Crossword Genius

An infection of carrots? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rot

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'an infection' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'of carrots?' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ROT' is hidden in the letters of 'carrots'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rot that I've seen before include "Decay or disintegrate" , "Deterioration" , "Cobblers" , "Rubbish (colloq.)" , "Decompose; rubbish" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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