ARTICLES ABOUT ONIONS

1.

onion

plant

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Alternate titles: Allium cepa

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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2023 • Article History See all media

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shallot green onion Italian onion Bermuda onion pearl onion

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Summary

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onion, (Allium cepa), herbaceous biennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) grown for
its edible bulb. The onion is likely native to southwestern Asia but is now grown throughout the world,
chiefly in the temperate zones. Onions are low in nutrients but are valued for their flavour and are used
widely in cooking. They add flavour to such dishes as stews, roasts, soups, and salads and are also served
as a cooked vegetable.

Physical description
Understand the science behind the teary eyes experienced while chopping raw onions

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The common onion has one or more leafless flower stalks that reach a height of 75–180 cm (2.5–6 feet),
terminating in a spherical cluster of small greenish white flowers. Some flower clusters produce bulbils,
tiny secondary bulbs that can be used to asexually propagate new plants. The concentric leaf bases of
the developing plant swell to form the underground edible bulb. Most commercially cultivated onions
are grown from the plant’s small black seeds, which are sown directly in the field, but onions may also
be grown from small bulbs or from transplants. Onions are very hardy and can survive in a wide range of
growing conditions. The bulbs vary in size, shape, colour, and pungency, though warmer climates
generally produce onions with a milder, sweeter flavour than do other climates. The onion’s
characteristic pungency results from the sulfur-rich volatile oil it contains; the release of this oil during
peeling or chopping brings tears to the eyes.

History
Onions are among the world’s oldest cultivated plants. They were probably known in India, China, and
the Middle East before recorded history. Ancient Egyptians regarded the spherical bulb as a symbol of
the universe, and the concentric spheres of the Aristotelian cosmos were also likened to an onion. Its
name is probably derived from the Latin unus, meaning “one.” The Romans introduced the onion
to Britain and, in the New World, Native Americans added a highly pungent wild onion (Allium
canadense) to their stews. Curative powers have been attributed to onions throughout the centuries;
they have been used in folk medicine for such varied ailments as colds, earaches, laryngitis, animal bites,
burns, and warts.

Onion products, varieties, and cultivars

Most whole onions are slightly dried before marketing, making their skins dry and paper-thin. Onions
are also available in various processed forms. Boiled and pickled onions are packed in cans or jars.
Frozen onions are available chopped or whole, and bottled onion juice is sold for use as a flavouring.
Dehydrated onion products have been available since the 1930s; such products include granulated,
ground, minced, chopped, and sliced forms. Onion powder is made by grinding dehydrated onions and is
sometimes packaged in combination with salt. Dried onion products are used in a variety of prepared
foods and are also sold directly to the consumer for use as condiments.

There are a number of commercial varieties and cultivars of onions available:

Globe-shaped onions may be white, yellow, or red. They have strong flavour and are used chiefly for
soups, stews, and other prepared dishes and for frying.

Bermuda onions are large and flat, with white or yellow colour and fairly mild taste. They are often
cooked and may be stuffed, roasted, or french-fried. They are also sliced and used raw in salads and
sandwiches.

Spanish onions are large, sweet, and juicy, with colour ranging from yellow to red. Their flavour is mild,
and they are used raw and sliced for salads and sandwiches and as a garnish.

Italian onions, or cipollini onions, are flat and are red, white, or yellow in colour and often have a mild,
sweet flavour. They are used raw for salads and sandwiches, and their outer rings make an attractive
garnish.

Shallots are a small, angular variety of onion. They are typically white with a brown or red skin and have
a mild flavour. The green leaves can also be eaten.

Pearl onions are not a specific variety but are small round onions harvested when 25 mm (1 inch) or less
in diameter. They are usually white and pickled and used as a garnish and in cocktails.

Spring onions are small white onions that are picked when between 25 and 38 mm (1 and 1.5 inches) in
diameter; the tops are sometimes left attached. They are used to flavour foods having fairly delicate
taste, such as omelets and other egg dishes, sauces, and peas. They are also served boiled or baked.

