Onion neck rot is a large concern for onion growers worldwide. So, it is important to be aware of main symptoms and management practices. Onion growers and seed suppliers have to follow main recommendations to keep pest free status of onion.
For growers
• Request information from seed suppliers on their neck rot seed testing programme and policies.
• Request seed that has been physically treated with hot water or steam, to control neck rot. • Do not assume that fungicide-treated seed is free from neck rot.
• Do not assume that fungicide treatments will be fully effective against neck rot.
• Do not leave topped crops in the field for more than 48 hours. Typical neck rot symptoms are not apparent until bulbs are cut open • Use initial drying temperatures of 25–30°C.
• Accurately control and monitor store temperatures.
For seed suppliers
• Test all onion seed for the presence of neck rot.
• Reject seed with high levels of infection.
• Treat infested seed with a physical treatment (hot water, steam) to control neck rot.
• Retest physically treated seed after treatment to confirm efficacy.
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