[lazza]

My second lot of radishes this year seem to be suffering from some kind of scab infection. Anyone any idea of the cause or possible prevention? My first lot came out perfectly, but this new planting, made about 4 weeks ago in fresh compost, have grown rather less well, and the results are very scabby looking. To be honest, they taste fine, but I'm concerned that this could be a sign of some underlying problem with my compost heap.

Especially as this year seems to be very problematic on many fronts: the leaves of my peppers are very blotchy; the first 4 or 5 (lowest) leaves on several of my tomato plants have shrivelled up and died completely (the leaves rolled up and became very pitted with small holes); and the leaves of my beans are very stunted, deformed and tough/thick, while the stems grew very twisted to start with...

Any advice gratefully received

[sunshineband]

Radishes do not get scab, so there is nothing wrong with the soil itself. It may be that they have been quite wet and this encourages root maggots which leave brownish tunnels and lumpy bits. They are the larvae of a small fly. Adding lime discourages them. Hope that helps a bit.

They can be a real nuisance tbh

Other problems sound linked to colder than needed temperatures perhaps?

[Goneterseed]

Mine have been a bit like that.

[lazza]

Thanks.

It's definitely not root maggots, as I've had that issue before! There is no evidence of anything boring into the roots (under the skin, even the knobbly bits, the flesh is quite normal and white).

As for the other issues, cold weather could well be the issue! It's been very variable indeed this Spring, with some nights down to 2-3C even in late May, so that makes sense (especially as the higher leaves on my tomatoes are just fine).

[grinling]

what was the previous crop?
Can be club root/gall weevil or common scab
cut affected in half and are there rings?

[lazza]

No previous crop, as such, as these were grown in a tub, using fresh compost, although it's 50% from out of my compost bin, 50% fresh bagged compost.