Pest identification
What's eating my parsnip 'hollow crown'?
Carrot fly (Psila rosae)
Signs: Maggot galleries through roots lead to canker and total root loss in severe years
Control: 60 cm mesh barrier; late sowing (avoid first May flight in UK/US Northeast); companion plant with onions or leeks to mask scent
Celery leaf miner
Signs: White blotch mines disfigure leaves and reduce carbohydrate supply to roots
Control: Insect mesh barrier; remove mined leaves; destroy crop debris
Slugs
Signs: Crown and shoulder damage that worsens into canker; seedling losses
Control: Iron phosphate pellets; gritty soil surface around crowns; avoid over-watering
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on young leaves cause curling and can transmit viruses
Control: Squash by hand; insecticidal soap spray; avoid nitrogen excess
Keep parsnip 'hollow crown' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' pests — FAQ
What is eating my parsnip 'hollow crown'?
Parsnip 'Hollow Crown', a heritage variety, is particularly vulnerable to carrot fly because it lacks the canker resistance of modern F1s — fly tunnels become the main entry point for rot. Celery leaf miner, slugs, and aphids are secondary threats. Row covers and crop rotation are essential.
How do I get rid of carrot fly (psila rosae) on parsnip 'hollow crown'?
Maggot galleries through roots lead to canker and total root loss in severe years 60 cm mesh barrier; late sowing (avoid first May flight in UK/US Northeast); companion plant with onions or leeks to mask scent
How do I get rid of celery leaf miner on parsnip 'hollow crown'?
White blotch mines disfigure leaves and reduce carbohydrate supply to roots Insect mesh barrier; remove mined leaves; destroy crop debris
How do I get rid of slugs on parsnip 'hollow crown'?
Crown and shoulder damage that worsens into canker; seedling losses Iron phosphate pellets; gritty soil surface around crowns; avoid over-watering
How do I get rid of aphids on parsnip 'hollow crown'?
Colonies on young leaves cause curling and can transmit viruses Squash by hand; insecticidal soap spray; avoid nitrogen excess