Black mould (Aspergillus niger)

Symptoms

• The disease is common in onions stored in hot climates where the temperature ranges between 30-45^oC.
• It is characterized by the black powdery mass of spores that appear on the exterior of the scales.
• The black spore masses are also seen on inner scales.
• Infected bulbs lose their pungency and smell
• Rotten garlic cloves show black, brown, pink or white coloured rotting
• In advanced stages all scales are infected and the bulb shrivels.
• It reduces the market value of the bulbs.

Management

• For effective control of the disease, leave the harvested bulbs for drying in the field for two days and should be further dried in shade for 10-15 days before storage.
• Care should be taken to avoid injury to the bulbs during post-harvest handling.
• Storage with good ventilation and temperature just above 0^oC
• Infected bulbs should be discarded before storage.

Chemical Control

Extremely Toxic

Highly Toxic

Moderately Toxic

Slightly Toxic