Studies on black root rot, a seed-bourne disease of carrots, caused by Alternaria radicinia Meier, Drechsler & Eddy : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University

Abstract

The production of table carrots (Daucus carota L.) for the domestic market has become a highly specialised field of horticulture in many growing districts of New Zealand. In the Manawatu and Ohakune areas alone some 850 acres of carrots are grown annually, and an evaluation of some disease factors which are, or could potentially limit production is undoubtedly worthwhile. Almost all the seed sown by commercial growers in New Zealand is imported in bulk by the main seed companies from such countries as Australia, United States, France and Denmark. Several overseas workers have recorded the presence of potentially destructive fungal pathogens being associated with seed (Neergaard 1948, Grogan & Snyder 1952, de Tempe 1962, Hewett 1964, I.S.T.A. 1966). These include the following two pathogens: Alternaria dauci (Kuhn) Groves & Skolko. Alternaria radicina Meier, Drechsler & Eddy. [From (Introduction]