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Onion> Bulb > Holes or Cracks In Bulb

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  • Image: Onion Maggot 1
    Credit: Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
  • Image: Onion Maggot 2
    Credit: Jack Kelly
    Clark, UC Statewide
    IPM Project
  • Image: Onion Maggot 3
    Credit: Department of
    Entomology, University
    of Minnesota
  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowOnion Maggot
Delia antiqua

  • Larvae tunnel into the base of the plants, and into the onion bulb
  • Feeding causes yellowing and wilting
  • Legless maggots are creamy white and about 1/3 inch long
  • Three generations/year
  • More information on Onion Maggot ...
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  • Image: Wireworms 1
    Credit: Alton N. Sparks, Jr., University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
  • Image: Wireworms 2
    Credit: Frank Peairs,
    Colorado State
    University,
    Bugwood.org
  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowWireworms
Agriotus spp., Melanotus spp.

  • Wireworms burrow into the onion bulb
  • Larvae are thin, shiny, jointed, yellow to reddish-brown color, and approximately ¼ - 1 ½ inch long
  • More common in gardens that were previously in grass or sod
  • Larvae can be found throughout the growing season
  • Leaves show no damage
  • More information on Wireworms ...
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  • Image: Stem and Bulb Nematode 1
    Credit: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
  • Image: Stem and Bulb Nematode 2
    Credit: Central
    Science Laboratory,
    Harpenden Archive,
    British Crown,
    Bugwood.org
  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

green arrowStem and Bulb Nematode
Ditylenchus dipsaci

  • Outer layer of bulb is split or has cracks
  • In severe infestations, plant may wilt and die
  • Leaves are twisted and stunted
  • Bulbs are often desiccated and light weight, secondary rot organisms like soft rot may invade and rot the bulb
  • More information on Stem and Bulb Nematode ...

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