The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) is conducting research to help growers better predict and control white rot disease in onions.
TIA has been leading research trials over the past two years to measure onion root growth, disease development and environmental conditions, including soil temperature, soil moisture and crop growth.
This information will be used to determine the conditions that precede infection and to develop a risk prediction tool to help growers better control the disease.
For example, the information will help onion producers identify when disease is likely to be active in the soil so that fungicides can be applied during periods likely to provide the most effective control.
Onion root growth data will be collected from six commercial fields for three planting periods: May, July and September.
The project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the onion industry levy and funds from the Australian government.