Green onions, also called scallions, are young onions harvested when their tops are green and the
underdeveloped bulbs are 13 mm (0.5 inch) or less in diameter. Their flavour is mild, and almost the
entire onion, including top, stem, and bulb, is used raw in salads and sauces, as a garnish, and as a
seasoning for prepared dishes.

https://www.britannica.com/plant/onion-plant

2.

Why are onions good for you?

Onions belong to the Allium family of plants, which also includes chives, garlic, and leeks. These
vegetables have characteristic pungent flavors and some medicinal properties.

Onions vary in size, shape, color, and flavor. The most common types are red, yellow, and white onions.
The taste of these vegetables can range from sweet and juicy to sharp, spicy, and pungent, often
depending on the season in which people grow and consume them.

Farmers have cultivated allium vegetables for centuries. According to the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, China is the biggest producer of onions worldwide.

It is common knowledge that chopping onions causes watery eyes. However, onions may also provide
potential health benefits. These may include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, improving
mood, and maintaining skin and hair health.

In this article, we discuss the possible benefits of onions, their nutritional content, and how to include
more of them in the diet.

Benefits

Onions might have positive effects on several different aspects of health.

Cancer prevention

Share on PinterestThe antioxidants in onions may help counter free radical compounds.

Researchers have examined allium vegetables extensively in relation to cancer, especially stomach
and colorectal cancers.

A 2019 study in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology compared 833 people with colorectal
cancer with 833 people who did not have the disease.

The researchers found that the risk of colorectal cancer was 79% lower in those who regularly
consumed allium vegetables, such as onions.

Experts do not fully understand the exact mechanism by which some compounds in onions inhibit
cancer. Some hypothesize that onions inhibit tumor growth and cell mutation.

One cup of chopped onions also provides at least 13.11%Trusted Source of an adult’s recommended
daily intake of vitamin C. As an antioxidantTrusted Source, this vitamin helps counter the formation
of free radical compounds that have links to cancer.

One review from 2015Trusted Source found a general relationship between an increased
consumption of allium vegetables and a reduced risk of cancer, especially cancers of the stomach and
gastrointestinal tract.

The authors note that there are compounds called organosulfurs in onions, some of which suppressed
aspects of tumor growth. However, they conclude that not all organosulfurs
have antioxidant properties.

Further research is necessary to confirm which compounds in onion have protective effects against
cancer.

The review also highlighted gaps in the research to date. The authors suggested that onions and other
allium vegetables do not prevent cancer in isolation but work in tandem with other lifestyle factors to
reduce the risk.

They also advised that while research has revealed some associations between allium vegetable
consumption and reduced cancer risk, the amount that a person needs to consume to get the maximum
benefit is not yet clear.

Skin and hair

As a good source of vitamin C, onions may support the building and maintenance of collagen.
Collagen provides structure to skin and hair.

Blood pressure moderation

A 2019 reviewTrusted Source found that quercetin, a compound in onion skin, had links to
lower blood pressure when the researchers extracted it and administered it as a supplement.

However, the study did not examine the potential effects on blood pressure of eating onion as part of
the diet rather than taking quercetin in supplement form.

Nutrition

Onions are a nutrient-dense food, meaning that they are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
while being low in calories.

One cup of chopped onion providesTrusted Source:

64 calories

14.9 grams (g) of carbohydrate

0.16 g of fat

0 g of cholesterol

2.72 g of fiber

6.78 g of sugar

1.76 g of protein

Onions are a good source of the following nutrientsTrusted Source, according to the recommended
daily allowance (RDA) and adequate intake (AI) values from the Dietary Guidelines for
AmericansTrusted Source:

Nutrient Percentage of daily requirement in adults

Vitamin C (RDA) 13.11% for males and 15.73% for females

Vitamin B-6 (RDA) 11.29–14.77%, depending on age

Manganese (AI) 8.96% for males and 11.44% for females

Onions also contain small amounts of:

calcium
iron
folate
magnesium
phosphorus
potassium

the antioxidants quercetin and sulfur

Risks

Onions pose few risks to the people who eat them.

