The Apiaceae vegetables, such as parsley, coriander, parsnip and carrot, are prone to root rots, cankers and cavity spot diseases that can significantly affect yield and marketability of produce. Pythium, a group of ‘water mould’ pathogens that are active when soil is saturated with water, are implicated as a major cause of these diseases. This is particularly so for crops sown in autumn and grown over the winter and into spring. A three year study examined disease development in parsley and parsnip and evaluated a number of disease management options in parsley, coriander, parsnip and carrot crops, including fungicides, biological and cultural controls and varieties.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund