Carrot rot is primarily caused by a specific type of bacteria. Specifically, Erwinia carotovora pv carotovora, a soilborne bacterium, is a major culprit. This bacterium leads to bacterial soft rot in carrots, resulting in significant crop losses if left unmanaged.
How does the bacteria enter carrots?
The Erwinia carotovora pv carotovora bacteria typically enters carrots through:
- Cultivation wounds
- Harvest bruises
- Freezing injury
- Insect openings
Preventing Carrot Rot
While not explicitly stated in the reference, preventing carrot rot focuses on minimizing the points of entry for the bacteria. This includes:
- Careful harvesting to avoid bruising.
- Proper soil management to reduce bacteria levels.
- Insect control to prevent openings.
- Avoiding physical damage during cultivation.
