Control of White Rot in Onions

Abstract

WHITE rot in onions and other Allium species has been recorded in many countries and has increased in severity in England during recent years. The disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotium cepivorum Berk., which survives for several years as sclerotia in the soil, and is therefore difficult to control by cultural methods. Ogilvie and Hickman¹ obtained satisfactory control by broadcast applications of a proprietary fungicide containing hydroxymercury-chlorophenol; but this treatment did not come into general use, possibly on account of the high cost. Apart from this, no direct control method has been recommended.