Infection and Colonization of Inflorescences and Mericarps of Carrot byAlternaria dauci

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Abstract
A 0.25-ha field of carrots infested with A. dauci was managed as an experimental seed production field. Extensive leaf blight in the field caused by A. dauci enhanced the probability of attack of flowers and fruit. Components of the carrot inflorescence were examined at intervals for infection by A. dauci; all were susceptible. Fruits (mericarps) were vulnerable to infection from early development to maturity. Mericarps infected early in their development contained seed structures completely colonized by the fungus. Tissues and spiny prickles of the vallecular ridges of fully developed mericarps were the most common sites of infection, colonization and sporulation by A. dauci. The fungus was confined to the outer surface and tissues of dried pericarps and did not penetrate the seed coat and endosperm.

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