Description: Small maggots burrow into salsify and carrots.
Control: Apply *Diazinon or other insecticide to the soil in early spring.
* Pesticide use and recommendations for various areas are constantly changing. Check with your County agent for current recommendations.
Problem: Wireworms Affected Area: Root
Description: Larvae of click beetles. Shiny, slender, brown, hard-shelled, soil dwelling worms ranging from 3/8" to 1 1/2" long. May be soft-bodied, white with yellowish brown heads and tails.
Wire worms may remain in the larval stage for 2 to 5 years moving up and down in the soil depending on the temperature and moisture.
Adults feed little, but larvae feed on underground roots doing their worst damage when they bore straight in.
Control: * Rototill garden soil in fall to expose wireworms.
* Diazinon granules worked into the soil (read label directions) gives season-long protection. Only needed when damage is at critical levels.
* Pesticide use and recommendations for various areas are constantly changing. Check with your County agent for current recommendations.
Problem: Root Knot Affected Area: Root
Description: Carrots have forked roots and irregular galls on root system
Caused by Root nematode
Control: Plant resistant varieties and rotate crop
Problem: Soft Rot Affected Area: Leaf
Description: Black, brown, white and gray molds appear on surface. Carrots lose firmness and soften. Symptoms may resemble insect damage
Control: Avoid injury during harvest. Cool quickly if storing indoors
Container Gardens