[plum crumble]

  my parsnips are completely rotted - only just spotted it when I was weeding on the weekend. Some of the foliage was going red too. What causes this?? I've already lost all my toms to blight, and half my onions to white rot, so I am a very upset gardener!!!!

[DD.]

Carrot root fly also attacks parsnips. This can let in canker & rot.

Red leaves on carrots is a symptom of this pest and I dare say it can affect parsnips in the same way.

[JayG]

....and parsley (one of my plants is drying out and dying, which is why I plant them in different places in the garden!)

I think my parsnips have been attacked more than usual this year (as DD says they then go on to get canker although usually it's not too serious and can be cut out before cooking.)

Sorry you seem to have been particularly unlucky this year Plum! 

[plum crumble]

thanks DD and JayG. at least my runners and French beans have been superb!

[Lulu]

DD

  'Carrot root fly also attacks parsnips. This can let in canker & rot.'

does this mean that one should not plant carrots next to parsnips??   

Lulu

[sunshineband]

It means if you don't cover the parsnip plants with enviromesh then they might get attacked by carrot fly 

[SnooziSuzi]

my parsnips have always been ok but I can't grow a carrot without a fly attack to save my life!

could you have accidentally clipped them with a hoe whilst weeding?  that could cause them to canker and rot once a wound has opened up.

[Lulu]

Oh dear! will have to check them out tomorrow.  My Parsnip growth seems to have been outstanding this year whereas my carrots took a long time to get going and now seem healthy but even if I get away with it  - new information has been learnt. Cheers