This investment is developing a more effective integrated disease management strategy for control of onion white rot. Onion white rot is a highly destructive fungal disease of commercial onion crops. This project seeks to improve current control methods for the disease, as well as identify new methods that can be used to combat onion white rot.

The research will incorporate:

• Development of a pre-plant soil DNA test to identify disease risk prior to planting
• Identification and development of natural germination stimulants to reduce disease inoculum levels prior to planting
• Optimisation of spray timing and dose rates of current fungicides
• Identification of new fungicides and biological controls for onion white rot.
• The project team will work closely with the onion industry to extend any new findings to onion growers. Regular updates will be provided to industry, as well as trial sites visits later on in the project to demonstrate the integrated onion white rot management program developed.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Onion Fund