Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Onion > Leaf blight
What Causes Onion Leaf Blight and How to Prevent It?
Onion, also known as Garden onion, Common onion
Leaf blight is a disease affecting many plant species including Onion. It is caused by widespread fungal pathogens like Alternaria, Botrytis, and Phytophthora, leading to severe declining in plant health and propagation. Rapid progression and high lethality increase the economic significance of this disease.

Symptom Analysis

Onion's leaf tips initially show small, whitish spots that darken and enlarge into streaks/blots. Infected leaves then curl, wilt, and ultimately die. In severe infections, the disease can spread to the bulb, causing it to soften and rot.
MainImg
MainImg
MainImg
MainImg
MainImg
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free

What Causes Leaf blight Disease on Onion?

Fungi
Alternaria species are the primary pathogens causing Leaf blight in Onion.
Environment
Wet, warm conditions and dense plantings increase disease severity by encouraging fungal propagation.
Nutrient deficiency
Lack of essential nutrients weakens Onion, making them more susceptible to the disease.
Optimize plant health with ideal lighting
Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.
Download the App for Free

How to Treat Leaf blight Disease on Onion?

Non pesticide
Removal and destruction: Uproot and burn infected plants to limit disease spread.

Plant spacing: Grow Onion at proper distances to improve air circulation and lower disease susceptibility.
Pesticide
Fungicides: Apply broad-spectrum fungicides to kill the disease-causing fungus. Always follow label instructions for correct usage.

Protective sprays: Regular, preventative application of antifungal sprays can curtail disease onset.

How to Prevent Leaf blight on Onion?

Crop rotation
Alternate among unrelated crops to curb fungal build-up in the soil.
Sanitization
Regularly disinfect gardening tools to prevent pathogen transfer.
Balanced fertilization
Provide Onion a balanced nutrient supply to strengthen their disease resistance.
Get tips and tricks for your plants
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more!
Download the App for Free

When is Leaf blight Most Active Period on Onion?

Leaf blight is most active in warm, humid conditions and rainy seasons. These environments are ideal for the proliferation of the fungal pathogens.

Infectivity

Leaf blight rapidly spreads through fungal spores transported by wind, water, or contaminated gardening tools.

Lethality

While adverse to Onion's overall health and propagation, timely and correct intervention can manage and even reverse Leaf blight's effects.

FAQs on Onion

What triggers Leaf blight in Onion?
Fungal infections triggered by wet, warm environments generally cause Leaf blight in Onion. Additionally, dense plantings and nutrient deficiencies can escalate its occurrence and severity.
How soon does Leaf blight show on Onion?
Initial symptoms typically appear 7-10 days after infection, initially as whitish spots on leaf tips that darken over time.
Can Onion recover from Leaf blight?
Yes, Onion can recover from Leaf blight if identified early and treated properly with effective fungicides and holistic plant-care techniques.
How can I prevent Leaf blight from affecting my Onion crop?
You can prevent Leaf blight by practicing crop rotation, maintaining optimal plant spacing, balanced fertilization, and regular equipment sanitization.
Does Leaf blight affect the bulb of Onion?
Yes, in severe infections, Leaf blight can advance to Onion's bulb, causing it to soften and subsequently rot.
Is Leaf blight lethal to Onion?
Leaf blight can be moderately lethal to Onion. Prompt and appropriate intervention can manage and even reverse the disease's effects.
Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
Get full care tips and tricks for your plants
Identify toxic plants around you
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app