How to recognize and combat white rot in carrots

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a pathogenic fungus that causes the disease known as white rot in various plants, including carrots. This fungus produces resistance structures called sclerotia, which can survive in the soil for several years in the absence of a host. Under favorable conditions of humidity and temperature, sclerotia germinate, producing fruiting structures called apothecia. Apothecia release ascospores into the environment, which are dispersed by the wind and land in plant tissues. Once in contact with the plant, the ascospores germinate and the fungus penetrates the tissues, beginning to colonize them and causing symptoms of infection. As the fungus grows, it forms white mycelium and new sclerotia in infected tissues, ensuring the perpetuation of the pathogen cycle.