What's eating my scorzonera?

Scorzonera is one of the least pest-troubled root vegetables, but aphids weaken its narrow leaves, and slugs can damage emerging seedlings and the root surface. Carrot root fly larvae occasionally tunnel into the root. Its bitter milky latex deters many herbivores, though rabbits will still graze the tops when food is scarce.

Soft colonies on leaves and growing tips cause yellowing and wilting; high infestations in summer can significantly reduce root development. Squash small colonies by hand or use insecticidal soap. Plant companion flowers (marigolds, phacelia) to attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps.

Young seedlings eaten to soil level; in wet conditions, surface of roots may be pitted and scarred where slugs graze at night. Prepare beds deeply (scorzonera needs 30+ cm depth) and ensure good drainage. Apply iron phosphate pellets around seedlings in spring and autumn.

Larvae tunnel through the long root, leaving rusty galleries and entry points for fungal rot — damage only visible at harvest. Rotate out of beds used for carrots or parsnips. Erect a low fleece barrier to deter low-flying females from laying near the plants.