Welcome to the spicy world of onion farming in Kenya, where the humble onion reigns supreme in kitchens and markets alike! Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just dipping your toes into the fertile soils of onion farming in Kenya, you’re in for a treat with this blog. We’re diving deep into one of the peskiest challenges in onion farming in Kenya: pink rot, a disease that can turn your onion dreams into a rosy nightmare. As the Onion Doctor, we’re here to make onion farming in Kenya both fun and fruitful, arming you with knowledge to keep your crops thriving. And don’t worry—we’ll sprinkle in some humor and vibrant visuals to keep things lively while we explore how to conquer pink rot in onion farming in Kenya!
PINK ROT IN ONION FARMING
Pink rot, caused by the soil-borne fungus Phoma terrestris, is a sneaky adversary in onion farming in Kenya. This disease targets the roots of onion plants, turning them a telltale light pink before they darken to a deeper hue, eventually leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. In Kenya’s diverse climates, from the sunny fields of Kajiado to the cooler highlands of Meru, pink rot can lurk in the soil, ready to sabotage your onion harvest. Left unchecked, it can slash yields by up to 50%, making it a critical issue for farmers aiming to meet the high demand for onions in local and export markets. But fear not! With the right know-how, you can outsmart this pink menace and keep your onions plump and healthy. Let’s break down the science, sprinkle in some practical tips, and have a bit of fun along the way.
SYMPTOMS OF PINK ROT IN ONION FARMING IN KENYA
BELOW GROUND:
- Early stage: roots show light pink to yellowish discoloration.
- Advanced stage: they deepen to red–purple, become shriveled, brittle, and easily break off.
- New root growth can also be infected and killed .
- ABOVE GROUND:
- Plants appear stunted, with leaf tip dieback and yellowing—often mistaken for drought or nutrient deficiency.
- On white onions, even outer scales can show pink/purple spots
DISEASE CYCLE AND SPREAD
- The fungus survives in soil (up to 45 cm deep), crop debris, and some alternate hosts (e.g., cereals, spinach, corn, garlic, etc.)
- Spread occurs via soil contact, irrigation water, or equipment .
- Disease severity increases with each onion crop in the same field .
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF PINK ROT IN ONION FARMING
1.CHOOSE RESISTANT VARIETIES:
Selecting the right onion variety is like picking the right superhero to save your farm. In onion farming in Kenya, go for pink rot-resistant hybrids like Red Couch F1 or Red Passion F1. These varieties are bred to withstand the disease and can yield 20–30 tonnes per acre, even in challenging conditions. Red Couch F1, with its medium to dark red bulbs, is a favorite in the hotel industry, while Red Passion F1 boasts a shelf life of up to five months.
2.PRACTICE CROP ROTATION:
Pink rot loves a monotonous menu, so don’t plant onions in the same spot year after year. Rotate with non-related crops like maize or beans every 2–4 years to starve the fungus out. This breaks the disease cycle and keeps your soil healthy. Think of it as giving your farm a diverse playlist instead of playing the same onion song on repeat
3. OPTIMIZE IRRIGATION WITH DRIP SYSTEMS:
Excess water is pink rot’s best friend, so avoid waterlogging your fields. Drip irrigation, championed by companies like Onion Doctor, delivers water precisely to the roots without wetting the foliage, reducing fungal spread. Stop irrigating two weeks before harvest to keep bulbs dry and rot-free.
4.SOIL PREPARATION AND TESTING
Onions thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Test your soil (local agricultural offices can help) and add organic matter like well-decomposed manure or fertilizers to boost fertility without inviting pink rot. Avoid heavy clay soils that trap water and create a fungal playground.
5. FUNGICIDES AND FIELD HYGIENE
If pink rot is already knocking, fungicides like Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil can help. Spray every two weeks after transplanting to keep the fungus in check. Also, clear plant debris and weeds, which can harbor spores. Think of it as tidying up your farm to make it less inviting for uninvited fungal guests.
| Week | Pesticide | Fungicides | Fertilizer |
| Land Preparation | Decomposed Manure | ||
| 1 | Active Ingredient | Active Ingredient | First Top dressing |
| 2 | Mancozeb | ||
| 3 | Profenofos | ||
| 4 | Acephale | Carbendazim |
Contact us for: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Germinated garlic cloves, Farm planning services, Soil testing, training on onion and garlic growing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. You can also check out our social media handles for daily updates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oniondoctorke?_t=ZM-8wmsTu0qumO&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oniondoctorke?igsh=MTVoaHF3aWUydTJzaQ==Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/16SwgYn2dG/ Youtube:https://youtube.com/@oniondoctorke?si=u5Jnd-r0qU9UDYqL and Twitter: https://x.com/OnionDoctorKe?t=FR3JXlS_oN1vjjUgAtfyzg&s=09