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Onion > Dark blotch
What Causes Dark Blotch on Onion Leaves?
Onion, also known as Garden onion, Common onion
Dark blotch is a devastating disease affecting Onion, leading to significant yield loss. It is triggered by the pathogen Alternaria porri and manifests as dark, blotchy areas on foliage and bulbs, eventually leading to rot.

Symptom Analysis

Symptoms often include darkening and blighting of leaves, followed by the appearance of dark, blotchy spots on the bulbs. In severe cases, Onion's bulb may rot and become unmarketable.
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What Causes Dark blotch Disease on Onion?

Pathogen
The disease is primarily caused by Alternaria porri, a fungus that infects Onion and causes the characteristic blotchy patches.
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How to Treat Dark blotch Disease on Onion?

Non pesticide
Crop rotation: Adopt a 3 to 4-year crop rotation to avoid buildup of fungal spores in the soil.

Resistant varieties: Where possible, plant resistant varieties of Onion give the plant its best chance of staying healthy.
Pesticide
Fungicides: Use approved fungicides, following the recommended dosage and application instructions to control the disease.

How to Prevent Dark blotch on Onion?

Sanitation
Ensure rigorous cleaning of equipment and unused parts of Onion to prevent spread of spores.
Proper Spacing
Properly space plants to promote air circulation, reducing humidity and fungal growth likelihood.
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When is Dark blotch Most Active Period on Onion?

The disease is most active in warm, humid conditions, particularly in mid-to-late growing season when temperatures are ideal for the fungal pathogen's proliferation.

Infectivity

Alternaria porri spores proliferate rapidly and are readily spread by wind, weather, and through contaminated soil and equipment.

Lethality

Although not immediately deadly to the Onion, the disease can cause severe yield loss and render infected plants unmarketable.

FAQs on Onion

How can I identify Dark blotch on Onion?
Look out for dark blackish-brown patches appearing on the plant, blighting of leaves and the dark blotches on the bulbs.
Is Dark blotch fatal to Onion?
While not immediately fatal, Dark blotch can cause severe damage making the plant unmarketable and may result in significant yield loss.
Can Dark blotch spread to other plants?
Yes, the spores of Alternaria porri can spread rapidly, contaminating the soil and other plants.
How can I prevent Dark blotch from occurring in my Onion crops?
Use practices such as crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, appropriate plant spacing and routine equipment sanitation.
Are there any fungicides that can effectively treat Dark blotch disease?
Yes, several fungicides are available. Usage should be according to approved instructions.
Are there any natural remedies to treat Dark blotch in Onion?
While there's no known natural remedy, non-pesticide methods such as crop rotation and planting resistant varieties can help manage the disease.
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