Onions - Soft Rot
Soft
Rot
(bacteria - Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora and other species): Soft
rot is one of the more prevalent causes of loss in storage onions. The soft
rot bacterium can enter the neck tissues as plants approach maturity. In
the field, plants wilt and die [Picture]. As the rot
progresses, invaded scales become soft and foul-smelling [Picture].
Onions with mechanical injuries, sunscald, or bruises are particularly susceptible
to bacterial soft rot, especially if they have been held under warm, humid
conditions