However, some people may have an allergy or intolerance to onions. Anyone who experiences a
reaction after eating them should be sure to seek medical attention.
Read more about the symptoms of food allergies here.

Why does chopping onions cause tears?

Onions have a reputation for making people cry during the cutting or chopping process. This response
occurs due to the presence of a gasTrusted Source called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide.

This chemical is a compound liquid that acts as a lachrymatory agent, meaning that it causes tears or
stings the eyes.

To reduce tears during chopping, the National Onion Association recommend chilling an onion for 30
minutes then cutting off its top. The person should then peel the outer layer of the onion and leave the
root intact, as this part has the highest concentration of lachrymatory agents.

Despite the tears that they can produce, onions can be a healthful addition to any eating plan. However,
a person’s overall eating pattern is most important in disease prevention and good health.

Here, learn more about the link between onions and tears.

Diet

When selecting onions, people should look for those that are dry and firm with little or no scent before
peeling.

Including onion in a dish is a great way to boost the flavor without adding calories, fat, or sodium.

Onions are a staple in many kitchens and complement most dishes. People can use raw chopped onion
in a sandwich filling or as a salad topping. This vegetable also makes a tasty addition to salsas and dips.

Healthful recipes that include onions as a primary ingredient include:

Pickled onions
Spanish potato and onion omelet
Dairy-free onion dip

They also taste great when people sautee, roast, grill, or caramelize them.

Although onions make a great addition to a balanced, healthful diet, people should eat a variety of foods
rather than concentrating on individual options.

Q:

Are spring onions as nutritious as regular onions?

A:

They are similar in their nutritional content, but spring onions contain more plant-derived antioxidants
than bulb onions as the leafy green part of the plant is more extensive.

Spring onions also contain B vitamins and many minerals, including copper, iron, manganese, and
calcium. In addition, the leafy green part of the plant is a good source of folic acid.

However, as people tend to use spring onions as condiments and in smaller quantities than bulb onions,
the nutrient intake is generally less.

Trusted Source Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly
informational and should not be considered medical advice.

FROM OUR EXPERT NUTRITIONISTS

Onions 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects

More in Nutrition

Last medically reviewed on November 15, 2019

Nutrition / Diet

Onions, normally seen as a humble kitchen staple, may have uses other than simply adding flavor to our
food. It might sound surprising, but onion juice is also a home remedy for hair loss.

Hair loss is very common and may involve bald patches, complete baldness or gradual thinning.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 80 million men and women in the United
States have some degree of hair loss.

The most common cause of hair thinning or loss is a hereditary condition called androgenetic alopecia.
It can also happen as a side effect of some medications or because of hormonal changes.

One home remedy many people may not have heard of is onion juice.

Fast facts on onion juice for hair loss:

Onions contain certain minerals, which may be good for the hair.

Anyone allergic to onions should not use onion juice on their hair.

If the smell is too much to stand, adding a little lemon juice or rose water helps.

Although a popular home remedy, more research is needed to conclude if onion juice works as a hair
loss treatment.

Does it work?

Share on PinterestHair loss and hair thinning is a common problem, and many seek natural treatments
to encourage hair growth. Onion juice is one possible treatment.

The use of onion juice for hair regrowth has not been extensively researched.

One small study published in the Journal of DermatologyTrusted Source indicated that applying
onion juice to the scalp might help hair regrow in some people.

The study involved participants who had alopecia areata, which is a non-scarring, patchy form of hair
loss.

Researchers found that hair growth started after 2 weeks of using onion juice, which was applied to the
scalp twice daily.

