Disease Identification . . .

Black Mold of Onion

Causal Agent:

Aspergillus niger

Distribution:

Worldwide

Symptoms:

Black mold generally develops at the neck of the bulbs on injured or necrotic leaf tissue. However, it can develop on injured or diseased roots, or on bruised or split outer scales along the side of bulbs.

Infected bulbs may develop a black discoloration at the neck.

Clusters of black spores generally form along veins and on or between the outer papery scales of bulbs.

Infected tissue first has a water-soaked appearance, and over time will dry and shrivel.

No external symptoms may be visible on some infected bulbs. Soft rot bacteria can follow infection by this fungus.

Conditions for Disease Development:

Spores of this fungus are very common in the air and soil.

Black mold is most common when temperatures are higher than 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) in storage.

Free moisture for six hours or longer on the onion surface is necessary for infection to occur.

Control:

Fungicide applications to seeds, seedlings, and bulbs may be helpful. Storage conditions should be cool and dry, and bruising of bulbs should be avoided.