Onion problems

[baggyman]

I have a row of mammoth onions, planted about eight weeks ago. They are about 8" tall and were doing well but now some of them have fallen leaves and the new leaves they are throwing up are curly and distorted.
Anyone know what's gone wrong? I have yet to grow a good sized onion in three years of trying!

[Noggy]

Possible stem and bulb eelworm.

Hi,

I am not certain and you will need to get a second opinion, however it sounds as if they may be suffering from bulb and stem eelworm.

The signs are twisted, swollen and distorted leaves/foliage and it is caused by a microscopic soil-living pest. Young plant are killed and older ones produce soft bulbs which can't be stored.

Sadly all you can do is lift and burn infected plants as there is no treatment and if it is the eelworm, then you should not grow onions, peas, beans or strawberries in the same soil for several years.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news and I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Regards,

Noggy

[Snadger]

I would agree with noggy, either that, or you've used some of that dodgy manure that has weedkiller residue in it!

[baggyman]

I am growing beans and peas almost next to the onions and strawberries about six feet away but they have no signs of infection and are doing very well!
I hope it's not eelworm...may as well give up if it is!

[Noggy]

Have you tried lifting one to see if there are any other signs and if it is only a few maybe it will not be to serious, perhaps just lift those that seem affected. If the other plants are doing ok, then keep the faith I am sure they will be fine.
There will always be some thing you can grow, so don't give up....we are all rooting, (get it ), for you.

Noggy

[baggyman]

Yeah ...I'll lift a couple and have a look. Thanks for the help.

[baggyman]

Allium Leaf Miner!!!!

[digger01]

i grew my onions from seed in december, kelsea, when i transplanted them in to the ground last month the leaves went yellowy brown but they seem to be picking up now,i mulched the top with mushroom compost, would that be to strong or should i have dug it in,

[zazen999]

Digger, you can't dig it in or you'd destroy the roots [they are very shallow].

I sprinkle epsom salts into my onion beds if they look a tad brown after transplanting. It helps to perk them up.

This rain should help as well.

Baggyman - that's rotten - I believe Allium leaf miner is prolific in the West Mids. I'd be gutted, as no doubt you are. It will no doubt be moving around the country in time so we will all have to grow under enviromesh soon.

[baggyman]

Yeah I was told there is a spray to kill them but it is systemic and i don't really want to try that.
They lay twice a year so if they don't get you first time.....