Pests and Diseases Control Guide for Onion Farming: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention

Onion Pests and Diseases Symptoms and Controls

Pests and diseases can affect even the most versatile vegetable – Onions. Growing onions can be rewarding, especially when you buy high-quality Onion seeds online from top agriculture marketplaces such as Badi Kheti. Before starting Onions farming farmers must be aware of pests or diseases that may harm their onion harvest.

Thankfully, several ways exist to spot, avoid, and remedy these common onion challenges. This blog will investigate common pests and diseases that can harm onions after you buy onion seeds.

Additionally, we will address some of the finest methods for tackling their presence. Continue reading to discover how to maintain the health and growth of your onion harvest.

Fungal Diseases in Onion

Onions are prone to catch fungal diseases and therefore, Indian onion farmers should educate themselves about common fungi and treat them accordingly.

Fusarium basal rot

Causes: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae is the primary causative agent of Fusarium basal rot in onions. The fungus can survive in the soil for extended time periods.

Symptoms: Infected onion plants exhibit yellowing and wilting of lower leaves, accompanied by brown discoloration and rotting at the bulb base. In severe cases, the rot may extend upwards into the bulb.

Prevention: Practicing crop rotation, avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization, and ensuring proper drainage can help prevent Fusarium basal rot. Onion seed treatment with fungicides before sowing may also be beneficial.

Downy mildew

Causes: The fungus Peronospora destructor causes downy mildew in onions. It thrives in cool and humid conditions.

Symptoms: Infected leaves display pale green to yellowish lesions on the upper surface, with corresponding white or grayish fuzz on the underside. The Onion plant leaves may eventually wither and die.

Prevention: Proper field sanitation, including removing Onion crop debris, can help reduce the incidence of downy mildew. As per label instructions, fungicide applications at regular intervals may be necessary during conducive weather conditions.

Bacterial Diseases in Onion

Onions are not just prone to fungus diseases, but also bacterial issues as well. Farmers should have a keen eye to detect any bacterial disease to avoid an onion crop failure.

Leaf streak and bulb rot

Causes: Leaf streak and bulb rot occur when bacteria infect plants, specifically onions. The bacteria can enter the Onion plant through wounds or natural openings.

Symptoms: When Onion plants are infected, their leaves can turn yellow and brown, develop elongated lesions and experience bulb rotting. The disease may lead to decreased Onion crop yield and quality.

Prevention: Practicing good sanitation in the field is key. This involves removing infected Onion (Pyaaj) plants and avoiding excessive moisture or overhead irrigation.

Dwarf onion yellow dwarf virus

Causes: A bacterium that targets onions causes Dwarf onion yellow dwarf virus. Aphids primarily serve as vectors for their transmission.

Symptoms: Stunted growth, yellow leaves, and smaller bulb size are the symptoms of infected onion plants. Onion production could experience significant effects due to the disease.

Prevention: Preventive actions include utilizing onion seedlings free from diseases, implementing crop rotation strategies, controlling aphids through insecticides or encouraging the presence of natural predators, and maintaining optimal field hygiene.

Pests in Onion

Pests in Onions (Pyaaj) are also known to destroy the crop and therefore must be diagnosed earlier to save onion harvest from getting ruined.

Bulb Mites

Causes: Infesting onion bulbs and bulb mites are microscopic pests that result in damage. Introduction to the crop commonly occurs through infested planting material or contaminated soil.

Symptoms: Feeding on the inner scales of the onion bulb, bulb mites cause brown discoloration and decay. A foul odor and softening or becoming mushy can indicate that Onion bulbs have been infested.

Prevention: To protect against bulb mite infestation, utilize certified disease-free planting material, follow a crop rotation system, and keep the field clean. Avoidance of overwatering and excessive nitrogen fertilization can deter mite infestation in Onion farming.

Leafminers

Causes: Leafminers are small flies whose larvae (maggots) tunnel and feed within onion leaves. They are commonly introduced through adult flies or infested transplants.

Symptoms: Leafminer damage appears as winding, whitish trails or mines on onion leaves. Heavy infestations can result in reduced photosynthesis and stunted Onion growth.

Prevention: Control leafminers using yellow sticky traps to monitor adult flies and apply appropriate insecticides when necessary. Remove and destroy infested leaves or Onion plants to prevent the spread of larvae.

Top Benefits of Buying Onion Seeds Online in India

Save onions, earn profit

Onion farming in India is a fruitful and profit-making business; nevertheless, it encounters manifold pests and diseases, which can threaten the Onion crop. Yet their impact may be lessened with suitable comprehension and proactive measures like soil management.

Regularly monitoring onions, detecting problems early, and using appropriate control techniques are essential for keeping them healthy. Successful onion farming awaits onion farmers in India who integrate pest and disease management practices along with soil management techniques. Having a plentiful yield is also possible for them.

Also, the Indian agriculture marketplace supports onion farming and other crop cultivation by providing farmers access to essential resources, information, and services such as buying quality Onion seeds, insecticides, and pesticides. Enhanced productivity and profitability can result from this.

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