Southern Blight (fungus - Sclerotium rolfsii): This disease occurs close to harvest and is associated with warm temperatures that follow heavy rains. Plants die in clusters within a field. A bright, white mycelium is found on the surface of the soil, along with spherical, tan resting bodies of the fungus that resemble a mustard seed. By the time the fungus is seen on the surface of the soil, the carrot is rotted. There are no control recommendations. Harvesting should be done as quickly as possible in affected fields. Harvested carrots should be processed and cooled as quickly as possible to minimize post- harvest decay caused by the fungus.
