Influence of Postharvest Handling Practices and Dip Treatments on Development of Black Root Rot on Fresh Market Carrots

Standard postharvest handling practices for fresh market carrots (Daucus carora) grown in organic soils in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia were monitored during 1990-1992 at two grading and packaging operations. Root samples were obtained from 29 loads over the harvest season (July to November) at various stages after carrots were washed, sized, graded, and packaged; and the samples were assessed for the development of black root rot, caused by Chalara elegans (Thielaviapsis basicola). Disease was not detected on carrots harvested by hand from fields infested with the pathogen, and was less than 5% on carrots sampled from the truck following mechanized harvesting