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Montana
State University.

Onion

Purple Blotch

Howard F. Schwartz, David H. Gent, and Michael E. Bartolo

Identification and Life Cycle

Purple blotch is caused by the fungus Alternaria porri. It can infect all above-
ground parts of the plant in addition to the bulb. Initial symptoms appear on older
leaves, usually late in the summer as spores are blown from infested debris. Older
leaves and plants are more susceptible to infection. The disease is most severe
when frequent rain or persistent dews occur during moderate (77 to 81°F)
temperatures. Almost no infection occurs below 55°F. The fungus is
disseminated within and among fields by splashing water and wind, and
overwinters in and on infested crop debris. The pathogen may also be seed-borne.

Plant Response and Damage

Lesions are elongate, small, sunken and whitish with a purple center. Concentric
light and dark zones later appear over part or all of the purple area. These blotches
may enlarge (up to four inches long) and become covered with black fruiting
bodies (spores). Leaves wilt and die. Bulbs can be infected at harvest if the
pathogen enters neck wounds. Storage symptoms appear as a dark yellow to wine-
red spongy rot of outer or inner scales of bulbs. The disease can reduce bulb yield
and grade 20% or more.

Management Approaches

Biological Control

Biological control strategies have not been developed for purple blotch.

Cultural Control

Plant high quality seed and transplants free from the purple blotch pathogen.
Practice a three-year or longer rotations to non-hosts such as small grains and
corn. Reduce over- wintering and survival of the pathogens by eliminating culls,
onion debris, and volunteers. Avoid dense plantings of late maturing varieties.
Apply adequate but not excessive nitrogen fertilizer before bulb initiation.
Undercut onion roots and harvest at full maturity when intact necks top over
naturally, ideally during dry weather. Thoroughly cure bulbs in the field and
High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.
High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.

before storage with ambient to warm (90 to 95°F) air. Maintain storage
temperatures near 32°F with a 70% or less relative humidity.

Chemical Control

Chemical controls are most effective when combined with sound cultural
practices. Copper fungicides are registered for control of purple blotch, but are
not highly effective.

Product List for Purple Blotch:

Pesticide Product per Application Remarks

Acre Frequency
(days)
Boscalid

Endura 6.8 oz 7-14 days

Max of 6 applications (41oz) per
season; rotate with a different
mode of action; 7 day PHI
Chlorothalonil and Chlorothalonil Mixtures—not all formulations listed
Bravo S 3-4 pt 7-10 days
Bravo Ultrex 0.9 –2.7 lb 7 days Maximum of 18 pounds per
season; 7 day PHI
Bravo Weather Stik 1-3 pt 7 Maximum of 20 pints per season; 7
day PHI
Chlorothalonil 4L 1 -2 1/8 pt 7-10 days
Equus 720 1-2 pt 5-10 days Maximum of 20 pints per acre;
May be applied through sprinkler
irrigation at no more than 10-day
interval; other formulations of
Equus are available
Quadris Opti 1.6-3.2 pt 5-14 days Maximum of three applications per
season; Rotate with fungicides with
a different mode of action; 14 day
PHI
Ridomil Gold Bravo 2 lb 14 days Maximum of 4 applications, 7 day
PHI
Ridomil Gold 1 pack per 10 14 days Maximum of 4 applications, 7 day
acres PHI
Bravo Liquid
Terranil 6L 1-2 pts 7-10 days 7 day PHI
Copper-based Fungicides—not all formulation listed
Champ DP 1.33 lb 7-10 days
Copper-Count-N 2 qt 7-10 days
High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.
High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.

Cuprofix 2.5-6 lb 7-10 days Can be phytotoxic

Cuprofix MZ 5-7.25 lb 3-7 days Maximum of 78 pounds per
season; 7 day PHI
Kocide 2000 1.5 lb 7-10 days Can be phytotoxic to leaves
Kocide 3000 0.75 lb 7-10 days Can be phytotoxic to leaves
Nordox 2-4 lb 7-10 days
NuCop 50WP 2.0 lb 7-10 days
Top Cop with S 2-3 qt 7-10 days
Cyprodinil/Fludioxinil
Switch 62.5WG 11-14 oz 7-10 days
Maximum of 56 ounces per season;
rotate with a different mode of
action; 7 day PHI
EBDC and EBDC Mixtures—not all formulations listed
Cuprofix MZ 5-7.25 lb 3-7 days Maximum of 78 pounds per
Disperss season; 7 day PHI
Dithane DF 3 lbs 7 days Maximum of 32 pounds per
season; Amended with a non-ionic
surfactant to improve performance;
7 day PHI
ManKocide 2.5 3-7 days Maximum of 160 pounds per
season; 7 day PHI
Manex 1.2-2.4 qt 7 days Maximum of 24 quarts per acre; 7
day PHI
Penncozeb 75DF 2-3 lb 7 days Maximum of 24 pounds per
season; 7 day PHI
Ridomil Gold MZ 2.5 lb 14 days Maximum of 4 applications; 7 day
PHI
Iprodione—not all formulations listed
Rovral 1.5 lb 7-14 days Maximum of 5 applications per
season; 7 day PHI
Rovral 4 Flowable 1-2 pt 7-14 days Maximum of 5 applications per
season; 7 day PHI
Pyrimethanil
Scala SC 18 oz 7-14 days Maximum of 54 fl oz; 7 day PHI
Strobilurin and Strobilurin Mixtures
Cabrio 8-12 fl. oz 14 days Maximum of 6 applications and 72
oz per season; Rotate with
fungicides with a different mode of
action; 7 day PHI
Pristine 10.5-18.5 oz 14 days Maximum of 6 applications and
111 oz per season; alternate with
different mode of action; 7 day PHI
Quadris FL 6.2 - 15.4 fl oz 5- 14 days Maximum of four applications per
season; Rotate with fungicides with

High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.
High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.

a different mode of action; 0 day

PHI
Quadris Opti 1.6-3.2 pt 5-14 days Maximum of three applications per
season; Rotate with fungicides with
a different mode of action; 14 day
PHI
The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this
guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or
equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no
liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on
the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and
special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances
applicable in your state and locality.

Categories: Onion, Disease, Purple Blotch

Date: 04/01/2007

High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.
High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.

High Plains IPM Guide, a cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska, Colorado State University and Montana
State University.