Onions must be checked for Neck Rot (latin name - Botrytis allii, B. squamosa and B. cinerea) once they have been lifted, because it destroys onion bulbs in storage.

White onion varieties are more susceptible, but red and yellow varieties may suffer. Garlic, shallots, chives, and leeks are also affected by neck rot.

Symptoms only appear after harvest, particularly in cool (50° to 75°F), wet summers. If the onions can be lifted and cured in dry conditions, losses are usually minimal.

• the neck of the bulb is soft when touched

• a brownish to greyish color appears under the outside leaves

• the rot spreads down through the center of the bulb, often not apparent on the outside

• the fungus does not spread from one bulb to the next

Control

• practice good hygiene - remove and burn all old onion debris from the vegetable garden and onion store.

• use seed or sets from responsible suppliers

• grow varieties which store well

• avoid damage to onions, when hoeing & lifting. Do not cut the leaves off, let them dry naturally.

• harvest when the crop is mature, and during dry weather.

• cure onions before storage in a warm, dry well-ventialted area. If it is wet outside, dry them under cover

• store onions in cool, dry, airy conditions

• check stored onions regularly - use those with neck rot as soon as possible, do not store them.