Almost 74 percent of participants had some hair regrowth after 4 weeks, and at 6 weeks about 87
percent experienced hair regrowth. Both males and females participated in the study and the hair
regrowth was higher among males.

Although the study did indicate positive results, it was small with only 38 participants.
How it may help

Share on PinterestOnions have many potential health benefits. Onion juice may help to encourage the
growth of thick, healthy hair.

Nutrients in the onion juice applied to the hair may nourish the hair follicles, which might increase
volume, shine, and improve hair strength. The extra nutrition may also minimize breakages and
thinning.

As well as conditioning, using onion juice may also promote new hair growth in some people.

The reason onion juice may help improve the health of the hair may be due to the following:

Dietary sulfur

One theory on how onion juice can help hair regrowth is that onions contain dietary sulfur.

Sulfur is one of the most common minerals in the body. It is needed for adequate production of
enzymes and proteins. Sulfur is also found in keratin, which is one of the components of hair.

The sulfur in onion juice may provide the hair with the nourishment it needs to grow. It may also
increase the growing phase of the hair.

Anti-microbial properties

Onions have anti-bacterial properties, which may help fight scalp infections.

In some cases, a scalp infection can contribute to hair loss. A healthy scalp is more likely to have strong
hair follicles.

Antioxidants

Onions contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids. Antioxidants are believed to protect the body from
free radicals.

Free radicals are thought to contribute to the aging process. For example, free radicals may destroy the
hair follicles and lead to thinning and loss of the hair.

Cancelling out or decreasing free radicals may reduce damage to the hair follicles.

Application

For those who want to try using onion juice to improve hair health or promote regrowth, the process is
simple.

To make onion juice, people should follow these steps:

Peel about four onions and chop them into small pieces.

Extract the juice out of the onion by either squeezing it or using a juicer.

Another option is placing the onion pieces into a blender and blending into a paste. Place the paste in
cheesecloth and squeeze all the juice out.

Apply the juice to the scalp or the hair roots.

A few drops of essential oil may also help decrease the potent odor of the juice. Peppermint, lavender,
and rosemary essential oils can be good options to dilute the smell.

Currently, there are no commercial products, such as shampoos, that contain onion juice.

However, commercially prepared onion juice and onion liquid extract are available for those who do not
want to make their own.

Side effects
Share on PinterestTest the onion juice on a small patch of skin before applying it to the scalp, to
ensure that an allergic reaction does not occur.

Even though the onions are not being eaten, contact with the skin can cause symptoms in people who
are allergic.

Onion juice can also be irritating to the skin among people who are not allergic, causing redness and
itching.

To be sure that onion juice does not cause significant irritation, doing a patch test before applying the
liquid to the whole scalp may be useful.

To do this, a person can apply a small amount of onion juice to the inner elbow or back of the ear and
wait a few minutes. If irritation develops, it is best not to apply the juice to the scalp.

It is also important to avoid getting onion juice in the eyes. Onion juice that drips into the eyes can lead
to burning and redness.

If onion juice does get into the eyes, it is important to rinse it away with cool water.

Although it is not a harmful side effect, onion juice can have a very strong smell.

The odor may dissuade some people from continuing with onion juice treatment, as it must be applied
every day to have the best chance of being effective.

Takeaway

Some people might have success using onion juice for hair regrowth or conditioning while others will
not.

Also, the use of onion juice is not going to grow hair quickly. It takes a commitment to applying the
onion juice twice daily over the course of several weeks to see if positive results can be achieved.

Studies are limited, so it is not clear that hair growth will continue or if the hair will return to its original
state if the use of onion juice is stopped.

The bottom-line is that the use of onion juice, as a hair treatment, is probably not a miracle cure for hair
loss. However, it does appear to be safe for most people if they are not allergic to onions.

Side effects also appear to be minimal. It is also fairly easy and not too costly to make an onion juice
rinse for the hair.

Various hair treatments containing onion are available to purchase online.

