Hello Plant Parents ,🌱
For onion growers, a major threat is White Rot, caused by the fungus Sclerotium cepivorum. Once it establishes in the soil, it can survive for many years and spread rapidly under favorable conditions. White rot affects the roots, covering them with white threads (mycelium), causing the plants to wilt, die back, and halt growth.
Favorable Environment for White Rot❄💧
White rot thrives in cool and moist conditions. Soil that is damp with a pH of 6–7 is ideal for its growth. The fungus is most active at temperatures between 15–25°C, though it can survive and spread between 0°C and 30°C. Areas with living onion roots accelerate the spread, making certain fields more vulnerable.
Nano Silver: Modern Solution (Siller-100)🥈
A modern preventive measure that is gaining popularity among farmers is Nano Silver (100 ppm). Nano Silver consists of extremely small silver ions (Ag⁺) that are highly effective against fungal growth.
How Nano Silver Works:
- Its nanoparticle size allows it to penetrate fungal cells easily.
- It disrupts proteins and enzymes required for fungal growth.
- It can damage the fungal DNA, stopping reproduction.
By applying 100 ppm Nano Silver, the spread of the fungus is reduced, the roots remain healthy, and the plants grow normally.
Conclusion
White rot in onions is a hidden threat in the soil, but with proper field management, hygiene, and modern solutions like Nano Silver( Siller-100) , it is possible to control the disease and maintain healthy, productive onion crops.