Onion White Rot
Onion white rot
Common name
Onion white rot
Causal agent
It is a fungal disease caused by a fungus in the genus stromatinia.
Scientific name
Stromatinia cepivora
Symptoms & Signs
The leaves turn yellow, wilt, and eventually fall off, especially in dry conditions. The roots and bulbs also show white, fuzzy fungal growth covered with small black sclerotia. Mature, older leaves are more prone to show signs of infection.
Transmission
Unlike most fungi, this one does not produce spores. Instead, it stays in the soil as sclerotia and produces fungal growth that attacks the roots. The sclerotia can spread to other healthy plants through infected tools, water, or wind. Cool, moist weather conditions favor the growth of this disease.
Time of concern
Midsummer to early fall
Common hosts
Onion
Garlic
Leeks
Shallots