Even if the use of onion juice does not produce a full head of hair, it probably will not damage existing
hair.

So, for some people with hair loss, the use of onion juice may be a possible natural remedy that is worth
a try.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714

3.

Onion
Description

Onion, Allium cepa, is an herbaceous biennial in the family Liliaceae grown for its edible bulb. The stem
of the plant is a flattened disc at the base and the tubular leaves form a pseudostem where their sheaths
overlap. The leaves are either erect or oblique and there are 3–8 per plant. The onion plant produces
pink or white flowers clustered on stalks. The bulbs are formed just above the flattened stem of the
plant by overlapping leaves. The bulb is made up of several layers, each corresponding to a leaf. They
are are generally oval but shape can be variable and occur in clusters of 3–18 to a plant. The bulb is
protected by a membrane which turns to a papery coat. Onion plants can reach a height of 50 cm (20 in)
and are grown as annuals, harvested after one growing season. Onion may also be referred to by cultivar
and these include red or purple onion, shallots and spring onions or scallions. The origin of the onion has
not been conclusively determined although it is likely to be somewhere in South East Asia where the
gene pool is most diverse.

Uses

The bulb is an edible vegetable and is the most commonly used part of the onion, usually consumed
after cooking although it can be eaten fresh. The stems and leaves are also edible.

Propagation

Requirements Onions are hardy, cool season vegetables that grow best at temperatures of 12 to 24 °C
(55–75 °F), growing particularly well in areas with cool spring weather and drier, hotter summer
weather. They require a fertile, well-draining soil such as clay or silt loams with a pH of 5.5–6.5. The
plants do not do well in acidic soils. Onions should be set out in full sun for optimum bulb development.
Onions are biennial vegetables and if they are left in the ground for a second year, they will produce
flowers and set seed. Seeds and transplants In milder climates, onion seeds can be direct seeded as soon
as the soil is workable in the Spring, 4–6 weeks before the last frost date, or even earlier if starting seeds
indoors to produce transplants. The planting site should be cultivated deeply and be free of stones.
Work some compost into the soil and ensure that soil has a soft crumbly texture before planting. Seeds
should be sown 2.5 cm (1 in) deep allowing 10–13 cm between plants and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) between
rows. Onion transplants which have been started indoors can be transplanted to the garden at a similar
time to planting seeds. Transplants are best produced in cell trays by planting 2 seeds per cell. Once the
seeds have germinated, the seedlings should be thinned to one plant per cell. Transplants are ready to
be planted when the root system has developed sufficiently to bind the soil in the cell together.
Transplants should be spaced 10–13 cm allowing 30–45 cm (12–18 in) between rows. Sets Onion sets
are small, immature onion bulbs which can be purchased from seed companies and garden centers for
planting in place of seeds. Select the smaller sets for planting as they are less prone to bolting. Sets
should be planted 2 cm (0.75 in) deep allowing 5–7.5 cm between sets and 25 cm (10 in) between
rows. General care Onions should be watered thoroughly after planting and once every week thereafter,
applying approximately 1 inch of water each time. Be careful not to allow the soil to become dry and
cracked as onions have a shallow root system and this indicates a lack of water. Water adequately but
do not overwater. Remove any weeds around young plants by hoeing shallowly so as not to damage the
roots of the onions. Plants should be fertilized avery few weeks with a high nitrogen
fertilizer. Harvesting When the soil at the base of the plants begins to crack, this indicates that the
bulbing process has begun. Fertilizer applications should be stopped at this point. Avoid hilling the soil
over the bulbs as onions mature best if they are on top of the soil. When the onion bulbs are mature,
the leaves will begin to yellow and fall over. The tops can be bent right back to speed maturation. After a
few days, the bulbs can be pulled and left on the soil surface to begin curing. Any damaged onions
should be cooked and consumed right away as they will not store well. Onions should be cured for
several weeks before storing. This can be done outdoors by placing them on a plastic sheet off of the
ground, under cover if the weather is wet. Growing green onions Green onions, also known as scallions
or Spring onions, are immature onions which are harvested before the bulbs mature. Seed can be
purchased to grow onion varieties which are specifically bred to be harvested as green onions. Green
onions, like regular bulbing onions can be started from seed or sets and can be grown as transplants
indoors (see above). Green onions do not require the same amount of space that bulbing onions do and
seed or transplants can be set out 2.5–3.8 cm (1.0–1.5 in) apart in the row. Allow 5 cm (2 in) between
sets. The general care of green onions is the same as that for regular onions. They can be harvested
when they reach 15 cm (6 in) in height or more.
References

