Forked Carrots

Hi,

I have just pulled up some carrots and some of them are very forked and even have horizontal tap roots in some cases. I know that rocks, clods and high nitrate concentrations can course forking but I am sure this is not the case here.

When seeding I noticed vine weevil grubs and so watered in some nematodes, is it possible that they have caused root rot?

Also am I right to assume that they will be ok to eat.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

 

Hi Mark, I'm no expert but carrot branching can be caused by fresh manure or over
rich compost, just a thought I'm sure somebody more experienced will have the answer for you.

Regards Pete

 

I would agree with Pete02 and think over rich compost the most likely culprit. I see no reason why you can't eat them.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I do not think that this is the case here as they are in 2nd year commercial compost.

 

The most common cause of forking in carrots is a period of drought during early-mid development
Last year one row of mine was perfect, the other all produced forked roots. Soil and fertiliser were the same and the only difference was about 6 weeks difference in sowing and the forked row went through a dry period while we were away on holiday.