I need help!!

I'd hazard a guess that it is carrot fly. Not much you can do now but next time put a fleece around them.

Tickletoes/Jo, welcome to Grapevine and congrats on your successes.

Any chance of a photo of this carrot/parsnip problem? Have you inspected the roots? Anything strange at that end such as insects or waterlogged soil? Any tunnelling or maggots? Any strange smells?

There's a depressing list of pests and diseases that attack carrots on
Carrot Growing - In depth guide to growing carrots
which might be useful.

Carrot fly is the most common problem but I wasn't aware they affected the leaves quite so drastically, it's usually when you crop them and find the carrots riddled that you discover that one. But evidently they do also attack other roots...

As you describe it it seems very sudden.... Most viruses etc cause spots rather than whole leaves to suddenly die... Have any sprays been used in the vicinity or the plants fed with anything that could be having this adverse effect? Most odd that they were growing well and then suddenly dying... seems so drastic.

So mystified and interested to hear other suggestions...

b.

ps if it is carrot fly don't grow in the same patch next year as the larvae stay in the soil. You've just about time to start carrots in another place if you choose a quick maturing variety such as Littlefinger or some Chantenay varieties, check what it says on the packet. Also some Nantes varieties can be sown late and will survive cold temps. Re-planting parsnip more problematic as slow to germinate (like never) and grow but you might get something worhtwhile if it's a long autumn and mild winter...

Thanks for the replies, I will try & get some piccys on to show u.

I have read the link you added Thank you, I will pull up a couple of the effected plants & see whats happening, although i did start doing this & they all seemed fine. I will have another look tomorrow