Boyhan, G. E. & Kelley, W. T. (Eds.) (2008). Onion production guide. University of Georgia Cooperative
Extension. Available at:
http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/thomas/anr/documents/onionproductionguide_b1198_2.pdf.
[Accessed 01 March 15]. Free to access. CABI Crop Protection Compendium. (2013). Allium cepa (onion)
datasheet. Available at: http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/4239. [Accessed 01 March 15]. Paid
subscription required. Drost, D. (2004). Onions in the garden. Utah State University Cooperative
Extension. Available at: http://extension.usu.edu/files/factsheets/onionsf.pdf. [Accessed 01 March
15]. Free to access. Schwartz, H. F. & Mohan, S. K. (Eds.) (2008) Compendium of Onion and Garlic
Diseases and Pests.Second Edition. American Phytopathological Society Press. Available at:
http://www.apsnet.org/apsstore/shopapspress/Pages/43573.aspx. Available for purchase from APS
Press.

Common Pests and Diseases

Diseases

Category : Fungal

Black mold Aspergillus niger

Symptoms

Post-harvest black discoloration at neck; lesions on outer scales; black streaks under outer dry scales;
entire surface of bulb turning black and shriveling

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with fungus

Management

Treat seeds with appropriate fungicide prior to planting to reduce rot in mature bulbs; avoid bruising
bulbs during and after harvest; storing at temeperatures below 15°C (59°F) prevents mold from
spreading but it will resume once temperature increases

Symptoms

Small white lesions with light green halos which may expand slightly as they age; in prolonged periods of
moisture fungus may develop rapidly and cause leaf blighting

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Disease emergence favors high humidity and warm temperatures; fungus survives on piles of crop debris
or in soil; older leaves more susceptible to blighting than younger leaves

Management

Plant onions in single rows allowing at least 30 cm between plants to promote good air circulation and
quick drying of foliage after rain; time irrigation to allow plants time to dry out sufficiently; apply
appropriate fungicide sprays when plants have at least five true leaves and early symptoms of disease

Downy mildew Peronospora destructor

Symptoms
Pale spots or elongated patches on leaves; gray-purple fuzzy growth on leaf surface; leaves turning pale
then yellow; leaf tips collapsing

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Disease emergence favored by cool temperatures and leaf wetness

Management

Avoid planting infected sets; rotate crops to non-allium species for 3-4 years; plant in well-draining areas
and do not overcrowd plants; destroy all infected crop debris; apply appropriate foliar fungicides taking
care to apply thoroughly to waxy leaves

Fusarium basal plate rot Fusarium oxysporum

Symptoms

Curving, yellow or necrotic leaves; necrosis begins at leaf tips and moves downward; wilting plants;
infected bulbs may be brown and watery with rot spreading from stem plate to basal leaves; stem plates
may have brown discoloration

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Disease emergence favors moderate to high temperatures

Management

Rotate with non-susceptible crops for at least 4 years, plant resistant onion varieties

Symptoms

Rotting seeds that are covered in mold; discolored root tips which may be pink, tan, yellow, red or black;
slowly growing seedlings which wilt and die

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Fungus survives in soil and disease emergence is favored by moist to wet soil

