Pink root in onion plants: symptoms, causes, control

Pinkroot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of onion plants, leading to deterioration in growth and reduced productivity. This article from the “WORLD OF PLANTS” website explains how to prevent pink root disease in onion plants and methods of control.

Causes of pink root disease in onion plants

• Disease name: Pink root of onion plant
• Scientific name: Phoma terrestris
• Type of disease: fungal
• Disease family: Phaeosphaeriaceae

The fungus Phoma terrestris causes pink root disease, which attacks onion roots directly without the need for a vector. It can also remain in the soil for long periods and feed on plant remains.

Symptoms of pink root disease in onion plants

The initial symptoms of the disease appear one to two weeks after infection, and the most prominent of these symptoms is the change in the color of the roots to pink, then they turn to dark red or purple, they begin to dry out, and in the end the roots die, which leads to the onion leaves falling and the fruits being stunted.

Development cycle of pink root disease in onion plants

The fungus can penetrate directly into onion roots without the need for wounds. The fungus also spreads through irrigation water to areas not infected with the fungus, and the severity of the disease is higher in fields with heavy, poorly drained soil.

Suitable conditions for the spread of pink root disease in onion plants

Plant stresses such as drought, cold, nutrient deficiency, insects, and other diseases increase the severity of the disease by weakening the plant’s ability to resist the fungus. The fungus is most active at temperatures ranging between 23-27 degrees Celsius.

Losses resulting from the spread of pink root disease in onion plants

Yield losses are greatest when plants are infected early in the season, resulting in a weak root system that cannot keep up with water absorption during high temperatures, causing significant impairment in crop production.

Controlling pink root disease in onion plants

1. Chemical control: Fumigating the soil using metam sodium or chloropicrin helps get rid of fungi present in the soil. In case of severe infestation, fungicides can be used.
2. Organic control: removing infected parts and disposing of them away from the field.

Preventive measures: Pink root disease in onion plants

1. Use disease-resistant varieties.
2. Avoid planting in soil infected with the disease.
3. Good fertilization helps enhance the plant’s resistance to disease.
4. Sterilize agricultural tools before use.
5. Providing a good irrigation and drainage system to prevent a suitable environment for the disease.

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Sources:

Pink Root of Onion – Utah State University