Pest identification
What's eating my imperator carrot?
Carrot fly (Psila rosae)
Signs: Deep tunnels along the length of the long root; roots may rot in wet conditions following entry
Control: Fine mesh row covers; sow after the first egg-laying peak (late May in the UK, early June in northern US); practise 3-year rotation
Wireworm (Agriotes spp.)
Signs: Narrow vertical bore holes through root interior; damage concentrated toward root tip
Control: Avoid planting after grass; encourage natural predators by leaving rough turf margins; use sticky traps to monitor adult click beetles
Willow-carrot aphid (Cavariella aegopodii)
Signs: Yellowed, twisted foliage; possible carrot motley dwarf virus
Control: Insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; remove affected leaves early
Deer
Signs: Feathery tops browsed to ground level; entire young plants pulled
Control: Deer fencing at least 1.8 m tall; motion-activated deterrents for garden plots
Keep imperator carrot pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Imperator Carrot pests — FAQ
What is eating my imperator carrot?
Imperator carrots grow long and deep, making them especially prone to carrot fly damage deep in the root. All common carrot pests apply: carrot fly, aphids, slugs, and deer browsing the tops. Their long growing season in loose, deep soil also gives wireworms more time to cause damage underground.
How do I get rid of carrot fly (psila rosae) on imperator carrot?
Deep tunnels along the length of the long root; roots may rot in wet conditions following entry Fine mesh row covers; sow after the first egg-laying peak (late May in the UK, early June in northern US); practise 3-year rotation
How do I get rid of wireworm (agriotes spp.) on imperator carrot?
Narrow vertical bore holes through root interior; damage concentrated toward root tip Avoid planting after grass; encourage natural predators by leaving rough turf margins; use sticky traps to monitor adult click beetles
How do I get rid of willow-carrot aphid (cavariella aegopodii) on imperator carrot?
Yellowed, twisted foliage; possible carrot motley dwarf virus Insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; remove affected leaves early
How do I get rid of deer on imperator carrot?
Feathery tops browsed to ground level; entire young plants pulled Deer fencing at least 1.8 m tall; motion-activated deterrents for garden plots