Researchers have begun work looking at microbes that may help to combat diseases in carrots. A team of university and Agricultural Research Service scientists have reported on some of their findings about beneficial microbes and their ability to defend against diseases like Alternaria leaf blight. Bacteria and fungi that do not negatively affect carrots, known as endophytes, present viable potential for keeping carrots safe from disease.
The team evaluated 36 carrot varieties and breeding lines to learn more about their response to Alternaria leaf blight in conventional and organic production systems. The beneficial endophytes were identified, and cultures were grown from the nine varieties showing the most resilience to disease. In the research, organic soils were found to have more endophytes than conventional. Some carrot varieties appeared to have naturally higher levels of endophytes. The research will continue with more field trials to better understand how endophytes help mitigate disease risk.
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