Environmental and management factors associated with bacterial diseases of onion in Pennsylvania

Bacterial diseases of onion may result in over 60% yield loss in crops grown in the Mid-Atlantic region, even when managed with recommended chemical and cultural practices. To identify environmental and production factors associated with the high incidence of bacterial rots in Pennsylvania, data on 32 environmental and management variables ranging from soil temperature to foliar nutrients were recorded during three visits to each of 28 and 26 fields, surveyed in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Multiple linear regression indicated negative relationships between foliar nitrogen and carbon at midseason and total incidence of bacterial rots. Soil temperatures near the physiological onset of bulbing were positively related to bacterial rots in multiple datasets. These results suggest greater complexity may be necessary for N fertility recommendations: timing of inorganic N application should be considered in addition to the seasonal N rate applied. Lower soil temperatures, particularly near the physiological onset of bulbing, may also reduce the incidence of bacterial rots of onion.