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Embarking on an onion farming venture in Kenya is promising, but the battle against diseases is real. In this guide, we’ll explore common onion diseases, their symptoms, and effective prevention strategies. Learn to identify and combat threats such as pink root disease, Fusarium basal rot, Botrytis neck rot, white rot disease, onion maggots, and Alternaria leaf blight, ensuring a robust harvest with the support of Onion Doctor.
Pink Root Disease: Unveiling the Culprit and Control Measures Identification and Symptoms: Pink root disease, caused by the Pyrenochaeta Terrestris fungus, poses a significant threat to onion crops. Early signs include pinkish-red discoloration of roots, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. As the disease progresses, roots turn deep reddish-brown. Control measures involve using clean seed, crop rotation, soil solarization, and fungicides.
Fusarium Basal Rot: Detecting and Mitigating the Risks Identification and Symptoms: Fusarium basal rot, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, infects roots and basal onion plates, causing rot and yellowing. Early detection is crucial, and symptoms include yellowing leaves and rotting basal plates. Control measures encompass crop rotation, fungicide application, and using disease-free onion seed.
Botrytis Neck Rot: Navigating the Challenges of Humidity Identification and Symptoms: Botrytis neck rot, triggered by Botrytis allii, thrives in high humidity. Detect the disease by soft, water-soaked lesions on onion necks, turning brown or black. Employ cultural practices, sanitation, fungicides, and planting resistant onion varieties to control Botrytis neck rot.
White Rot Disease: Battling a Persistent Fungal Foe Identification and Symptoms: White rot, caused by Sclerotium cepivorum, affects onions, garlic, and shallots. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, soft rotting bulbs, and the presence of small, white, irregular sclerotia. Control measures involve sanitation, crop rotation, fungicide use, and planting resistant onion varieties.
Onion Maggots: Overcoming the Larval Onslaught Identification and Symptoms: Onion maggots, larvae of the onion fly, cause stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of onion plants. Combat them with sanitation, crop rotation, physical barriers, insecticides, and choosing less attractive onion varieties.
Alternaria Leaf Blight: Tackling Fungal Threats Head-On Identification and Symptoms: Alternaria leaf blight, caused by Alternaria porri, manifests as brown or black spots on onion leaves. Employ good sanitation, crop rotation, and fungicides containing azoxystrobin or chlorothalonil for effective control.
Onion Doctor’s Support for Farmers: A Shield Against Crop Threats Onion Doctor extends a helping hand to smallholder farmers across Africa, providing quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value packs, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training. Leverage their expertise to optimize yields and ensure maximum profits.