Management

Plant only disease-free seed; treat seed with fungicide; rotate crops with cereals or grasses to reduce
levels of pathogen in soil; steam treatment or fumigation of soil can help reduce levels of Fusarium in
the soil

Pink root Phoma terrestris

Symptoms

Light pink roots which darken and turn purple; roots become transparent and water soaked; plant may
look like it has a nutrient deficiency; infected seedling may die; stunted plants with undersized, shriveled
bulbs

Cause

Fungus
Comments

Fungus colonizes plant through root tips; fungus can survive in soil down to a depth of 45 cm (17.7 in)

Management

Disease is most severe when onions are planted continuously or in a 1-year rotation, a rotation of 3-6
years is preferred; plant more resistant varieties; solarization and/or fumigation can help reduce the
levels of pathogen in the soil

Purple blotch Alternaria porri

Symptoms

Small water-soaked lesions lesions on leaves or stalk with white centers; which enlarge to become
zonate and brown to purple in color with red or purple margin surrounded by yellow zone; large lesions
may coalesce and girdle leaf, killing any tissue between the lesions and the leaf tip; severely infected
foliage may die

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Disease emergence favored by wet foliage, with sporulation occuring during the night during periods of
high humidity

Management

Cultural controls include long rotations with non-hosts and the reduction of leaf wetness by planting in
well-draining soil and timing irrigation to allow plants to dry adequately during the day; some fungicides
are effective at controlling the disease but should be rotated for optimal control

Rust Puccinia porri

Symptoms

Small white flecks on leaves and stems which develop into circular or elongated orange pustules; severe
infestations can cause leaves to yellow and die

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Favors high humidity but low rainfall; spores can be transported over long distances by wind

Management

No resistance known; use only disease-free seed and plant in well-draining soil; control weeds around
crop; apply appropriate protective fungicide

Smut Urocystis colchici

Symptoms

Dark, thickened lareas on cotyledons (seed leaves) which may become large and cause leaves to bend
downwards; raised blisters may be present on the base of scales in older plants; lesion mature and
become covered in black powdery fungal masses; plant growth stunted; death of plant occurs within 3-4
weeks

Cause

Fungus
Comments

Smut can persist in soil for many years and is mainly introduced through infected sets and transplants;
spores can be spread by wind, on equipment or in irrigation water

Management

No resistance to disease known in onion; plant onions during periods which promote rapid growth; plant
only health sets and transplants - if smut is present in the soil they will not become infected

White rot Sclerotium cepivorum

Symptoms

Older leaves yellowing; stunted growth; death of all leaves; fluffy white growth on base of bulb which
spreads up bulb to storage leaves

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Fungus can survive in soil for 20 years and is one of the most damaging diseases of Allium crops
worldwide, causing major crop losses

Management

Fungicide treatment may not be effective at controlling white rot under conditions which are favorable
to the fungi's development and control may have to rely on cultural methods: avoid transferring soil or
plant material between sites; treat seeds with hot water prior to planting; use a long term rotation with
non-allium crops; apply appropriate fungicides if available

Category : Bacterial

Leaf streak and bulb rot Pseudomonas viridiflava

Symptoms

Water-soaked, dark green oval lesions or streaks on leaves; tipburn of leaves; dark spots on wrapper
scales of bulbs; reddish-brown discoloration of inner scales; rot developing in ring-like pattern

Cause

Bacterium

Comments

Little is known about the pathogen; greatest damage occurs during winter; rapid spread of disease on
infected plants is promoted by rainfall

Management

Avoid fertilizing plants during winter' apply appropriate bacteriacidial sprays

Category : Viral

Onion yellow dwarf Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV)

Symptoms

Yellow streaks on bases of of first leaves; all leaves which emerge after infection have yellow streak or
are completely yellow; leaves may be flattened or crinkled; bulbs are undersized; flower stalks yellow
and twisted; flower clusters small and seed is of poor quality

