with a compost/soil mix from a local source. The bed also includes beans and beets. Since the start of the hot weather we have been watering daily by soaker hose. Could this be nematode damage? If so how do we take care of it and prevent it from happening again?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for reaching out! This doesn't look like typical root-knot nematode damage. That pest will cause stunted aboveground foliage and the roots are usually forked. And even hairier than yours are! Plus the new garden soil is unlikely to be contaminated.
What is more likely happening is a combination of fertilizer issues and the environment. How did you fertilize these beds? When did you plant these?
What is more likely happening is a combination of fertilizer issues and the environment. How did you fertilize these beds? When did you plant these?
Brooke,
Thank you for your response. We planted the bed in mid-May adding Gro-well organic fertilizer at planting time. They were grown from seed.
I’m not sure if this has anything to do with it, but this year we are experiencing thrips, leaf miners and a startling number of white butterflies and of course their caterpillars.
Thank you for your help
Kris Claflin
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
On Sep 7, 2022, at 2:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Seems like your water and fertilizer schedule wouldn't be the cause of this issue. And it doesn't seem to be a pest or insect. Other possibility is that the bitterness is a response to high temps.
Have you ever tried growing carrots for a fall or winter harvest? The frost can make them a little sweeter. Next year you can plant seed from May through July for a fall crop. (If you have a covered bed or cloche you might even be able to get some seeds started this year!)
Have you ever tried growing carrots for a fall or winter harvest? The frost can make them a little sweeter. Next year you can plant seed from May through July for a fall crop. (If you have a covered bed or cloche you might even be able to get some seeds started this year!)