Cause
Virus

Comments

Transmitted by several species of aphid, including the peach aphid; virus is not spread via seed or pollen

Management

Controlling aphids by applying insecticides is not effective due to the short amount of time aphid needs
to transmit virus; other control methods include: planting sets or transplants which were produced in
areas free of virus; growing plants from seed; removing any infected plants and planting more tolerant
varieties

Category : Oomycete

Symptoms

Seeds water-soaked, mushy and decomposing; infected roots are gray and water-soaked; seedlings that
have already emerged prior to infection collapse and die; older plants that become infected become
severely stunted

Cause

Fungus

Comments

Disease emergence favors high soil moisture and cool temperatures

Management

Control of disease is dependent on minimizing soil moisture: break up compacted soil; plant in well-
draining areas or raised beds; treat seeds with appropriate fungicides prior to planting

Pests

Category : Mites

Bulb mites Rhizoglyphus spp.

Tyrophagus spp.

Symptoms

Stunted plant growth; reduced stand; bulbs rotting in ground or in storage; pest is a cream-white,
bulbous mite <1 mm in length, which resembles a pearl with legs

Cause

Arachnid

Comments

Damage to plants by bulb mites allows secondary invasion by other pathogens and can cause bulb rots

Management

Do not plant successive crops of onion or garlic in same location; allow field to fallow to ensure that any
residual organic matter decomposes completely - crop residues can harbor mite populations; treating
garlic seed cloves with hot water prior to planting may help reduce mite populations
Category : Insects

Leafminers Lyriomyza spp.

Symptoms
Thin, white, winding trails on leaves; heavy mining can result in white blotches on leaves and leaves dropping from
the plant prematurely; early infestation can cause yield to be reduced; adult leafminer is a small black and yellow
fly which lays its eggs in the leaf; larave hatch and feed on leaf interior

Cause

Insects

Comments

Mature larvae drop from leaves into soil to pupate; entire lifecycle can take as little as 2 weeks in warm weather;
insect may go through 7 to 10 generations per year

Management

Check transplants for signs of leafminer damage prior to planting; remove plants from soil immediately after
harvest; only use insecticides when leafminer damage has been identified as unnecessary spraying will also reduce
populations of their natural enemies

Onion maggot Delia antiqua

Symptoms

Stunted or wilting seedlings; plant will commonly break at soil line if an attempt is made to pull it up; if infestation
occurs when plants are bulbing, bulbs will be deformed and susceptible to storage rots after harvest; adult insect is
a greyish fly which lays white, elongate eggs around the base of the plant; the larvae that emerge from the eggs
are tiny and white and bore into the onion plant; mature larvae are about 1 cm (0.4 in) long with feeding hooks

Cause

Insect

Comments

Females can lay several hundred eggs during their 2-4 week lifespan; insect overwinters as pupae in the soil

Management

Management of onion maggots is heavily reliant on good sanitation; all onion bulbs should be removed at the end
of the season as maggots will die without a food source; commercial onion growers must often rely on the
application of appropriate granular insecticides and, in some cases, insecticide sprays are also required; home
gardeners should try to remove any volunteer wild onion and chive plants as these can act as an infection source;
floating row covers may provide protection by preventing females from laying eggs around the plants

Thrips (Onion thrips, Western flower thrips) Thrips tabaci

Frankliniella occidentalis

Symptoms

Discolored, distorted tissue; scarring of leaves; severly infected plants may have a silvery appearance

Cause

Insect

Comments

Thrips are most damaging when they feed on onions at the early bulbing stage of development; both onion thrips
and western flower thrips have an extensive host range and can be introduced to onion from other plants

Management

Natural enemies include some species of predatory mite, pirate bugs and lacewings; avoid planting onion in close
proximity to grain fields as thrips populations build up on these plant in the spring; overhead irrigation of plants
may help reduce thrips numbers; apply appropriate insecticides at first sign of thrips damage

https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/onion/infos